Description
This Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta Casserole is a creamy and comforting dish filled with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and gooey Velveeta cheese. This easy casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner and is sure to be a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside. -
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Cook the Beef Mixture:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Drain excess fat. -
Add Tomatoes and Seasoning:
Stir in diced tomatoes, Rotel, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer for 3-4 minutes. -
Make the Cheese Sauce:
Reduce heat to low. Add Velveeta cubes and milk to the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. -
Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until everything is well coated. -
Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. -
Bake:
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly. -
Serve:
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of taco seasoning.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.