Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a comforting, easy-to-make dish featuring tender ground beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.
- Uses simple pantry-friendly ingredients.
- A family-friendly meal that both kids and adults will enjoy.
- Easily customizable with different seasonings, vegetables, or cheeses.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bowtie pasta
- Ground beef
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth
- Heavy cream
- Italian seasoning
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, then drain any excess grease.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes to develop flavor.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the sauce.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and stir until well combined.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Version: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
- Vegetable Addition: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef for a different flavor.
- Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream to reduce the richness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, add a bit of beef broth or milk while reheating to bring back its creamy consistency.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, rotini, or rigatoni work well as substitutes for bowtie pasta.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, milk with a bit of butter, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and store it separately. When ready to serve, reheat and mix with freshly cooked pasta.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, lean ground beef or turkey, and a lighter cream option like evaporated milk.
What seasonings can I add for extra flavor?
Try adding paprika, garlic powder, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for more depth.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the creamy and mild flavors make it a hit with kids. You can also adjust seasonings to suit their taste.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?
Yes, blend fresh tomatoes with a bit of tomato paste for a homemade sauce alternative.
Can I make this recipe in one pot?
Yes, cook the pasta in the same skillet with the broth and sauce, allowing it to absorb the flavors as it cooks.
What cheese works best for this dish?
Parmesan is ideal, but you can also use mozzarella, cheddar, or even ricotta for a different texture.
Conclusion
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a delicious, comforting meal that is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. With its rich and creamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and flavorful ground beef, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prep, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your rotation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in this rich and creamy beef and bowtie pasta recipe, featuring tender beef chunks in a savory, velvety sauce with perfectly cooked farfalle pasta. A comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to make for a weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat (cubed)
- 2 cups bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the beef: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add onions and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Prepare the sauce: Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and return the beef to the pan. Cover and let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the beef is tender.
- Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine & serve: Toss in the cooked bowtie pasta and mix everything together. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!
Notes
- You can use ground beef instead of stew meat for a quicker version.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce with more broth or cream if needed.
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