Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Creamy Comfort Dish

Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Creamy Comfort Dish

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• Author: Arianna
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 1 large pot of pasta 1x

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Description

This Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. Tender bowtie pasta is coated in a rich tomato and cheese sauce, combined with seasoned ground beef for a comforting meal the whole family will love. This easy one-pan recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and is great for busy weeknights!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

• Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Brown the beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
• Sauté the aromatics: Add diced onions and garlic to the beef, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
• Season the meat: Stir in salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
• Add tomatoes and sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes.
• Make it creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and butter until combined.
• Melt the cheese: Add 1 cup of cheddar cheese and mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
• Combine with pasta: Toss the cooked bowtie pasta into the sauce and mix well to coat evenly.
• Serve hot: Garnish with fresh parsley and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 servings
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 32g

Few dishes bring as much warmth and satisfaction as a cheesy beef bowtie pasta. This dish combines tender pasta, juicy seasoned beef, and a rich, gooey cheese sauce, making it an instant favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.

Pasta lovers know that choosing the right pasta shape makes a big difference. Bowtie pasta (also called Farfalle) is perfect for this dish because its ridged texture traps the creamy sauce in every bite. Combined with seasoned ground beef and two kinds of cheese, this dish is a comfort food classic that never disappoints.

Beyond its incredible taste, this recipe is versatile and beginner-friendly. Whether you prefer a classic approach or want to experiment with different cheeses and add-ins, this guide will walk you through everything step-by-step. Plus, we’ll share expert tips to help you avoid common mistakes and make the best cheesy beef bowtie pasta every time.

Why Use Bowtie Pasta?

Bowtie pasta isn’t just about looks—it plays a crucial role in this dish. Here’s why it works so well:

• Holds Sauce Well: The unique shape and ridges help trap the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
• Firm and Sturdy: Unlike thinner pasta, bowtie pasta doesn’t fall apart easily when tossed with a rich sauce and hearty ingredients.
• Versatile for Any Dish: This pasta is commonly used in both hot and cold recipes, making it a great kitchen staple.

📌For a deeper dive into pasta shapes and how to use them effectively, check out this guide on different pasta types.

Ingredients and Instructions

The key to a perfect pasta dish is quality ingredients. Below is a complete breakdown of what you need.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the Bowtie Pasta

• Fill a large pot with water and a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil.
• Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions (typically 10-12 minutes).
• Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later use.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
• Drain excess grease if necessary, leaving a small amount for flavor.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

• Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet.
• Cook for 3 minutes until the onions turn soft and translucent.
• Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

4. Make the Sauce

• Pour in tomato sauce and heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
• Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach the perfect consistency.

5. Combine Everything

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat it in the sauce.
• Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
• Continue stirring until the cheese melts, forming a creamy, cheesy beef bowtie pasta dish.

6. Perfecting the Cheese Sauce for Maximum Creaminess

A perfectly smooth and creamy cheese sauce takes this dish to the next level. However, if not handled correctly, cheese can clump or separate. To avoid that, follow these essential tips:

• Choose the right cheese: For the creamiest consistency, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that affect melting.
• Gradually add cheese: Stir in cheese one handful at a time, ensuring each batch fully melts before adding more.
• Keep the heat low: High heat causes cheese to curdle. Maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil.
• Enhance the flavor: A pinch of nutmeg or mustard powder deepens the cheese sauce’s flavor profile, adding a subtle richness.
• Fix a grainy sauce: If the sauce turns grainy, whisk in a little heavy cream or reserved pasta water to smooth it out.

7. Final Assembly: Bringing It All Together

Once your cheese sauce is silky and thick, it’s time to combine everything for the final dish:

• Toss in the cooked pasta: Add the drained bowtie pasta directly into the skillet with the cheese sauce.
• Coat evenly: Stir well so that every piece of pasta is covered in the rich, creamy mixture.
• Adjust the consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to loosen it slightly.
• Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Pasta

• Al dente is key—pasta should still have a slight bite. If it’s overcooked, it will turn mushy when mixed with the sauce.

Draining Too Much Fat

• A little fat = extra flavor! If using lean beef, avoid draining all the fat, as it helps carry the seasonings and creates a richer taste.

Using Pre-Shredded Cheese

• Grate your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth

Pro Tips & Delicious Variations

While this recipe is already incredibly flavorful, a few creative modifications can make it even better:

Make It Spicy

• Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a subtle heat.
• Use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a bold, smoky kick.

Healthier Swaps

• Substitute whole wheat or chickpea pasta for extra fiber.
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or evaporated milk to cut down on fat without sacrificing creaminess.

Vegetarian Version

• Swap out the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Try a mix of cheddar, Parmesan, and ricotta for a deeply satisfying meat-free version.

Cheese Alternatives for Different Flavors

• Use Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese for a unique flavor twist.
• Add a spoonful of cream cheese for an extra smooth and creamy texture.

📌For another cheesy, crowd-pleasing meal, check out this ultimate cheesy chicken casserole.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Even simple recipes like this one can go wrong if a few key steps are overlooked. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Overcooking the Pasta

• Always cook pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta absorbs too much sauce, becoming mushy.

2. Using the Wrong Cheese

• Avoid pre-shredded cheese, which contains additives that affect melting. Freshly grated cheese melts better.

3. Draining Too Much Fat from the Beef

• A little fat enhances flavor. If using lean beef, leave a small amount of fat in the pan for richness.

4. Not Reserving Pasta Water

• Starchy pasta water helps thicken the sauce and bind everything together.

FAQs – Your Questions Answered

📌For more delicious pasta dishes, explore this flavorful spaghetti casserole recipe.

Conclusion

This cheesy beef bowtie pasta is the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and easy preparation. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with different proteins, spices, or cheeses, it’s guaranteed to be a family favorite.

By following this guide, you’ll master the best pasta texture, the richest cheese sauce, and the most flavorful seasonings—all in one simple recipe. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, beefy, delicious bite!