Short Description
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender farfalle pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce. This one-pot meal is easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot meal – minimal cleanup required.
- Rich and creamy sauce – a perfect blend of beef broth, heavy cream, and cheese.
- Quick and easy – ready in under 30 minutes.
- Family-friendly – a comforting dish everyone will love.
- Customizable – use different cheeses or add vegetables for variety.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Medium onion, diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Beef broth
- Heavy cream
- Bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
Directions
Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the Pasta:
- Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add the bowtie pasta, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Add the Cheese and Serve:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and let the sauce thicken slightly before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a kick.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Parmesan, or a Mexican blend.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Herb Flavor: Add fresh or dried basil, oregano, or thyme for extra depth.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, rotini, or fusilli work well in this recipe.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Stir occasionally while cooking and ensure there’s enough liquid to coat the pasta.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but add a little extra liquid when reheating to keep it creamy.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of Parmesan and Monterey Jack work great.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in this dish.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Let the sauce simmer a bit longer, or mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Use whole milk or add a bit of cream cheese for richness.
How do I make this dish more flavorful?
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, or paprika for extra depth.
Is this dish gluten-free?
No, but you can use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
Can I add bacon to this recipe?
Yes, crispy bacon bits make a great topping for added flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a simple yet delicious one-pot meal that delivers rich flavors and a comforting texture. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner or a meal the whole family will love, this dish is a perfect choice. Try it today and enjoy a creamy, cheesy pasta loaded with savory goodness!
Print
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a rich and comforting one-pot meal! Made with tender ground beef, bowtie pasta, a creamy cheesy sauce, and savory seasonings, it’s an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love. Ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
Instructions
Cook the Beef & Aromatics:
- In a large skillet or pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2️⃣ Add Broth & Pasta:
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add bowtie pasta, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
3️⃣ Make It Creamy:
- Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer for 2 minutes, thickening slightly.
4️⃣ Add Cheese & Serve:
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve warm and enjoy this cheesy, creamy beef pasta!
Notes
- Use ground turkey or Italian sausage as an alternative to beef.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor
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