Description

Looking for a hearty, comforting, and easy dinner idea that’s full of flavor? This Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara is your answer. It’s a cheesy, saucy, kid-approved classic with just the right balance of creamy Velveeta, rich marinara, and savory ground beef — all wrapped around tender bowtie pasta. This quick weeknight dinner checks all the boxes: simple to make, family-friendly, and perfect for leftovers. Whether you’re after a quick dinner, easy recipe, or new food ideas, this dish will become a staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients

12 oz bowtie pasta

1 lb ground beef

2 cups marinara sauce

8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed

1 cup shredded mozzarella

1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

1 tsp Italian seasoning

2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.

3. Add minced garlic (if using) and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in marinara sauce and let simmer for 5–7 minutes.

4. Add Velveeta cubes to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until all pieces are well coated.

6. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top. Cover the skillet and let sit over low heat for 3–5 minutes until the cheese melts.

7. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste.

8. Serve immediately while hot and melty.

Notes

Cut the Velveeta into smaller chunks for quicker, smoother melting.

Add a splash of milk when reheating leftovers to restore creaminess.

You can add spinach or mushrooms to boost the veggie content without changing the flavor too much.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 530
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 880mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, Velveeta pasta, beef marinara, quick dinner, easy recipe, food ideas