Description

This Indulgent Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender bowtie pasta with a flavorful Italian-seasoned ground beef marinara sauce, enriched with creamy Velveeta and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe balances rich, cheesy goodness with savory tomato and herb flavors for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz Bowtie Pasta (or substitute with penne or rotini)

Meat and Sauce

1 lb Ground Beef (can be replaced with ground turkey)
24 oz Marinara Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 tsp Garlic Powder (can substitute with fresh minced garlic)
1 tsp Onion Powder (can substitute with fresh onion, sautéed)
1 tbsp Italian Seasoning (can replace with fresh herbs)

Cheese and Fat

16 oz Velveeta Cheese (cubed)
2 tbsp Butter (can substitute with olive oil)
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (optional, can use preferred cheese)

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Instructions

Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking.
Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the ground beef for 5-7 minutes until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
Season the Beef: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning over the cooked beef. Stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Simmer the Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef and stir to combine. Allow it to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop the sauce’s flavor.
Melt the Cheese: Lower the heat and add the cubed Velveeta cheese along with the butter to the sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy, approximately 3-5 minutes.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained bowtie pasta into the cheese and beef marinara sauce, stirring thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes until the mozzarella melts, creating a luscious cheesy topping.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
Fresh garlic and onions can be used instead of garlic and onion powder for more robust flavor.
Use your favorite marinara sauce, whether homemade or store-bought, to customize the taste.
Bowtie pasta can be substituted with penne or rotini based on preference.
For a richer flavor, try using a combination of cheeses like cheddar with Velveeta and mozzarella.
This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.