Slow Cooker Creamy Cheesy Taco Beef Farfalle Pasta

Preparation & Cooking Details

• Preparation time: 15 minutes

• Cooking time: 3–4 hours on LOW

• Final pasta cooking time: 20–30 minutes

• Total time: Approximately 4 hours

• Servings: 6–8

• Difficulty: Easy

• Cooking method: Slow cooker

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef

• 12 oz (340 g) farfalle (bow-tie) pasta

• 16 oz (450 g) Velveeta cheese, cubed

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese

• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of mushroom soup

• 1 can (10 oz / 283 g) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Salt to taste

Optional Ingredients

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup beef broth or milk, as needed

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add ground beef.

3. Break it into small pieces using a spatula.

4. Cook for 7–9 minutes until completely browned.

5. Drain excess grease.

6. Add taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.

7. Stir well to coat the beef evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

1. Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker.

2. Transfer the cooked ground beef into the slow cooker.

3. Add the cream of mushroom soup.

4. Pour in the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies.

5. Add cubed Velveeta cheese.

6. Add the cream cheese.

7. Gently stir the ingredients together.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Cheese Mixture

1. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.

2. Cook on LOW for approximately 3–4 hours.

3. Stir occasionally if convenient.

4. Allow the cheese to melt completely.

5. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Avoid cooking the cheese mixture on HIGH for too long because dairy can separate.

Step 4: Cook the Farfalle Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add farfalle pasta.

3. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.

4. Drain the pasta thoroughly.

5. Do not rinse the pasta.

Important: Cooking pasta separately helps prevent it from becoming mushy in the slow cooker.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

1. Add the cooked farfalle to the slow cooker.

2. Gently fold the pasta into the creamy beef mixture.

3. Stir until every bow-tie pasta piece is coated.

4. Add a little warm milk or beef broth if the sauce is too thick.

5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top if desired.

Step 6: Final Slow Cooker Finish

1. Cover the slow cooker.

2. Cook on LOW for another 15–20 minutes.

3. Allow the flavors to blend together.

4. Stir gently before serving.

5. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon the hot, creamy cheesy taco pasta into serving bowls.

Garnish with extra cheddar cheese, parsley, or a little black pepper.

Serve immediately while the cheese sauce is warm, smooth, and delicious.

Nutrition Information

Estimated values per serving, based on 8 servings.

Nut Information (Q/S)

This creamy cheesy pasta recipe does not require nuts.

Allergen information:

• Contains dairy from Velveeta and cream cheese.

• Contains wheat and gluten from farfalle pasta.

• No peanuts or tree nuts are intentionally added.

• Check packaged soup, cheese, and seasoning labels for possible cross-contamination.

Helpful Cooking Tips

1. Brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker for better flavor.

2. Drain excess grease to prevent an oily sauce.

3. Cut Velveeta into small cubes so it melts evenly.

4. Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smoother sauce.

5. Cook pasta separately to maintain the perfect texture.

6. Add milk gradually if you prefer a thinner sauce.

7. Add extra Rotel for more tomato flavor and a little heat.

8. Do not leave cooked pasta on WARM for extended periods.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months, although the creamy sauce may change texture.

• Reheating: Add a splash of milk and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

• Meal prep: Divide into individual airtight containers.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic bread

• Fresh green salad

• Roasted broccoli

• Steamed green beans

• Corn on the cob

• Sliced cucumbers

• Garlic butter toast

Final Result

A delicious bowl of tender bow-tie pasta coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce with seasoned ground beef and flavorful tomatoes. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, hearty, and satisfying!

Perfect comfort food for the whole family!