Description
A delicious and creamy dish featuring ground beef and bow tie pasta, smothered in melted Velveeta cheese, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 ounces bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later use if needed to thin the sauce.
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the ground beef. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess grease.
- Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and optional spices like paprika or red pepper flakes. Stir well so the flavors blend evenly with the meat.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies if you’re using them. Stir and let them simmer for 2–3 minutes to release their juices. Add the milk (or cream) to the skillet, stirring to create the base for your creamy sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low and begin adding the cubed Velveeta cheese, a few pieces at a time. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked bow tie pasta into the cheesy beef mixture. Stir gently to coat all the pasta evenly in the creamy Velveeta sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- Can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- This dish is best served hot but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for several days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg