Description
This Indulgent Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that combines tender bowtie pasta with a savory ground beef marinara sauce enriched by melted Velveeta and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (can be substituted with penne or rotini)
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef (ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (homemade or jarred)
Seasonings and Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter (can be substituted with olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (oregano and basil can substitute)
Cheeses
- 16 ounces Velveeta cheese (cream cheese or a cheese blend can mimic texture but alter taste)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, can substitute with another melting cheese like provolone)
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned thoroughly. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Season the Beef: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning evenly over the browned beef. Mix thoroughly and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the seasoned beef. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to develop flavor.
- Incorporate Cheese and Butter: Reduce the heat to low. Add Velveeta cheese and butter to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained bowtie pasta into the skillet. Toss and fold the pasta in the cheesy marinara sauce until it’s thoroughly coated and evenly mixed.
- Finish with Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta in the skillet. Cover the skillet and allow it to heat for 2-3 minutes until the mozzarella melts and becomes gooey.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the creamy Velveeta bowtie pasta warm, plating it in bowls or plates. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or garlic bread.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Velveeta cheese gives the dish its signature creamy texture, but cream cheese or a cheese blend can be used as alternatives with slight changes in flavor.
- You can substitute bowtie pasta with penne or rotini depending on your preference.
- Adding the mozzarella cheese at the end provides an extra meltiness that enhances the dish’s creaminess.
- Draining excess fat after browning the beef helps reduce greasiness and makes the dish lighter.
- This recipe can be paired perfectly with a green salad or some crispy garlic bread for a full meal.
