Description
If you’re craving something ultra-comforting, cheesy, and satisfying, this Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara is your next dinner win. Perfectly cooked bowtie pasta is tossed in a silky Velveeta cheese sauce and smothered with a savory Italian beef marinara. It’s a hearty dish that’s fast enough for busy weeknights and indulgent enough to impress your family or guests. Whether you’re searching for easy dinner ideas, a quick comfort meal, or budget-friendly food ideas, this recipe delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. It’s one of those easy recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again!
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie pasta
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
2 cups marinara sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. Add red pepper flakes if using.
5. Lower the heat and add Velveeta cheese cubes. Stir gently until melted into a creamy sauce.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan.
Notes
For the best flavor, let the marinara sauce simmer with the beef—don’t rush it.
Always reduce the heat before adding Velveeta to prevent it from separating.
Reserve pasta water—it’s your secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency without losing flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 920
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 75
Keywords: creamy pasta, velveeta recipe, easy dinner, beef marinara, pasta ideas, weeknight meal