If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, look no further than this Creamy Cheesy Beef & Bowtie Pasta. It’s the ultimate comfort food, combining savory ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, and a decadently cheesy sauce made with Velveeta and cream cheese. What’s more? It’s super simple to make with just a few key ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Perfect for a weeknight meal when you need something hearty and filling that doesn’t take all day to prepare!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty & Satisfying: With over 2 pounds of ground beef, this dish is packed with protein and will easily feed a crowd.
Super Cheesy: Both Velveeta and cream cheese combine to make an ultra-creamy, melty sauce that clings to every bowtie noodle.
Easy to Make: With minimal prep and just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Customizable: You can switch up the ingredients by adding veggies, different types of cheese, or even swapping out the pasta shape to fit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy, comforting dish:

1 big block of Velveeta cheese: This processed cheese melts smoothly into a velvety sauce that coats the pasta and beef perfectly.
1 8oz block of cream cheese: Adds extra creaminess and richness to the sauce, balancing the flavors.
1 can of cream of chicken soup: This pantry staple adds a creamy base that helps create the rich sauce.
1 can of Rotel tomatoes with chilies: Adds a zesty, slightly spicy kick that complements the richness of the cheese.
2.25 pounds of ground beef: The star protein of the dish, the ground beef provides a savory base.
1 box of bowtie noodles: Bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle) holds the sauce well, making each bite cheesy and delicious.
Optional: Pasta water to thin out the sauce as needed. Add a cup to adjust the consistency of the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Cheesy Beef & Bowtie Pasta

1. Prepare the Crockpot

Set your crockpot on high. This dish relies on the slow cooker to melt all the cheeses together, creating a luscious, creamy sauce while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the 2.25 pounds of ground beef. Break it up into small crumbles as it cooks, and continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink in the center. Once browned, drain off any excess fat and add the beef directly to your crockpot.

3. Add the Cheesy Ingredients

Cut the block of Velveeta and the 8oz block of cream cheese into smaller cubes to help them melt faster. Add these to the crockpot along with the can of cream of chicken soup and can of Rotel tomatoes with chilies (undrained). The Velveeta and cream cheese will start to melt and combine with the soup and tomatoes, forming the base for your cheesy sauce.

4. Cook in the Crockpot

Let everything cook on high for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The cheese will melt into a creamy, rich sauce, and the beef will absorb all the delicious flavors. Stir it well to ensure everything is fully combined and smooth.

5. Boil the Pasta

While the cheesy mixture is cooking in the crockpot, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the box of bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente (firm to the bite). This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta, but reserve about 1 cup of pasta water to use for thinning the sauce later if needed.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once the sauce in the crockpot is smooth and creamy, stir in the cooked bowtie pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water (start with 1/2 cup and add more if needed) to thin it out to your desired consistency. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy sauce.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Your Creamy Cheesy Beef & Bowtie Pasta is now ready to serve! Dish it up into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs if desired (like parsley or cilantro), and enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness of this hearty meal.

Tips for Success

Adjust the Spice Level: If you like things a bit spicier, you can opt for a can of spicy Rotel or add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the bowtie pasta al dente, as it will continue to absorb some of the sauce after being mixed in. This keeps the texture just right.
Thinning the Sauce: Adding pasta water is a great way to thin out the sauce without diluting the flavor. Start with a little and adjust as needed.
Double the Recipe for Leftovers: This dish reheats well, so feel free to make a larger batch if you want easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Variations

Swap the Meat: Not a fan of ground beef? You can easily substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Add Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the mix.
Try Different Cheeses: If you want to elevate the cheese flavor, you can add shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a little Parmesan for a sharper taste.

What to Serve with Creamy Cheesy Beef & Bowtie Pasta

This dish is already hearty on its own, but you can round out your meal with a few easy side dishes:

Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra cheesy sauce on your plate.
Green Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the pasta.
Steamed Vegetables: Serve with a side of broccoli, green beans, or peas for a pop of color and extra nutrients.

Storing and Reheating

To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To Reheat: Warm the pasta gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if needed, as it may thicken after refrigeration.