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
Scale
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.
