Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta Delight

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal—creamy, cheesy, and packed with hearty flavors that will satisfy your cravings. Featuring tender ground beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce, this dish comes together quickly and easily. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal, this one-pot wonder will definitely be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a dish that’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also filling and can be made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. This easy-to-make recipe combines savory beef, al dente pasta, and gooey cheese, creating a meal that’s not only cozy but also incredibly satisfying. It’s a recipe that even picky eaters will enjoy. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or leftovers. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a casual dinner, this dish is sure to please.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• Ground beef
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Olive oil or butter
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to the instructions on the package. You want the pasta to be al dente, so avoid overcooking it. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Beef and Vegetables: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aromatic fragrance.
3. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s fully browned. As it cooks, use a spoon to break up the meat into smaller pieces. If there’s any excess fat in the pan, drain it off.
4. Simmer with Tomatoes: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5–7 minutes. The flavors will meld together and thicken up into a savory sauce.
5. Combine Pasta with Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Stir the pasta into the sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated.
6. Add Cheese and Finish: Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the pan, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
7. Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the cheesy beef and bowtie pasta while it’s warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Serves: 4–6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or opt for spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for an extra kick.
• Creamy Twist: For an even richer flavor, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream.
• Vegetable Boost: Add some greens to the dish by incorporating spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack, provolone, or Parmesan cheese if you’re in the mood for a different flavor profile.
• One-Pot Method: Cook the pasta directly in the sauce with some extra broth to reduce the number of dishes.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little added broth or milk to bring back the creamy texture. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months—just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with penne, rotini, shells, or elbows, all of which work wonderfully in this recipe.
• How can I make this dish lighter? For a healthier version, you can use lean ground beef or ground turkey. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or choose low-fat cheese.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! This recipe stores and reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance and reheat it just before serving.
• What kind of cheese melts best? Cheddar and mozzarella are excellent choices because they melt well and create a smooth, creamy sauce. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheeses.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, to make this dish gluten-free, simply swap in gluten-free pasta and ensure that the other ingredients, like broth and tomato paste, are gluten-free.
• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? You can, but keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may have a different texture. If using fresh, chop and cook them down before adding them to the sauce.
• Is cream cheese a good addition? Absolutely! Adding a few tablespoons of cream cheese will enhance the creaminess of the sauce and give it a richer texture.
• Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can easily omit the beef and substitute it with cooked lentils or a medley of extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a satisfying meat-free version.
• What goes well with this pasta? Serve this hearty dish with a simple green salad, some crusty garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
• Can I add herbs for more flavor? Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can really elevate the dish and add extra flavor.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a classic comfort food that delivers on flavor, texture, and ease. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a casual family gathering, it’s sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. The combination of savory beef, tender pasta, and creamy cheese is irresistible, and the best part is that it’s so easy to make. Customize it to suit your preferences, and this dish will quickly become a go-to in your regular dinner rotation. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved meal!

This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe is the ultimate one-pan meal. Packed with seasoned ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s a family-friendly, budget-conscious, and totally satisfying comfort food!

Author: Beth
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Category: Dinner, Main Dish
Method: One Pot/One Pan
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk (for creamier texture)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion. Cook until the beef is browned and onion is soft, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce: Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir well and let simmer for 3–4 minutes.
5. Add Cheese and Cream: Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and heavy cream. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through.
7. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve hot!

Notes

• Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Use pre-cooked pasta to make this a quick 20-minute meal.
• Great for leftovers and meal prep—just reheat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

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