If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any weeknight dinner, look no further than this Velveeta Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe. This dish combines the creamy richness of Velveeta cheese with the savory goodness of ground beef and the delightful texture of bowtie noodles. It’s a guaranteed hit for the whole family!
Ingredients
To make this delicious Velveeta Beef and Bowtie Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 big block of Velveeta cheese
- 1 8oz block of cream cheese
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 can of Rotel tomatoes with chilies
- 2.25 pounds ground beef
- 1 box of bowtie noodles
- Optional: 1 cup pasta water (to thin the sauce if needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Crock Pot
- Set your crock pot to high to preheat it while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to Crock Pot
- Transfer the cooked ground beef to the crock pot.
- Cut the Velveeta cheese into cubes for easier melting and add it to the crock pot.
- Add the block of cream cheese, can of cream of chicken soup, and the can of Rotel tomatoes with chilies.
- Stir all the ingredients together to combine.
Step 4: Cook in Crock Pot
- Let the mixture cook on high for about an hour and a half. Stir occasionally to ensure the cheeses melt evenly and the ingredients combine well into a smooth sauce.
Step 5: Boil the Noodles
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Add the bowtie noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve about a cup of pasta water if you plan to thin the sauce.
Step 6: Combine Noodles and Sauce
- Once the noodles are cooked, add them to the crock pot mixture.
- Stir everything together, ensuring the noodles are well coated with the creamy cheese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and hearty Velveeta Beef and Bowtie Pasta dish!
Tips for Perfect Velveeta Beef and Bowtie Pasta
- Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or onions for added flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them with the ground beef before transferring to the crock pot.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add garlic powder or onion powder for additional depth of flavor.
- Spice It Up: For a bit of spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the crock pot mixture.
- Consistency Control: If you find the sauce too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
- Alternative Meats: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a different flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ground beef and cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture in the crock pot and add freshly cooked noodles.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I freeze this dish?
This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly upon reheating. If you plan to freeze, do so before adding the noodles. Freeze the sauce mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the crock pot, then add freshly cooked noodles.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute bowtie noodles with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or macaroni. Just be sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or additional vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Also, use a cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup.
Conclusion
Velveeta Beef and Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the heartiness of ground beef and bowtie noodles. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and will quickly become a family favorite. With a few simple ingredients and a crock pot, you can whip up a delicious meal that everyone will love. Try it out today and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this delightful dish!