Bowtie Noodles with Velveeta Beef and Creamy Sauce
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
12 oz bowtie pasta
1 (8 oz) block Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup reserved pasta water (for sauce thinning)
Directions:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
To the cooked beef, add the Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, and beef broth. Stir constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra smoked paprika or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Calories: ~500 per serving