
why make this recipe
Cookout Style Cheeseburger Bowtie Pasta is a fun twist on classic burgers and pasta. This dish combines the rich flavors of a cheeseburger with the satisfaction of pasta, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and is sure to please both kids and adults alike. The creamy cheese sauce, combined with hearty ground beef and spices, creates a comforting meal that tastes just like enjoying a burger at a barbecue.
how to make Cookout Style Cheeseburger Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients:
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, diced (optional garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. When it’s done, drain it and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, browning them together for about 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Add in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. Now, stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with the beef broth, stirring until well mixed.
- Slowly add the heavy cream, Velveeta, and cream cheese, whisking until everything melts together into a silky sauce.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and those red pepper flakes, mixing until it’s all thick and creamy.
- Toss in the remaining butter until it gives a nice glossy finish. Then, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and mix until every piece is generously coated in that delicious sauce.
- Let it simmer for about 2 minutes so the sauce takes hold of the pasta.
- Serve warm and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese, diced dill pickles if you’re feeling adventurous, and fresh parsley for a pop of color.
how to serve Cookout Style Cheeseburger Bowtie Pasta
Serve this dish warm in bowls or on plates. You can add extra shredded cheese on top for more cheesiness. Garnish with diced dill pickles to give a nice crunch and a bit of tang, and sprinkle fresh parsley for color. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
how to store Cookout Style Cheeseburger Bowtie Pasta
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely. Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
tips to make Cookout Style Cheeseburger Bowtie Pasta
- To save time, cook the pasta while you prepare the sauce.
- For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Use different types of cheese if you prefer – mozzarella and cheddar work well, but feel free to experiment.
- Adjust the amount of spices based on your heat preference.
variation
You can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding more vegetables, like bell peppers and mushrooms. You could also use plant-based cheese to create a vegan version.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne or fusilli, but make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
2. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids usually love the cheesy flavor, and you can control the level of spices to keep it mild.
3. Can I freeze Cookout Style Cheeseburger Bowtie Pasta?
Yes! You can freeze the dish before adding the cheese. Once thawed, reheat it and then mix in the cheese before serving for the best texture.

Cookout Style Cheeseburger Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cup dill pickles, diced (optional garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, browning them together for about 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring until well mixed.
- Slowly add the heavy cream, Velveeta, and cream cheese, whisking until everything melts together into a silky sauce.
- Stir in 1.5 cups of cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and red pepper flakes, mixing until thick and creamy.
- Add the remaining butter for a glossy finish, then toss in the cooked bowtie pasta, ensuring it's well-coated in the sauce.
- Let it simmer for about 2 minutes so the sauce adheres to the pasta.
Serving
- Serve warm in bowls or on plates with extra shredded cheese, diced dill pickles, and fresh parsley.