Hearty Cheesy Beef Bowtie Recipe

Velvety Beef & Cheese Bowtie Recipe: Simple Magic

Pasta nights just got a serious upgrade with this mouthwatering cheesy beef bowtie delight that combines rich, hearty flavors in every single bite.

Tender beef mingles with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

The creamy sauce blankets each pasta curve with luxurious, melted cheese that promises pure comfort.

Sharp cheddar and velvety cream bring depth to this irresistible dish that comes together faster than you can order takeout.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

The blend of savory beef and silky cheese makes this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Dive into this delectable meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

What Goes Into Cheesy Beef Bowtie

For Pasta Base:
  • Bowtie Pasta: Provides sturdy texture and catches creamy sauce in its cute folds, look for high-quality pasta with good wheat flavor.
  • Pasta Water: Magical liquid that helps create silky sauce consistency and enhance overall flavor absorption.
For Protein and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Ground Beef: Delivers rich meaty foundation, choose lean variety for less grease and cleaner taste.
  • Rotel Tomatoes: Adds zesty kick and moisture, select original blend for balanced spice level.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates smooth base and adds depth with subtle herb undertones.
For Creamy Cheese Elements:
  • Velveeta Cheese: Melts like a dream and provides ultra-smooth texture, helps bind sauce beautifully.
  • Cream Cheese: Introduces luxurious richness and silky consistency, softened cheese blends more easily.
  • Salt: Elevates overall flavor profile, helps balance cheese and beef combination.

Tools That Help With Beef Bowtie Prep

  • Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough water.
  • Skillet: Key for browning beef and creating creamy sauce.
  • Colander: Used to drain pasta after cooking.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring beef and mixing sauce.
  • Measuring cup: Helps reserve pasta water accurately.
  • Sharp knife: Needed to cube cheese if not pre-cubed.
  • Cutting board: Provides clean surface for any chopping.

Cooking Cheesy Beef Bowtie

  • Pasta Preparation

Boil a large pot of water seasoned with salt. Drop bowtie pasta and cook until tender. Save a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

  • Beef Browning

Warm a skillet on medium heat. Crumble ground beef into the pan, cooking until nicely browned. Eliminate any extra grease.

  • Creamy Sauce Creation

Combine cubed Velveeta, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and Rotel tomatoes in the skillet with beef. Stir gently over medium heat until everything melts into a silky, rich sauce.

  • Final Fusion

Tumble cooked pasta into the skillet, coating each noodle with the luxurious sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, splash in reserved pasta water until it reaches a perfect, velvety consistency.

  • Mealtime Magic

Scoop the steaming mixture onto plates, inviting everyone to dig into this comforting, cheesy creation that promises to make taste buds dance with joy.

Flavor Ideas for Cheesy Beef Bowtie

  • Perfect Pasta Pairing: Experiment with different pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells if bowtie pasta isn't available, maintaining the same delightful texture and sauce absorption.
  • Spice It Up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes, chili powder, or diced jalapeños to bring a zesty kick that elevates the creamy beef dish with a subtle heat.
  • Veggie Boost: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to increase nutritional value and add extra color and flavor to the creamy skillet meal.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of pasta water to restore the creamy consistency.

Ways to Serve This Hearty Bowtie Dish

  • Dinner Party Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this hearty pasta dish for a casual gathering with friends, adding a fresh garden salad and garlic bread on the side for a complete meal experience.
  • Comfort Food Comfort Station: Create a cozy family dinner night by pairing the creamy beef pasta with steamed green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to balance the rich flavors.
  • Quick Weeknight Meal Hack: Prepare the dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families needing a delicious and satisfying dinner solution that everyone will love.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Portion leftovers into containers for easy lunch or dinner reheat during the week, maintaining its creamy texture and bold taste when warmed gently.

Storage Tips for Cheesy Beef Bowtie Leftovers

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Cool the dish completely before storing in an airtight container. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining delicious flavors and creamy texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Package leftovers in freezer-safe containers, ensuring minimal air exposure. Stays delectable for up to 2 months when properly sealed, perfect for busy weeknight meals.
  • Reheating Magic: Restore the dish's original creaminess by adding a splash of milk or pasta water when warming. Gently reheat in microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sauce separation.
  • Portion Control Hack: Divide meal into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Great for meal prepping, allowing quick and convenient dining during hectic workweeks.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 485 kcal

Servings: 9

Print
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Hearty Cheesy Beef Bowtie Recipe

Hearty Cheesy Beef Bowtie Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Creamy cheesy beef bowtie delight combines tender pasta with rich beef in a spectacular Italian-inspired comfort meal. Hearty ingredients merge for a satisfying dinner familiar yet exciting for hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2.25 lbs (1 kg) ground beef
  • 16 oz (450 g) Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 box bowtie noodles (farfalle)
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can Rotel tomatoes with chilies, undrained
  • 1 cup (240 ml) pasta water, reserved to thin the sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining and set pasta aside.
  2. Meat Foundation: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown ground beef, methodically breaking it down and cooking thoroughly. Drain excess fat from the skillet to ensure a clean flavor profile.
  3. Cheese Fusion: Introduce Velveeta, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and Rotel tomatoes into the skillet with browned beef. Stir continuously over medium heat, allowing cheeses to melt into a velvety, uniform sauce that coats the meat completely.
  4. Final Assemblage: Fold cooked bowtie pasta into the creamy beef mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated. Adjust sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water, creating a luxuriously smooth and integrated dish.
  5. Serving: Plate the steaming creamy beef bowtie pasta immediately, presenting a comforting and indulgent meal ready to delight eager diners.

Notes

  • Pasta Water Reserve: Save one cup of starchy pasta water before draining, which helps create a silky, smooth sauce and adjust consistency if needed.
  • Meat Browning Technique: Crumble ground beef thoroughly and drain excess fat to prevent a greasy final dish and ensure even flavor distribution.
  • Cheese Melting Hack: Stir continuously over medium heat to create a smooth, creamy sauce, preventing cheese from burning or becoming lumpy.
  • Temperature Control: Maintain a consistent medium heat throughout cooking to guarantee perfect sauce texture and prevent ingredient separation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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