Creamy Velveeta Beef and Bowtie Pasta: perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. This dish combines savory ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, and a creamy Velveeta cheese sauce for a rich and hearty dinner.
Ingredients:
For the pasta:
- 12 oz (about 4 cups) bowtie pasta
- Water for boiling
- 1 tsp salt
For the creamy beef sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean works well)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if using leaner beef)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or 2%)
- 10 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
For garnish:
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
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Prepare the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes).
- If there’s excess grease, drain it and return the beef to the pan. If the beef is very lean, add a bit of olive oil.
-
Add the Aromatics:
- Stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Make the Sauce Base:
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly (2–3 minutes).
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Add the Cheese:
- Lower the heat to medium. Add the Velveeta cheese cubes, stirring until melted and smooth. If you want extra cheesiness, stir in shredded cheddar cheese at this stage.
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Incorporate Sour Cream and Pasta:
- Stir in the sour cream for an extra creamy texture. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the cheesy beef sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
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Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Tips:
- For added flavor, you can sauté some diced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onions.
- Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving a rich, cheesy meal. Enjoy!
FAQs:
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While bowtie pasta works wonderfully, you can substitute it with other short pasta types like penne, rotini, or fusilli. The sauce clings well to these shapes.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy texture.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
It’s possible to freeze, but note that the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly upon reheating. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. Can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten the recipe:
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Opt for low-fat milk and light sour cream.
- Use a reduced-fat version of Velveeta or reduce the amount of cheese.
5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Popular additions include:
- Diced bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Peas
- Spinach
Simply sauté them with the onions or stir them in with the pasta.
6. What can I substitute for Velveeta cheese?
If Velveeta isn’t available, use 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 4 ounces of cream cheese as a substitute. Stir them into the sauce until smooth.
7. How can I make this spicier?
For a spicier version:
- Add more crushed red pepper flakes.
- Stir in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
- Use a spicy variety of cheese, such as pepper jack.
8. What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, milk, or broth, stirring until you reach the desired consistency.
9. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, gluten-free pasta works well. Ensure that your flour (for thickening) is also gluten-free or use cornstarch as a substitute.
10. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian:
- Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture.
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
If you have any more questions or need further customizations, feel free to ask!
