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Crockpot Cheeseburger Bow Pasta

Category: Set-It and Forget-It Meals

This comforting Crockpot dish is the perfect fusion of hearty ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender bow tie pasta. Start by browning the beef and layering it in a greased slow cooker with Velveeta, cream cheese, Rotel, and cream of mushroom soup. Season, then let it cook on low for 2–3 hours until everything melts together into a smooth and creamy sauce. Cook the pasta separately, then toss it into the cheesy mixture for a perfectly coated, gooey result. Garnish with parsley or cheddar for a meal your family will love.

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Fatiha
By Fatiha Fatiha
Last updated Wed, 18 Mar 2026 01:11:24 GMT
A bowl of pasta with meat and cheese. Pin
A bowl of pasta with meat and cheese. | zestplate.com

This Crockpot Cheeseburger Bow Tie Pasta is a rich and cheesy comfort meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. With creamy Velveeta and cream cheese, savory ground beef, and tender bow tie pasta, it brings everything you love about a cheeseburger into a crowd-pleasing dish that basically cooks itself in your slow cooker.

I first made this dish when I wanted to recreate our favorite burger flavors in a quick and hearty pasta meal. It’s been a go-to ever since, especially on busy days.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 1 pound adds hearty flavor and protein for a satisfying base
  • Bow tie pasta: 1 box 12 oz ideal for holding the cheesy sauce in every bite
  • Velveeta cheese: 2 cups cut into cubes melts smoothly for that classic cheeseburger flavor
  • Cream cheese: 1 block 8 oz gives the sauce an extra creamy texture
  • Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies: 1 can 10 oz adds a mild spicy kick and tangy tomato taste
  • Condensed cream of mushroom soup: 1 can 10.5 oz helps create a thick and rich sauce
  • Salt and pepper: to taste balances and enhances the flavors
  • Optional garnish: chopped parsley or shredded cheddar for a finished touch and added flavor

How To Make Crockpot Cheeseburger Bow Tie Pasta

Brown the Ground Beef:
Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s completely cooked through. Drain off any excess grease to avoid oily results, then set the beef aside.
Prep the Cheeses:
Cut the Velveeta and cream cheese into small cubes to help them melt evenly in the crockpot.
Layer the Ingredients:
Spray your crockpot with a light coating of nonstick cooking spray. Start by adding the cooked ground beef as the bottom layer. Place the Velveeta and cream cheese cubes on top of the beef, followed by pouring the Rotel tomatoes (with all the liquid) over the cheeses. Then, spoon the cream of mushroom soup on top and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Cook in the Crockpot:
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook everything on low for 2 to 3 hours. This allows the cheeses to melt and blend into the tomato and mushroom base, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce.
Cook the Pasta:
While the crockpot mixture is cooking, boil the bow tie pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Combine for a Cheesy Finish:
Once the crockpot mixture is creamy and smooth, stir it thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are incorporated. Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and gently toss until the bow tie noodles are evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the cheesy pasta into bowls. For an extra touch, sprinkle with chopped parsley or some shredded cheddar before serving.
A bowl of pasta with meat and tomatoes.
A bowl of pasta with meat and tomatoes. | zestplate.com

I love using Rotel in this recipe. The slight chili heat it brings keeps this dish from being overly heavy, and it adds a pop of flavor that my family finds irresistible. One snowy evening, we huddled around warm bowls of this pasta—it was an instant hit.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. If Velveeta is unavailable, substitute another good-melting cheese like American or Colby Jack.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with steamed broccoli for a veggie boost.

A bowl of pasta with meat and tomatoes.
A bowl of pasta with meat and tomatoes. | zestplate.com

A Cheesy Meal to Remember

This recipe brings nostalgia and warmth to the dinner table every single time. It’s one of those meals that my family always gathers around excitedly. The creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta make it not just a meal but a memory.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute other types of pasta for bow tie?

Yes, you can use other pasta like penne or rotini, but bow tie pasta adds a fun texture and holds the sauce well.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, choose spicier Rotel varieties or mix in diced jalapeños or red chili flakes.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep the slow cooker ingredients in the morning, and cook the pasta before serving for a quick dinner.

→ What can I use instead of Velveeta cheese?

Cheddar cheese or mozzarella can be used as substitutes, though you may need to add a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave for best results.

Crockpot Cheeseburger Bow Pasta

Savory beef, creamy cheese sauce, and bow tie pasta combine in this comforting slow cooker dish.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
180 min
Total Duration
195 min
By Fatiha: Fatiha


Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Output: 6 Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

01 1 pound ground beef
02 12 ounces farfalle (bow tie) pasta
03 2 cups Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
04 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into blocks
05 10 ounces Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
06 10.5 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup
07 Salt, to taste
08 Pepper, to taste
09 Optional: Chopped parsley or shredded cheddar for garnish

Directions

Step 01

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

Step 02

Cut the Velveeta cheese and cream cheese into cubes and set aside.

Step 03

Spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or lightly grease.

Step 04

Add the cooked ground beef to the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the Velveeta cubes and cream cheese blocks on top of the beef. Pour the can of Rotel diced tomatoes (with juices) over the cheeses, followed by the condensed cream of mushroom soup. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 05

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 2–3 hours, until the cheeses are melted and the mixture is creamy.

Step 06

Meanwhile, cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 07

When the slow cooker mixture is ready, stir everything together until smooth and creamy.

Step 08

Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the cheese sauce.

Step 09

Serve warm in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley or extra shredded cheese if desired.

Notes

  1. This dish is a perfect make-ahead family dinner. You can prep the ingredients in the morning and let it cook in the slow cooker while you’re busy. Stir in the pasta just before serving for a gooey, comforting meal.

Required Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Slow cooker
  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • Strainer

Allergen Information

Review each component for possible allergens and consult a health professional when concerned.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains gluten

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These figures serve as estimates and are not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Protein: 20 g