Creamy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

This Creamy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

The rich, creamy sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, and a blend of cheeses coats the bowtie pasta, creating a flavorful meal that’s both hearty and indulgent.

With a hint of paprika and fresh parsley for garnish, this dish is as delicious as it is simple to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love this Creamy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef because it combines a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The creamy sauce, rich with beef broth, heavy cream, and melted cheese, envelops each piece of bowtie pasta, creating a comforting and indulgent dish.

The browned ground beef adds savory depth, while the diced tomatoes provide a subtle tang to balance the richness.

It’s quick and easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights, and the dish is hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.

Plus, the fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that enhances the overall experience.

Key Ingredients:

Bowtie pasta (farfalle): Provides a fun and hearty base for the dish.

Ground beef: Adds a savory, meaty flavor and a rich texture.

Olive oil: Used to sauté the onion and garlic, creating a flavorful foundation.

Onion & garlic: Enhance the dish with aromatic sweetness and depth.

Diced tomatoes: Offer a light, tangy contrast to the creamy sauce.

Beef broth & heavy cream: Form the creamy base for the sauce, creating a smooth and rich texture.

Shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding creaminess and a cheesy flavor.

Paprika, salt, and pepper: Season the dish for a well-balanced flavor profile.

Fresh parsley: Garnishes the dish with freshness and color.

Creamy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

Ingredients

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

1 lb ground beef

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 cup beef broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese

1 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set it aside.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for about 3 minutes, or until they become soft and fragrant.

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and crumbled, then season with paprika, salt, and pepper to your liking.

Stir in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Stir the mixture until it becomes creamy and the cheese has fully melted.

Toss the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet, making sure it’s evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.

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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Notes:

Customization: Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can also experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses for added flavor.

Pasta variety: Although the recipe calls for bowtie (farfalle) pasta, other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli would work well with the creamy sauce.

Creaminess: Adjust the level of creaminess by using more or less heavy cream, depending on your preference. For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even milk.

Vegetable additions: Add some sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. These additions pair well with the creamy sauce and beef.

Make ahead: This dish is great for meal prep! You can cook the pasta and sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently before serving.

Garnish: Fresh parsley is a nice touch, but feel free to try other herbs like basil or oregano to complement the flavors. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a little heat if you like spice.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with other types like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.

Just be sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions and adjust the sauce as needed.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.

Just be sure to adjust the seasoning if needed, as ground poultry might need a little extra flavoring.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

Also, check the beef broth and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When ready to serve, just reheat the sauce, cook the pasta, and mix them together.

You may need to add a little extra cream or broth when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, you can stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some diced jalapeños or chili peppers when cooking the beef.

Do I need to drain the ground beef?

Yes, after browning the ground beef, be sure to drain any excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.

You can leave a little bit of fat for flavor, but draining most of it helps with the overall texture.

Can I use pre-cooked pasta for this recipe?

It’s best to cook the pasta fresh to ensure it absorbs the sauce properly.

If using pre-cooked pasta, make sure to adjust the cooking time so the pasta doesn’t overcook or become mushy when combined with the sauce.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! You can replace the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk.

For the cheese, use a dairy-free cheese substitute or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

To prevent the cream from curdling, reduce the heat to low before adding the heavy cream.

Stir continuously as you add it to ensure it incorporates smoothly into the sauce.

Can I freeze this recipe for later?

Yes, you can freeze the creamy pasta sauce and beef mixture.

Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

When reheating, add a little milk or beef broth to restore the creaminess of the sauce.

Cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.