If there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of making quick weeknight dinners, it’s this: you really can’t go wrong with pasta and cheese. And when that cheese is Velveeta and the pasta is smothered in a creamy, beefy sauce with just a little bit of kick? That’s what I call weeknight magic.

This Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta has become a go-to in our kitchen for a few good reasons. First, it’s one of those meals that you can make in about 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for those “what’s-for-dinner?” kind of nights. Second, it’s a one-pan situation after the pasta is cooked — less cleanup, more relaxing. And third? It’s just plain delicious. Rich, creamy, comforting, and totally satisfying.

The base is simple: seasoned ground beef, onions, and garlic get cooked down and combined with a can of zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies (I use Rotel), a splash of beef broth, and then that signature Velveeta cheese that melts down into a silky sauce. The pasta soaks it all up beautifully, and if you want to toss in a handful of green onions or parsley for freshness (or just to feel a little fancy), it only makes it better.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, wrangling picky eaters, or just want something cozy after a long day, this is one of those meals that hits the spot every single time. Let’s dive into the recipe and get dinner going!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get cooking, here’s everything you’ll need to gather:

12 ounces bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle)
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
1/2 cup beef broth (or water works in a pinch)
8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but adds great depth)
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional – for added flavor)

Optional Toppings:

Chopped parsley or green onions
Shredded cheddar cheese

STEP 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Go ahead and toss in the bowtie pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. (You want it to hold its shape and not get mushy when it mixes with the cheese sauce.)

Once it’s ready, drain the pasta and set it aside for now. We’ll bring it back into the mix shortly.

STEP 2: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

In a large skillet or deep saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. This step is optional, but it adds a little richness and helps the beef get that perfect sear.

Add in your ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned. Use a spatula to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks — this helps everything cook evenly and makes the final dish extra scoopable.

Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook this mixture for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onions are soft and everything smells totally irresistible.

STEP 3: Add Flavor with Tomatoes and Seasoning

Now we’re going to build up the flavor. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Don’t drain them — you want all that liquid and seasoning in the mix.

Add the beef broth (or water), smoked paprika (if using), Italian seasoning, plus salt and black pepper to taste. Give it all a good stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to come together and reduces the liquid slightly for a more concentrated sauce.

Welcome back! If your kitchen is already smelling like dinner heaven, just wait until the cheese hits the pan — that’s when the real magic starts. In Part 1, we got the pasta cooked, browned our beef, and built a flavorful tomato-based sauce with a hint of spice and seasoning. Now it’s time to pull everything together into that creamy, comforting dish your family will be asking for again and again.

This is the part where things come together fast, so keep your pasta nearby and your Velveeta ready to melt. We’re about to take this from tasty to totally crave-worthy.

STEP 4: Melt the Velveeta Cheese

Reduce the heat under your skillet to low — this helps the cheese melt evenly without burning or getting too thick too quickly.

Add the Velveeta cubes to the pan and stir continuously. The cheese will begin to melt within a minute or two, and it doesn’t take long for it to turn into a rich, creamy sauce. Keep stirring until all the cubes are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.

This is where that signature Velveeta texture comes in. It coats everything beautifully and adds that classic creamy-cheesy flavor we all know and love.

STEP 5: Combine the Pasta with the Cheese Sauce

Once the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is bubbling gently, it’s time to bring back the pasta.

Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet with the cheesy beef mixture. Use a large spoon or tongs to toss everything together, making sure every piece of pasta is coated in that creamy sauce.

If your sauce feels a little thick, you can splash in a tablespoon or two of extra broth or even a bit of milk to loosen it up. Don’t be afraid to adjust the texture a bit to your liking.

STEP 6: Serve and Add Toppings

Now that everything is mixed and creamy, it’s time to serve!

Spoon the Velveeta beef bowtie pasta into bowls or onto plates. You can serve it just like this — and honestly, it’s delicious all on its own — but a few toppings can really elevate things if you’re feeling fancy.

Optional Toppings:

A sprinkle of chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness
Extra shredded cheddar cheese for those who love it extra cheesy
A pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat

This dish is so versatile, and you can easily dress it up or down depending on what your crew likes.

Helpful Tips and Variations

This recipe is super adaptable, and with just a few tweaks, you can make it your own. Here are a few tried-and-true suggestions if you’re looking to mix things up:

Swap the Pasta: Not a fan of bowties? No problem. Penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work great here too. Any pasta that holds sauce well will do the trick.
Add Some Veggies: Sneak in some nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, spinach, or even peas. Toss them in when you add the onions to keep things simple.
Spice It Up: Like things on the hotter side? Use spicy Rotel or add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
Make It Ahead: This dish reheats like a dream. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and just warm them up with a splash of broth or milk to bring back that creamy texture.
Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: Want to lighten things up? Swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken — it still tastes amazing and gives you a leaner option.

Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta