Hearty Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta Casserole Recipe For Families

Comfort comes alive in this velveeta beef bowtie pasta casserole that promises pure culinary magic.

Cheesy goodness meets hearty protein in a dish bursting with flavor.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Home cooks will adore how quickly this meal comes together.

Creamy textures and rich ingredients combine to create something truly special.

Pasta lovers can expect a satisfying blend of simplicity and deliciousness.

Let’s dive into a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips to Keep Pasta Cheesy Without Overcooking

• Drain Excess Fat Thoroughly: Remove as much grease as possible from the ground beef to prevent a soggy casserole and reduce unnecessary calories.
• Choose High-Quality Cheese: Use fresh Velveeta and sharp cheddar for a richer, more complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the heat by selecting mild or spicy Rotel tomatoes, or add red pepper flakes for extra kick depending on your preference.
• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Cook bowtie pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the cheese sauce and oven, ensuring a perfect texture.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Save and Reheat Bowtie Casserole Like a Pro

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Transfer casserole to a baking dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm at 350F for 15-20 minutes, adding extra cheese on top if desired.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

What Works Well with This Pasta Bake

• Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot to complement the rich, cheesy beef pasta. The wine's slight acidity cuts through the creamy Velveeta sauce while enhancing the meaty flavors.
• Create a light, refreshing side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a tangy vinaigrette. The salad's brightness balances the casserole's hearty, indulgent profile.
• Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread with toasted edges to provide a crispy texture contrast. The garlic's robust flavor matches the Italian-seasoned beef mixture perfectly.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a vibrant color pop and subtle herbal notes that lift the dish's richness.

Casserole Variations for Weeknight Dinners

• Gluten-Free Pasta Swap: Replace regular bowtie pasta with gluten-free bowtie pasta or gluten-free penne for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the same delicious texture and flavor.
• Low-Carb Vegetable Base: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a low-carb version that maintains the creamy cheese and beef characteristics of the original recipe.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced fresh jalapeños or increase the Rotel quantity to create a spicier version for heat-loving palates, giving the casserole an extra zesty dimension.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, keeping the cheesy sauce and overall comfort food appeal while offering a meat-free alternative.

Bowtie Casserole FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Bowtie pasta is ideal, but you can also use penne, rotini, or farfalle if you prefer. These shapes hold the cheesy sauce well and create a fun texture in the casserole.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add some red pepper flakes, use hot Rotel instead of regular, or include a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level. You can customize the spiciness to your taste preferences.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this casserole reheats wonderfully and stays delicious for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for making ahead and enjoying quick meals throughout the week.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Definitely! Ground turkey is a great lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid to maintain the dish’s creamy consistency.

Why This Bowtie Pasta Casserole Feels So Comforting

• Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal that comes together in under an hour.
• Combines rich Velveeta and cheddar cheese with hearty ground beef, creating an irresistibly creamy pasta casserole that satisfies serious comfort food cravings.
• Mild flavors and fun bowtie pasta shape make this a guaranteed winner for picky eaters, ensuring clean plates and happy children at dinnertime.
• Requires minimal cooking skills with straightforward steps, making it an excellent recipe for beginner cooks or anyone seeking a stress-free meal preparation.

Ingredients for Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta Casserole

• Bowtie Pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce well, perfect for catching cheesy goodness.

• Ground Beef: Rich protein base that adds hearty flavor to the casserole, lean beef recommended.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth and savory undertones to the meat mixture.

• Velveeta Cheese: Smooth processed cheese that melts perfectly into a creamy sauce, classic comfort food ingredient.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese topping that adds extra flavor and creates delicious golden crust.
• Milk: Helps create smooth cheese sauce, whole milk preferred for richer texture.

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy flavor to the beef mixture.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Spicy canned tomatoes with green chilies for extra kick.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Blend of herbs and spices that enhance overall dish flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing beef and onions, provides light flavor base.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for color and fresh herb accent.

How to Assemble and Bake This Cheesy Pasta Dish

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, making it ready for deliciousness.

Step 2: Boil Those Bowties

Grab a big pot, fill with water, and sprinkle in some salt. Toss in bowtie pasta and cook until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

• Ground beef
• Chopped onion

Cook until beef turns golden and onions soften. Add minced garlic and sizzle for a minute.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Diced tomatoes
• Rotel
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika

Let everything simmer and get friendly for 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Create Cheese Magic

• Velveeta cubes
• Milk

Stir until the cheese melts into a luxurious, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Unite Pasta and Sauce

Pour cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss until every bowtie is gloriously coated.

Step 7: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Shower the top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Dig in and enjoy!

Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta Casserole, a crowd-pleasing dish that combines hearty beef, tender pasta, and creamy cheese. Rich flavors meld together, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 1 pound ground beef

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 8 ounces (227 grams) Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (10 ounces/283 grams) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 cup milk

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light coating of grease.
2. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook bowtie pasta until it reaches perfect tenderness, then carefully drain and reserve.
3. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium temperature. Introduce ground beef and diced onions, browning the meat while softening the vegetables.
4. Add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, then eliminate any excess rendered fat from the pan.
5. Incorporate diced tomatoes, Rotel, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika into the meat mixture. Allow the components to meld and simmer briefly.
6. Reduce the skillet’s heat and introduce Velveeta cubes with milk, stirring continuously until a smooth, velvety cheese sauce develops.
7. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the cheese-infused meat mixture, ensuring each pasta piece receives a luxurious coating.
8. Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
9. Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the surface of the casserole.
10. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
11. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest and settle for several minutes before serving.
12. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Customize Pasta Choice: Swap bowtie pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat varieties for dietary preferences without compromising the casserole’s rich, comforting texture.
• Control Cheese Meltability: Let Velveeta cubes sit at room temperature before adding to create smoother, faster-melting cheese sauce that coats pasta evenly.
• Reduce Sodium Smartly: Cut salt and use low-sodium Rotel or diced tomatoes to manage overall dish sodium content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate – simply bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1160 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg