If you’re craving something that wraps you in a warm, cozy hug on a plate, then look no further than this Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe. It’s a harmonious blend of tender bowtie pasta tangled lovingly in a luscious, creamy sauce loaded with savory ground beef, vibrant tomatoes, and melted cheeses that bring everything together brilliantly. Every forkful bursts with rich flavors and textures that feel both familiar and indulgent, making it the perfect dish to brighten any weeknight dinner or to impress family and friends with effortless flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully selected to balance flavors and textures, making it approachable yet deeply satisfying. From the tender pasta to the creamy sauce and savory beef, each component plays a crucial role in crafting this delicious dish.
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce and bits of beef.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty, savory richness that’s central to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed): Helps in browning the beef and sautéing the onions gracefully.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a sweet and aromatic depth when softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that enhances the savory profile.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend to elevate the sauce with Mediterranean notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Offers a mild smoky warmth and vibrant color.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and highlighting all the flavors.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained: Contribute a fresh, slightly tangy brightness to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce: Adds smooth texture and deepens the tomato flavor.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: The key to that irresistible creamy finish that binds everything together.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Introduces a savory background note that enhances the ground beef.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds gooey, rich goodness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty layer of flavor for complexity.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbal note to brighten each bite.
How to Make Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta to Perfection
Start by bringing salted water to a boil and cooking the bowtie pasta until just al dente—this means it should be tender but with a bit of a bite, perfect to soak up the creamy sauce without turning mushy. Drain and set it aside but keep it warm so it’s ready to mingle with the sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it off to avoid greasiness, but make sure to keep all that meaty flavor locked in for the sauce.
Step 3: Build Flavor with Onions and Garlic
To the beef, add your finely chopped onions and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and turn translucent. Then toss in the minced garlic along with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for another minute, letting the fragrant aromatics wake up your senses.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Tomato Sauce
Pour in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and beef broth, stirring to combine beautifully. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer—this allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken over about 5 to 6 minutes. Watching this transformation is almost as satisfying as eating it.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheeses
Once the sauce has thickened to that creamy perfection, add the cooked bowtie pasta back into the skillet. Stir well to coat every piece in that flavorful sauce. Then, sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, stirring gently until melted and thoroughly combined. This is where the dish truly becomes comfort food, with every bite saturated in cheesy, creamy goodness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a cheerful, green color but also a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness beautifully. Feel free to add an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese or even a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables gives you a lovely textural contrast and adds a fresh brightness to your meal. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread also makes an irresistible companion to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets can make the meal feel extra special, perfect for cozy dinners. You can also try topping each serving with a fried egg for brunch-style indulgence or mix in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra layers of flavor and nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe, simply transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste delicious too.
Freezing
If you want to keep this meal longer, place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s a fantastic dish to prepare in advance for busy days or unexpected guests craving comfort food.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of beef broth or cream while reheating helps maintain that rich, creamy texture without drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is ideal for holding the sauce, penne, rotini, or even shells would work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta you choose.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. The dish will still be comforting, though the flavor will subtly shift.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake it?
Definitely! After mixing everything, transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. It’s a great option for potlucks.
How spicy is the dish?
This recipe is mild with just a touch of paprika for gentle warmth. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if you prefer more heat.
What can I add for extra veggies?
Try tossing in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini when sautéing the onions for added color, nutrition, and flavor variety.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe enough for anyone who loves a cozy, flavorful meal that’s easy to make but feels truly special. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this dish brings warmth, satisfaction, and smiles all around your table. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort food!
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Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy ground beef and bowtie pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta with a rich, flavorful beef and tomato cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics and Seasonings: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for about 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Add Tomatoes and Liquids: Pour in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–6 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy beef sauce.
- Add Cheese: Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce, creating a creamy and cheesy texture.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or pasta water to loosen it.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be added for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
