Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Bowtie Pasta
If you’re looking for a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dinner that practically makes itself, this Easy Crockpot Dinner is the recipe you need. Made with ground beef, Velveeta, cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes, and bowtie pasta, it’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. With just a little prep and your slow cooker doing the rest, you’ll have a delicious family meal ready with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Dinner
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Quick Prep – Brown the beef, toss in the ingredients, and let your crockpot work its magic.
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Cheesy Goodness – Velveeta and cream cheese melt together for the perfect creamy sauce.
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Family-Friendly – A meal kids and adults will love.
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Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and stretches to feed a crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 (2.25 lbs) ground beef
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1 big block of Velveeta cheese
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1 (8 oz) block cream cheese
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1 can cream of chicken soup
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1 can Rotel tomatoes with chilies (adds flavor and just a touch of spice)
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1 box bowtie pasta (farfalle)
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1 cup reserved pasta water (optional, to thin the sauce)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up into crumbles.
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Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Load the Crockpot
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Turn your crockpot on high heat.
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Add the browned ground beef, Velveeta (cut into cubes for faster melting), cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and Rotel tomatoes.
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Stir gently to combine.
Step 3: Let It Cook
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Cover with the lid and let everything cook on high for 1½ hours.
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Stir occasionally to help the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
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About 15 minutes before serving, boil the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente.
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Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 5: Mix It All Together
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Add the drained pasta to the crockpot mixture.
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Stir until the noodles are fully coated in the cheesy beef sauce.
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If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
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Dish up hot bowls of cheesy crockpot pasta.
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Garnish with fresh parsley, shredded cheese, or even a sprinkle of red chili flakes if you like extra spice.
Tips & Variations
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Spice it up – Use hot Rotel or add jalapeños for extra heat.
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Protein swap – Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage work well too.
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Veggie boost – Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms before serving.
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Make it creamier – Add an extra splash of heavy cream for ultra-rich sauce.
Storage & Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to bring back the creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crockpot Dinner is the perfect solution for busy nights when you want something comforting and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. With cheesy beef, creamy sauce, and bowtie pasta, it’s guaranteed to be a new family favorite.