Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara

 A rich and satisfying weeknight dinner featuring tender ground beef simmered in zesty marinara, folded into silky Velveeta cheese sauce and bowtie pasta for a hearty, kid-approved classic with an Italian twist!

Ingredients:

For the Pasta & Sauce:

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

1 lb ground beef

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed 🧀

½ cup milk or pasta water (to loosen sauce if needed)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt & pepper to taste

1 tbsp olive oil

Optional Garnish:

Grated Parmesan cheese

Chopped fresh basil or parsley 🌿

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil bowtie pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic & Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned and no longer pink.

Step 3: Add Marinara

Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Melt in Velveeta

Lower the heat and add Velveeta cubes. Stir until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Toss the cooked pasta into the cheesy beef marinara sauce and stir to coat everything evenly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Plate the pasta hot and sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4