Hearty Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe for Comfort Nights

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delightful bowtie pasta recipe that combines rich, hearty beef in a luscious cream sauce.

Tender pasta noodles dance with perfectly seasoned ground beef, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Every bite promises a symphony of flavors that will make you swoon.

The creamy texture blends seamlessly with savory meat, promising a satisfying dinner option.

Home cooks adore how quickly this dish comes together on busy weeknights.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary meal that speaks directly to your hunger.

Prepare to savor a classic pasta dish that turns an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Flavor Boosters For Pasta

• Pasta Perfection Tips: Ensure pasta is perfectly al dente by testing a piece 1-2 minutes before package instructions suggest.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Grate cheese freshly and add gradually to prevent clumping and achieve a silky smooth sauce.
• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free bowtie pasta and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive diners.
• Spice Level Control: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat lovers, or keep it mild for sensitive palates.

Best Ways To Serve Bowtie Pasta

• Cheesy Companions: Fresh parsley or basil sprinkled on top adds bright flavor and color to the rich, creamy pasta dish.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve directly from the skillet with crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce, making meal time feel extra special.
• Side Salad Sensation: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta's richness and add fresh vegetable crunch.
• Leftover Love: Store in airtight container for 34 days in refrigerator, gently reheating with splash of broth to restore creamy texture and prevent drying out.

Store Bowtie Pasta Right

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within two hours of cooking, keeping the pasta and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor integrity.
• Freezing Friendly Method: Transfer cooled pasta dish to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly and labeling with date. Freeze up to three months for convenient future meals.
• Reheating Magic Technique: Warm refrigerated pasta in microwave with splashed beef broth or milk to restore creamy texture. Stir occasionally and heat in 30-second intervals until steaming hot.
• Smart Portion Planning: Divide recipe into individual meal containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Use glass containers for better heat distribution and cleaner storage experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 510 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients For Beef & Bowtie Pasta

• Bowtie Pasta: Whimsical shape that holds sauce beautifully, perfect for catching all the cheesy goodness and creating delightful texture in every bite.

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty protein that adds robust flavor and satisfying texture to the dish.
• Onion: Provides sweet undertones and aromatic base that deepens the overall taste profile.
• Garlic: Intensely fragrant ingredient that brings sharp, bold flavor to the entire recipe.
• Beef Broth: Adds extra depth and richness to the sauce, enhancing the meaty essence.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking medium that helps prevent sticking and adds subtle richness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheese that melts beautifully, creating a golden, creamy texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Stretchy and mild cheese that contributes silky smoothness to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious ingredient that creates an incredibly rich and velvety sauce consistency.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that introduces classic Mediterranean flavor profiles.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and elevate all other ingredients.

• Tomato Sauce: Provides tangy, bright base for the entire dish.
• Parsley or Basil: Fresh herbs that add vibrant color and light, aromatic finish.

Tools For Beef Bowtie Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling and cooking pasta perfectly.
• Large skillet: Crucial for browning beef and creating the sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Help measure ingredients accurately.
• Cutting board: Useful for chopping onions and herbs.
• Chef's knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.

Cook Cheesy Pasta With Beef

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Drop bowtie pasta into salted water and cook until tender. Drain and set aside for later magic.

• Brown Meat and Aromatics

Sizzle ground beef with diced onions in a skillet until meat turns golden and onions become translucent. Remove extra grease if necessary.

• Build Flavor Foundations

Sprinkle garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture. Let spices dance and release their aromatic potential for one minute.

• Create Delicious Sauce

Pour tomato sauce and beef broth into the skillet. Allow mixture to bubble and merge flavors for several minutes.

• Melt Cheese Magic

Reduce heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and heavy cream. Blend until sauce becomes silky and luxurious.

• Marry Pasta and Sauce

Fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce. Toss gently to ensure every bowtie is generously coated.

• Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!