If you’re looking for a dish that is as easy to make as it is delicious, look no further than the Creamy Tex-Mex Beef Pasta Bake. This recipe packs rich, bold flavors and velvety textures into a single hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With minimal prep and a mouthwatering result, it’s bound to become a staple in your home.
What Makes This Dish a Winner?
The combination of melty Velveeta, cream cheese, and savory ground beef creates a decadent, creamy base that pairs perfectly with the kick from Rotel tomatoes with chilies. When blended with tender bowtie pasta and seasoned to perfection, this casserole strikes the perfect balance between comfort and Tex-Mex flair. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s rich, filling, and oh-so-cheesy—ideal for anyone who loves bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this satisfying Tex-Mex casserole, you’ll need:
- 1 large 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 ground beef
- 1 box of bowtie pasta
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
These simple ingredients combine to create a dish that’s anything but ordinary.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prep Your Crock Pot: Set your crock pot to high heat. This will be the heart of your cooking process, allowing the cheeses and beef to meld into a luscious sauce.
2. Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to the crock pot.
3. Add Cheeses and More: Cube the Velveeta and cream cheese, then add them to the crock pot along with the can of cream of chicken soup and the Rotel tomatoes. Cover and let everything cook for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
4. Cook the Pasta: While the cheese and beef mixture cooks, boil the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and reserve a cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce.
5. Mix and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the crock pot and stir until everything is evenly combined. If the sauce feels too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Enjoy! Serve hot and savor the creamy, cheesy goodness that is sure to delight everyone at the table.
Tips for Customization
- Spice It Up: For extra heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, corn, or black beans to boost the dish’s nutritional value.
- Cheese Lovers: Top with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack before serving for an even cheesier finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Not only is this Creamy Tex-Mex Beef Pasta Bake incredibly easy to put together, but it also brings a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal to your kitchen table with minimal fuss. Perfect for busy families or anyone who craves comfort food with a zesty twist, this dish will quickly become a dinner-time favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up your crock pot, and get ready to indulge in a truly comforting meal!
Creamy Tex-Mex Beef Pasta Bake
Description
Transform your dinner time with this comforting and cheesy Tex-Mex inspired casserole. Combining velvety cheese, savory beef, and zesty tomatoes, this dish brings bold flavors to the table effortlessly. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
– 1 large 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 ground beef
– 1 box of bowtie pasta
– 1 cup reserved pasta water (optional for thinning sauce)
Instructions
1. Set your crock pot to high heat.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the cooked beef to the crock pot.
4. Cube the Velveeta and cream cheese, then add them to the crock pot along with the cream of chicken soup and Rotel tomatoes.
5. Cover and cook on high for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
6. Meanwhile, cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water if desired.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the crock pot mixture, stirring to combine. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
8. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!