If you’re in search of a dish that effortlessly combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the hearty satisfaction of meat and pasta, look no further than this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also an easy family dinner option that’s perfect for any busy weeknight. Picture your family gathered around the table, savoring the rich flavors of tender bowtie pasta enveloped in a luscious garlic butter sauce packed with savory ground beef. It’s a comforting meal that hits all the right notes: rich and indulgent yet quick to prepare!
One of the best aspects of this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe is its versatility. With a handful of staple ingredients, you can create a dish that is easily adaptable to suit different tastes and preferences. Want to make it a bit healthier? Swap out the ground beef for turkey or incorporate more vegetables. Craving extra heat? Toss in some spicy pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce. This recipe allows room for creativity while still being straightforward and approachable, making it ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness that makes every bite a delight.
- Quick Recipe: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed hit for the whole family, even the picky eaters will love it!
- Versatile: Easily customize it with your favorite proteins and vegetables.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance and reheat for a quick meal.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this cheesy pasta goodness, let’s ensure your kitchen is ready for success. Start by gathering your ingredients and tools: a large pot for boiling pasta, a measuring cup, a large skillet for cooking the beef and sauce, and a whisk for avoiding lumps in your sauce. Additionally, having a spatula or a wooden spoon handy will help with mixing everything together thoroughly.
Make sure you have ample space on your countertop and that all your tools are clean and ready. Prepping ingredients like chopping onions and mincing garlic beforehand will save time. With everything in place, you’ll be set to whip up this delicious Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta without any last-minute hitches.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This step is crucial as the salt not only flavors the pasta but also enhances the dish overall. Once boiling, add in the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Make sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta, as this starchy water can help adjust the sauce’s consistency later. Drain the pasta and set it aside, allowing it to steam out excess water.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the ground beef, and use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Allow it to brown for about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 3 minutes until the onions become translucent and tender. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, ensuring that all flavors meld together. Once browned, transfer the beef mixture to a plate and set aside. This step infuses the beef with flavored aromatics, making it extra delicious.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic you set aside for the sauce, sautéing it for about a minute until fragrant. Next, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of flour, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This roux will help thicken up the sauce later. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to ensure there are no lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer for around 3 minutes or until it thickens slightly, creating a creamy base for your pasta.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses until it’s completely melted into the sauce. Then, add the cooked pasta and the browned beef back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too thick for your liking, don’t hesitate to splash in some of that reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. This step is vital for creating a luscious, creamy coating that glistens.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Finally, transfer your cheesy beef and bowtie pasta onto plates or into bowls for serving. For that extra burst of flavor and color, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese. Serve this delightful dish immediately while it’s warm, and get ready to indulge in the cheesy, garlicky goodness!
Variations
- Protein: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for different flavor profiles.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms to incorporate more nutrition and variety.
- Spices: Experiment with special spices like smoked paprika or add fresh herbs like basil for an aromatic touch.
Cooking Notes
- Adjust the cooking time for the pasta according to brand instructions to achieve the perfect al dente texture.
- This dish can be made ahead of time; simply reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- If you’re looking for extra crunch, consider topping with breadcrumbs before baking it briefly in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette for a complementary side.
- Add garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Always reserve pasta water; it’s the secret weapon to achieving perfect sauce consistency.
- Feel free to adjust cheeses based on your preference. Cheddar or gouda can add a unique twist.
- For an even quicker meal, use pre-cooked ground beef or rotisserie chicken.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 34g
- Sodium: 760mg
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat and add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.
What if I don’t have bowtie pasta?
No problem! This recipe works well with various pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to include your favorite veggies, such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini, for added nutrition and flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat from the red pepper flakes is optional, so you can adjust or omit it based on your preference. You can also add more for extra spice!
Conclusion
This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings everyone together. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and hearty ingredients, it’s the perfect comfort food to whip up on a busy weeknight or any time you need a quick, satisfying dinner. Don’t forget that the beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—it can be tailored to suit what you have on hand! We encourage you to try this recipe, and explore your unique variations. Remember to leave a comment below with your thoughts or any twists you made that delighted your family’s taste buds. Happy cooking!
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Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a comforting meal that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with hearty meat and pasta.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This step is crucial as the salt not only flavors the pasta but also enhances the dish overall. Once boiling, add in the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Make sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta, as this starchy water can help adjust the sauce’s consistency later. Drain the pasta and set it aside, allowing it to steam out excess water.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the ground beef, and use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Allow it to brown for about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 3 minutes until the onions become translucent and tender. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, ensuring that all flavors meld together. Once browned, transfer the beef mixture to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic you set aside for the sauce, sautéing it for about a minute until fragrant. Next, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of flour, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to ensure there are no lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer for around 3 minutes or until it thickens slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses until completely melted into the sauce. Then, add the cooked pasta and browned beef back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too thick for your liking, don’t hesitate to splash in some of that reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Finally, transfer your cheesy beef and bowtie pasta onto plates or into bowls for serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese. Serve this delightful dish immediately while it’s warm.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead of time; simply reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Protein: 34 g