Introduction:
Delish!! You’ve gotta try this comforting, cheesy pasta dish that will be a hit with your family! It’s made with Velveeta, cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes, and ground beef, all combined for a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for busy days when you need something filling and easy. Let the crock pot do the heavy lifting while you prep the noodles!
Ingredients:
- 1 big block of Velveeta cheese
- 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 can of Rotel tomatoes with chilies
- 2.25 pounds ground beef
- 1 box of bowtie noodles
- Optional: 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions:
- Prep the Sauce:
- Set your crock pot on high. Add the Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and Rotel tomatoes with chilies to the crock pot.
- Cook the Beef:
- While the cheese mixture melts, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
- Combine:
- Add the browned ground beef to the crock pot. Stir everything together and cook on high for about 1.5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheeses to fully melt.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the noodles.
- Mix and Serve:
- Just before serving, add the cooked noodles to the crock pot mixture. Stir well to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- Enjoy:
- Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, cheesy, beefy pasta with a little extra love in every bite!
- lBenefits, Tips, and History of Creamy Beefy Rotel Bowtie Pasta
- Benefits:
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The crockpot does most of the work for you while you prepare the noodles.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With a creamy, cheesy base and savory ground beef, this dish appeals to both kids and adults. It’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings.
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of protein-rich ground beef, Velveeta cheese, and pasta makes this dish filling and satisfying, providing a complete meal in one pot.
- Versatile: You can customize the recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for added nutrition or switching out the pasta for another variety.
- Tips:
- Cheese Substitutions: If you prefer a different cheese blend, you can substitute the Velveeta with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of your favorite cheeses. This will change the texture slightly but still be delicious.
- Spice it Up: For an extra kick, try using the hot version of Rotel tomatoes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Make-Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time. Prepare the sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook the noodles, and combine them just before serving.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk or water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- History:
- This recipe draws inspiration from classic Tex-Mex flavors, combining ingredients like Rotel tomatoes with chilies and Velveeta cheese, which have long been staples in Southern and Southwestern American kitchens.
- Velveeta Cheese: Introduced in 1918, Velveeta was originally created to make use of cheese scraps by processing them into a smooth, melty product. Its easy melting properties made it a favorite in creamy casseroles and dips.
- Rotel Tomatoes: The original Rotel tomatoes, created by Carl Roettele in Texas in the 1940s, added a unique blend of diced tomatoes and green chilies to Tex-Mex dishes, becoming famous for its use in queso dip.
- Crockpot Cooking: The crockpot became a household staple in the 1970s, offering convenience for home cooks by allowing for slow, hands-off cooking. Combining Velveeta and Rotel in crockpot recipes became popular, resulting in creamy, comforting meals that could be prepared with minimal effort.
- This particular dish combines these elements with ground beef and pasta to create a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to love. It’s a perfect example of how traditional ingredients can be adapted to fit modern, convenient cooking methods.
This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. It’s rich, flavorful, and sure to please everyone at the table!