I've always loved how comforting a bowl of pasta can be, especially when it's packed with savory beef and a creamy garlic butter sauce. This cheesy beef and bowtie pasta recipe hits all the right notes—simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights. If you're looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug but doesn't take hours to prepare, you'll want to see how this comes together. Let's get started.
What You'll Love About This Recipe
This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines comfort and flavor in every bite.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: A hearty dish that both kids and adults will adore.
- Cheesy Goodness: Loaded with melted cheese for ultimate indulgence.
Recipe
This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a comforting and hearty dish that combines savory ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, it's sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serving: 6
Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Cuisine: American
Equipment
To prepare this cheesy beef and bowtie pasta, you'll need a few essential kitchen tools. Gather the following equipment to guarantee a smooth cooking process:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet or frying pan for browning beef
- Colander for draining pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
- Mixing bowl for combining ingredients
Nutrition
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a hearty dish that combines protein, carbs, and essential nutrients. It's a balanced meal perfect for satisfying hunger while providing energy.
- High in protein from ground beef and cheese.
- Rich in carbohydrates from bowtie pasta.
- Contains calcium and vitamin D from cheese.
- Provides iron and zinc from beef.
- Moderate in calories, making it a filling option.
What to Serve With This Recipe
I love pairing this cheesy beef and bowtie pasta with garlic bread for a comforting meal, but a fresh side salad or steamed veggies can lighten it up. Roasted potatoes add a hearty touch, while a bright fruit salad brings a sweet finish. It's all about balancing flavors and textures to make the dish even more satisfying!
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread's a must whenever I'm serving cheesy beef and bowtie pasta—it's the perfect side to soak up all that rich, savory sauce. I love slathering a warm baguette with garlic butter, letting it toast until golden and fragrant. This simple bread pairing elevates every bite, adding a crispy, buttery contrast to the creamy pasta. It's a combo that always leaves me reaching for seconds!
Side Salad
While the cheesy beef and bowtie pasta is hearty and satisfying, a fresh side salad can add a light, invigorating balance to the meal. I love mixing crisp leafy greens like spinach or romaine with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of red onions. For dressing options, I keep it simple—balsamic vinaigrette or a zesty lemon-olive oil combo works wonders. It's easy, revitalizing, and perfect alongside rich pasta.
Steamed Vegetables
Steamed vegetables are a fantastic addition to cheesy beef and bowtie pasta, offering a healthy and vibrant contrast to the dish's richness. I love pairing broccoli, carrots, or green beans, as their bright colors and crisp textures balance the creamy pasta perfectly. Steaming is one of my favorite cooking methods—it's quick, preserves nutrients, and keeps the veggies tender. Plus, they're so easy to prepare while the pasta simmers!
Roasted Potatoes
If you're looking for a hearty side to go with your cheesy beef and bowtie pasta, roasted potatoes are a must-try. I love tossing them with olive oil, garlic powder, and rosemary for simple seasoning options. For cooking techniques, I roast them at 400°F until they're crispy outside and tender inside. They're so easy to make, and their rich flavor pairs perfectly with the pasta.
Fresh Fruit Salad
After enjoying the savory richness of roasted potatoes, a fresh fruit salad can be an invigorating contrast to balance the meal. I love how a thoughtful fruit pairing can brighten up the plate, especially with a seasonal selection like juicy berries in summer or crisp apples in fall. It's light, revitalizing, and adds a pop of color that makes the whole meal feel complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Yes, I can use a different pasta shape—it's totally fine to experiment. Noodle alternatives like penne, farfalle, or spaghetti work well too. It's all about what I have on hand or prefer in my dish.
Is This Recipe Freezer-Friendly?
I'd say this recipe's great for freezer storage. I've stored it before, and it reheats well. It's perfect for meal prep—just portion it into containers and freeze. I've found it stays fresh for weeks.
Can I Substitute Ground Beef With Turkey?
In this day and age, swapping ground beef for turkey's a smart move. I'd say turkey benefits include being leaner and healthier. Flavor comparison? It's milder but still works if you spice it up right.
How Long Does It Take to Cook?
It usually takes about 15-20 minutes to cook at medium-high cooking temperature, depending on recipe variations and ingredients. I'd suggest checking for doneness as I go, especially if I tweak the recipe for different flavors.
Can I Make It Without Garlic?
I can make it without garlic; I'll use garlic alternatives like shallots or chives. For flavor substitutes, I'll try herbs like parsley or basil. I'll adjust, I'll experiment, I'll still create something delicious.
