Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipe: Velvety Beef and Bowtie Pasta You’ll Love

If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight, this Easy Crockpot Velveeta Beef Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine velvety melted cheese, tender ground beef, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, all coming together in a warm, comforting dish. The creamy sauce, thanks to both Velveeta and cream cheese, coats the pasta beautifully, making every bite irresistibly rich and flavorful. And the best part? It all comes together in the crockpot, making it incredibly simple to prepare.

Photo byRecipes on a Budget

I found this recipe on the Recipes on a Budget Facebook Group, and I just had to share it! It’s the kind of meal that will quickly become a family favorite, not only because it’s easy to make, but also because it’s packed with delicious, cheesy goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crockpot beef pasta is a lifesaver for busy days. Just imagine coming home to the smell of ground beef, slow-cooked with creamy Velveeta and a hint of spice from Rotel tomatoes. The dish is comfort food at its best, with a creamy sauce that coats every bit of bowtie pasta perfectly. It’s a hit with both kids and adults, and it’s sure to warm your soul.

And let’s not forget the ease! You can set your crockpot on high, brown the ground beef, and let the magic happen. It’s one of those dishes that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

The Story Behind This Recipe

I came across this dish when scrolling through the Recipes on a Budget Facebook Group, and the simplicity of the ingredients caught my eye. As a fan of crockpot meals, I knew I had to give it a try. What I loved most was that the ingredients were budget-friendly and things I usually have on hand – ground beef, Velveeta, and pasta. Plus, it’s one of those meals you can easily adapt based on what you’ve got in your pantry. After trying it, I knew I had found a keeper!

A Little Fun Fact: Velveeta’s Creamy Magic

Did you know Velveeta has been a kitchen staple since the 1920s? It was originally created as a way to reduce waste by using the scraps of cheese, and over the years, it became famous for its melt-in-your-mouth texture. Its smooth, creamy consistency is what makes it perfect for this recipe, as it coats every piece of pasta evenly. That, combined with the tang of cream cheese and the slight kick from Rotel tomatoes, makes this dish incredibly flavorful.

How to Make Crockpot Velveeta Beef Pasta

Now, let’s dive into the steps so you can get this delicious meal on your dinner table:

Ingredients:

• 1 big block of Velveeta cheese
• 1 8oz block of cream cheese
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup
• 1 can of Rotel tomatoes with chilies
• 2.25 pounds of ground beef
• 1 box of bowtie noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prep the crockpot: Set your crockpot on high to get it warming up while you prep the other ingredients.
2. Brown the ground beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
3. Mix the crockpot ingredients: Add the cooked ground beef, Velveeta, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and Rotel tomatoes to the crockpot. Stir to combine everything well.
4. Cook in the crockpot: Let the mixture cook on high for about an hour and a half. Stir occasionally to ensure everything melts and mixes together smoothly.
5. Boil the pasta: While the crockpot is doing its thing, boil the bowtie noodles according to the package instructions. Drain, but reserve about a cup of pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce.
6. Combine and serve: Once the pasta is cooked, add it to the crockpot and stir until it’s well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
7. Enjoy! Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Cooking Tips:

• Pro Tip: If you prefer a thinner sauce, the reserved pasta water works wonders. Start by adding about half a cup, stir, and check the texture before adding more.
• Add Some Spice: For those who like a little heat, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or use spicy Rotel tomatoes.
• Make It Healthier: If you’re looking for a slightly lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef and use low-fat cream cheese.

What to Serve with Crockpot Velveeta Beef Pasta

This rich, cheesy pasta dish is a meal in itself, but you can always pair it with a simple side salad to add some freshness. Garlic bread is another great option to soak up all that creamy sauce. A cold glass of iced tea or a crisp white wine also makes a great pairing.

Call to Action

Did you enjoy this Easy Crockpot Velveeta Beef Pasta Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know any tweaks you made. And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends who love a good crockpot meal. For more easy and delicious recipes like this, hit the follow button and never miss out!