This creamy Velveeta beef bowtie pasta casserole is a comfort food hug in a bowl! With cheesy goodness and tender pasta, it’s a winner for family dinners.
You know what’s the best part? It’s super easy to whip up! Just mix, bake, and enjoy. I love serving it with a salad for a complete meal—perfect any night of the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bowtie Pasta: Bowtie pasta gives this dish a fun shape and texture. However, if you don’t have bowtie on hand, other pasta types like penne, rotini, or even macaroni will work well too!
Ground Beef: Ground beef is classic here, but feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Vegetarian crumbles also make a tasty substitute if you prefer a meatless meal.
Velveeta Cheese: Velveeta melts beautifully for that creamy texture. If you’re looking for a healthier choice or don’t have Velveeta, try a combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar, or use a creamy cheese sauce instead.
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is great for flavor and creaminess. If you’re avoiding mushrooms, cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce can be used instead.
Sour Cream: Adds a rich tangy flavor. Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute if you’re after a lower-fat option.
How Do I Make Sure My Casserole is Creamy and Not Dry?
The key to a creamy casserole lies in the cheese sauce and cooking time. Follow these tips for a perfect bake:
- Combine Velveeta, milk, cream soup, and sour cream until smooth. You want it creamy before mixing in the pasta and beef.
- Don’t bake it too long. Keep an eye on it from 25 minutes onwards; it should be bubbly at the edges but not dry.
- If it looks dry, a splash more milk before baking can help keep things creamy.
Letting the casserole cool for a few minutes helps it set without becoming too watery. Enjoy your hearty dish!
Creamy Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup milk
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole should take about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of baking, giving you a total of around 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s hot and ready for your casserole when it’s time to bake. Don’t forget to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking!
2. Cook the Pasta:
Boil a large pot of water and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, and set it aside while you prepare the beef and sauce.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for a few minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
4. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, and season the mixture with salt, pepper, and paprika if you want some extra flavor.
5. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed Velveeta cheese, milk, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. You can microwave or gently heat this mixture until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Stir frequently to keep it from burning.
6. Combine It All:
Now, add the cooked beef mixture and drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Mix everything together until the pasta and beef are completely coated in the creamy sauce.
7. Bake the Casserole:
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly across the top. This will create a delicious, bubbly crust!
8. Final Bake:
Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You want it to be bubbly and the cheese on top to be melted and lightly browned.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm, and enjoy your creamy, cheesy Velveeta beef bowtie pasta casserole!
FAQ: Creamy Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta Casserole
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta can add a nutty flavor and extra fiber, while gluten-free pasta is a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as gluten-free pasta may require different cooking times.
How Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
If you want to make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with veggie crumbles or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. You can also use canned beans for added protein and texture!
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You may want to add a splash of milk to keep it creamy!
