🍝 Italian Velveeta Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: ~30–35 minutes
🧾 Ingredients:
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12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
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8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed (about half of a standard 16 oz block)
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1/2 cup milk
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Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan, for garnish (optional)
🍳 Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta:
Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. -
Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned and fully cooked. Add garlic in the last minute. Drain any excess fat. -
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors. -
Add Velveeta and Milk:
Reduce heat to low. Stir in Velveeta cubes and milk. Stir continuously until cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. -
Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently stir until everything is coated in the cheesy tomato sauce. -
Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley or Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
🔄 Optional Add-ins:
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Bell peppers or mushrooms sautéed with the beef
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Spinach stirred in at the end
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Italian sausage instead of (or in addition to) ground beef
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Top with shredded mozzarella and broil for a melty finish
Would you like a one-pot or slow-cooker version of this recipe?