Description
This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a comforting meal that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with hearty meat and pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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