Introduction
Looking for a quick, creamy, and comforting dinner recipe that the whole family will love? This Creamy Velveeta Beef Pasta is the ultimate weeknight meal — packed with tender bowtie noodles, flavorful ground beef, and a rich, cheesy Velveeta sauce.
The combination of Velveeta, cheddar, and Parmesan creates a perfectly smooth, creamy, and indulgent pasta dish. Plus, it’s ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you need something hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
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1½ lbs ground beef
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1 tbsp olive oil (optional if using lean beef)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta & Velveeta Sauce:
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12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
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1½ cups chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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6 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
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¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp butter
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed for creaminess)
Optional Garnish:
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Fresh parsley
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Extra Parmesan cheese
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A sprinkle of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook bowtie pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
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Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat (optional if beef is fatty).
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Add ground beef and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
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Drain excess grease if necessary and set the beef aside.
Step 3: Make the Velveeta Cheese Sauce
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In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
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Add Velveeta, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until smooth and creamy.
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Sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
Step 4: Combine Pasta & Beef
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Add cooked bowtie pasta to the cheese sauce and toss to coat evenly.
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Return the cooked beef to the skillet and gently mix everything together.
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If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
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Plate the creamy Velveeta beef pasta.
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Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes.
Tips & Variations
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Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
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Use different pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or shells work perfectly.
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Swap the protein: Replace ground beef with chicken, turkey, or sausage.
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Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduced-fat cheese.
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Add veggies: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy beef pasta pairs perfectly with:
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Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
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A fresh green salad
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Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freeze: Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth to make it creamy again.
Recipe Card
Creamy Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
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Servings: 4–5
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Calories: ~520 kcal per serving
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this without Velveeta cheese?
Yes! Use extra cheddar and a little cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook the pasta and beef, prepare the sauce, and store separately. Combine and heat before serving.
Q3: How do I make it extra creamy?
Add an extra splash of heavy cream or more Velveeta cheese for a richer sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Velveeta Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food — rich, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s quick to make, family-friendly, and perfect for any night of the week. Once you try it, it will become one of your go-to pasta recipes!