Cheesy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara Recipe

There are few dishes that bring the same level of comfort and satisfaction as a warm, cheesy pasta meal enjoyed with family. Picture a cozy evening when the air outside feels crisp, or even a casual Sunday dinner when everyone gathers around the table after a long week. That’s when a dish like Cheesy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara feels like it was made for the occasion.

This recipe combines two classics—creamy cheese pasta and hearty Italian-style beef marinara—into one irresistible dinner. The bowtie pasta provides just the right texture to hold the luscious cheese sauce, while the rich tomato-based marinara layered with seasoned ground beef adds depth and heartiness. Inspired by traditional Italian-American flavors but elevated with the creaminess of Velveeta and mozzarella, this dish is both nostalgic and indulgent.

Whether you’re cooking for your kids, meal prepping for the week, or serving a crowd of hungry guests, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s hearty, comforting, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Pasta, marinara, and cheese come together to create the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug.

• Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults love cheesy pasta. It’s easy to serve and enjoy for all ages.

• Customizable: You can tweak the seasoning, add extra vegetables, or swap in whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

For the Italian Beef Marinara:

• 1½ lbs ground beef

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta & Cheese Sauce:

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk

• 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by preparing the pasta, which will serve as the base for the entire dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt is more than just a technicality—it helps season the pasta from within, ensuring each bite carries flavor rather than tasting flat. For this recipe, bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle) is recommended because its unique shape holds onto both the cheese sauce and the marinara beautifully.

Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and stir occasionally to prevent the pieces from sticking together. Cook the pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture—firm to the bite but not hard. This stage is important because the pasta will later be tossed in the creamy cheese sauce, and slightly undercooked pasta can help it maintain structure when combined with the sauce. When it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander, shaking gently to remove excess water. Set it aside but keep it nearby, since it will be folded into the cheese sauce shortly.

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2. Make the Italian Beef Marinara

While the pasta cooks, turn your attention to the marinara, which adds depth and richness to the dish. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. The oil not only prevents sticking but also provides a flavorful base for browning the meat.

Add the ground beef to the hot pan, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Aim for small, even crumbles so the sauce will distribute evenly over the pasta. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink. If the meat releases a lot of fat, drain off the excess to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.

Next, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. These aromatics create the foundation of flavor and should be cooked until the onion turns translucent and the garlic releases its fragrance—about 3 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can add bitterness.

Now it’s time to build the sauce. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, stirring until everything is well combined. The crushed tomatoes provide body, the sauce adds smoothness, and the paste intensifies the tomato flavor. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if you like a touch of heat), plus salt and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Reduce the heat slightly and allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and let the flavors meld together. As it simmers, the sauce will thicken and develop a rich, bold taste that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce you’ll prepare next.

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3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce

While the marinara simmers, begin the cheese sauce—the element that transforms this dish into ultimate comfort food. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute, whisking constantly. This step is crucial for removing the raw flour taste and ensuring a velvety sauce later.

Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk, making sure there are no lumps. The mixture will begin to thicken slightly as it heats. Once it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency, it’s time to add the cheeses.

Drop in the Velveeta cubes, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Stir gently but continuously as the cheeses melt into the sauce, creating a luscious, creamy texture. The Velveeta guarantees smoothness, the mozzarella adds stretchiness, and the Parmesan deepens the flavor with a sharp, nutty edge. Once fully melted, you’ll have a rich cheese sauce ready to coat your pasta.

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4. Assemble the Dish

Now comes the most rewarding step: bringing everything together. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the cheese sauce, tossing until each piece is coated in that silky, golden mixture. Take your time here, ensuring the pasta isn’t clumped together and that every bite will be equally cheesy.

Next, prepare your serving plates or a large family-style dish. Spoon the creamy pasta onto the plate, creating a base layer of cheesy goodness. Then ladle generous portions of the Italian beef marinara over the top. The contrast between the rich, tangy tomato sauce and the creamy pasta creates layers of flavor and texture that feel indulgent yet balanced.

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5. Garnish & Serve

Before serving, take an extra minute to add a finishing touch. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an added burst of flavor. If you want freshness and color, scatter chopped fresh basil across the dish.

Serve the pasta warm, preferably right after assembling, so the cheese sauce remains creamy and the marinara stays vibrant. Each serving should showcase the bowtie pasta blanketed in cheese, topped with savory beef marinara, and accented with the garnish of your choice.

As you dig in, you’ll notice the interplay of textures and flavors: the tender pasta, the creamy cheese, and the hearty, flavorful beef sauce. It’s a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also delivers that comforting, homemade feel everyone craves.

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Prep and Cooking Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Yield: 6 servings

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Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Since the pasta will be mixed with cheese sauce, cook it until just al dente so it maintains a good texture.

• Simmer the marinara long enough: Allowing it to cook for 15–20 minutes deepens the flavors and ensures the sauce isn’t too watery.

• Use freshly grated cheese when possible: While Velveeta creates that creamy melt, the Parmesan and mozzarella are best when freshly shredded for maximum flavor.

• Add vegetables: For more nutrition and flavor, add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the marinara sauce.

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Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is. You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences:

• Protein Swaps: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

• Cheese Options: Try sharp cheddar, provolone, or gouda in place of Velveeta for a unique twist.

• Pasta Choices: While bowtie pasta works beautifully, you can use penne, rigatoni, or shells instead.

• Spice Level: If you love heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

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Serving Suggestions

This pasta dish is rich and hearty, so it pairs well with lighter sides:

• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

• Fresh Green Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.

• Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans complement the flavors.

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: The pasta can be frozen, though the cheese sauce may slightly change in texture. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

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Nutritional Overview (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 30g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Fat: 22g

• Fiber: 4g

• Calcium: 20% DV

Note: Nutrition will vary depending on brands and exact measurements used.

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Why This Dish is Perfect for Family Dinners

A pasta recipe like this does more than just satisfy hunger—it creates moments. The creamy cheese sauce appeals to picky eaters, while the robust marinara satisfies those who crave bold flavors. Cooking it together as a family can even become part of the fun: kids can help stir the cheese sauce or sprinkle Parmesan on top before serving.

For busy households, this recipe is also practical. It takes less than an hour from start to finish and yields enough to feed a hungry family of six. Plus, it reheats well, making it a great option for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers the next day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare both the cheese sauce and beef marinara in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then reheat and assemble with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Can I make this recipe lighter?
To cut down on calories, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey. You can also swap whole milk with 2% or skim, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy.

Is Velveeta necessary?
Velveeta gives the cheese sauce its ultra-smooth texture, but you can substitute with cream cheese or a combination of cheddar and milk if desired.

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