Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta with Velveeta and Parmesan Herb Sauce

Are you looking for a delicious and comforting meal? Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta is a perfect choice! This dish combines pasta, ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce, making it a favorite for families. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a great weeknight dinner option.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is not only tasty but also quick to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that both kids and adults will love. The creamy Velveeta cheese, combined with Parmesan and herbs, gives the dish a rich flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and uses simple ingredients you might already have at home!

How to Make Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta

Ingredients:

1 pound bowtie pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Chopped chives, for garnish

Directions:

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Stir in the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
Reduce heat to low. Add the Velveeta cheese and Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Stir in the Italian herb blend and smoked paprika.
Add the cooked pasta and browned ground beef to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine and coat evenly.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped chives.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta

Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta is best served hot. You can place it in bowls and top it with a sprinkle of chopped chives for a fresh look. It pairs well with a simple salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!

How to Store Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a stove, adding a splash of milk if it looks dry.

Tips to Make Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta

Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
You can adjust the spices to make it spicier or milder based on your preference.
Feel free to add veggies like spinach or bell peppers to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.

Variation

For a lighter version, you can replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You can also use different types of pasta such as penne or rotini, based on what you have at home.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular cheese instead of Velveeta?
Yes, you can use regular cheese, but Velveeta gives it a unique creaminess that’s hard to replicate.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.

3. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can use other seasonings like Italian seasoning or chili powder for a different flavor profile.