Description
This Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef recipe is a deliciously creamy, hearty pasta dish that combines savory ground beef with tender bowtie pasta, all wrapped up in a rich, tomato-based sauce. With only 30 minutes of cooking time, this comforting meal is perfect for weeknight dinners and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring until well combined. Then, add the shredded cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring it’s well coated in the creamy beef sauce. Heat for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Choosing the Right Pasta: Bowtie pasta (farfalle) is ideal for this dish because its shape holds the creamy sauce well, but feel free to substitute with other short pasta like penne or rotini if that’s what you have on hand.
- Adjusting the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick after adding the cheese, simply stir in a little more beef broth or milk to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, let it simmer a bit longer if you prefer a thicker sauce.
- For a Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the paprika to give the sauce a subtle heat.
- Make it a One-Pot Meal: While this recipe calls for boiling the pasta separately, you can make it a one-pot dish by adding uncooked pasta directly to the skillet with extra beef broth and simmering until the pasta is tender.
- Vegetable Variations: Enhance the dish by adding chopped veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Sauté them with the onion and garlic to build additional layers of flavor.
- Storing Leftovers: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce smooth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal