Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Ground Beef Sauce Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Ground Beef Sauce Recipe is here to become your new weeknight favorite. This dish masterfully combines tender bowtie pasta with a rich, velvety sauce that balances hearty ground beef, savory tomatoes, and luscious cream. Every bite is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly, making it perfect for family dinners or impressing friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of how simple and straightforward the ingredients are, each playing an essential role in building flavor, texture, and color. From the tender bowtie pasta providing that perfect bite to the creamy sauce that brings everything together, these staples create a consistently delicious dish.
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta: The playful shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, making each forkful satisfying.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds hearty, savory depth and a protein-packed base.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for sautéing onions and garlic without overpowering flavors.
- 1 small onion, diced: Provides subtle sweetness and aroma as it cooks down.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Packs a punch of fragrant flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Brings brightness and a slight tangy note to the sauce.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds richness and depth to the sauce for a more complex taste.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates that signature creamy texture and smooth mouthfeel.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce offering sharpness and umami.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds warmth and a gentle smokiness to enhance the flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into harmony.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal touch to finish.
How to Make Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Ground Beef Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. This ensures the pasta has just the right amount of bite to stand up to the creamy sauce without getting mushy. Once done, drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce for seamless assembly.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a spacious skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, stirring frequently until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds the aromatic foundation that your creamy ground beef sauce will be layered upon, so don’t rush through it!
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a spatula, letting it brown evenly. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Browning enhances the flavor, giving the sauce a rich, meaty backbone. Remember to drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes and Spices
Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mix to a gentle simmer to marry all those savory elements. Let it bubble away for about 5 to 10 minutes, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to reduce just enough for a concentrated taste.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Turn down the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring steadily until everything is well blended. Next, toss in your shredded cheese. This step transforms the sauce into a luxurious, creamy masterpiece with a delightful cheesy finish that clings perfectly to every piece of pasta you’ll add next.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now, gently fold your cooked bowtie pasta into the creamy ground beef sauce. Make sure each pasta piece is thoroughly coated, and let it all heat together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the dish warms through fully. This is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into something spectacular.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Garnished
Once everything is beautifully combined and heated, serve your Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Ground Beef Sauce Recipe straight from the skillet, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The vibrant green contrast and fresh aroma add the perfect finishing touch to this comforting meal.
How to Serve Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Ground Beef Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice for garnishing as it brightens the dish’s rich, creamy flavors and adds a lovely pop of green. You can also experiment with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese or a light drizzle of olive oil for an added layer of flavor and shine.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed or roasted veggies, or even some crusty bread to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce. Consider a side of garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation twist, try serving the Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Ground Beef Sauce Recipe in individual ramekins or shallow bowls for a cozy, inviting look. Garnish with a lemon wedge on the side to add a refreshing citrus zing that guests can squeeze on if they wish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken as it chills, so it might need a little stirring with a splash of broth or cream when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead for busy nights, this dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a small splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, but reheating slowly preserves the creamy texture better and prevents the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is ideal because of its saucy pockets, penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli would work beautifully to hold the creamy ground beef sauce just as well.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese to keep things creamy without dairy. The dish will still be delicious but with a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lighter alternatives. Just keep in mind the cooking time might be slightly shorter, and you may want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mildly spiced, with paprika adding warmth but little heat. If you like a spicier kick, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to suit your palate.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the creamy ground beef sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta to keep the dish as fresh as possible.
Final Thoughts
This Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Ground Beef Sauce Recipe is a wonderful go-to for anyone craving a delicious, fuss-free meal that feels indulgent yet comforting. Its crowd-pleasing flavors and simple ingredients make it an easy recipe to fall in love with, so don’t hesitate to bring it to your dinner table soon—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Ground Beef Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This comforting Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef combines tender farfalle pasta with a creamy, flavorful beef sauce enriched with tomatoes, beef broth, and cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Cheese and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to be added later.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned evenly. Drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Simmer Sauces: Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine thoroughly, then add shredded cheese and mix until melted and creamy, forming a rich sauce.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy beef sauce. Warm through for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm to enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a reduced-fat cheese.
- Use Parmesan cheese for a sharper flavor or cheddar for a milder, creamier taste.
- Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Drain excess fat after browning beef to reduce overall grease and calories.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
