Rich Beef And Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Savory Beef & Bowtie Pasta Recipe: A Hearty Family Favorite

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this rich beef bowtie pasta that promises pure culinary delight.

Tender chunks of seasoned beef mingle effortlessly with perfectly cooked pasta shapes.

The harmonious blend of savory flavors creates a meal that sings with every bite.

Hearty ingredients come together in a symphony of taste and texture.

Each forkful delivers a comforting embrace of home-style cooking.

Packed with robust seasonings and carefully selected ingredients, this dish transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

You’ll want to savor every delectable morsel of this irresistible pasta creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 7

Beef and Bowtie Pasta Ingredient Collection

For Pasta Base:
  • Bowtie Pasta: Delightful twisty shape perfect for holding onto creamy sauce, choose high-quality durum wheat pasta for best texture.
For Protein and Aromatics:
  • Ground Beef, Onion, Garlic: Rich protein base with deep savory flavor, select lean ground beef for lighter dish, use fresh onions for crisp sweetness and garlic for aromatic punch.
For Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • Diced Tomatoes, Beef Broth, Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Flavor-building heroes that create depth and complexity, opt for fire-roasted tomatoes for extra richness, choose low-sodium broth for better salt control.
For Creamy and Finishing Elements:
  • Heavy Cream, Shredded Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Luxurious sauce creators that add silky texture and bright finish, select full-fat cream for ultimate smoothness, use sharp cheddar or blend of cheeses for robust flavor, choose vibrant green parsley for fresh garnish.
For Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Smooth cooking medium with heart-healthy benefits, use extra virgin for best flavor profile.

Tools for a Beef and Pasta Meal

  • Large Skillet or Pot: Essential for browning beef and creating the sauce.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and garlic.
  • Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise dicing and mincing ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
  • Colander: Helpful for draining cooked pasta.
  • Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurately adding seasonings.
  • Cheese Grater: Ideal for shredding cheese if not pre-shredded.

Directions to Cook Beef Bowtie Pasta Comfortably

  • Boil Pasta Perfectly

Toss bowtie pasta into bubbling water, cooking until tender yet firm. Drain and set aside, ready for deliciousness.

  • Brown Savory Beef

Warm olive oil in a hefty skillet. Tumble ground beef and chopped onions, sizzling until meat turns golden and onions soften. Sprinkle minced garlic, letting aromas dance for a moment.

  • Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

Pour diced tomatoes with their juices, splash beef broth, and shower with Italian seasoning and smoked paprika. Let everything simmer and mingle, developing deep, rich tastes.

  • Transform into Creamy

Lower heat and swirl heavy cream into the mixture. Gently fold shredded cheese until sauce becomes silky and luxurious.

  • Marry Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold cooked bowtie pasta into the creamy beef sauce, ensuring every pasta piece gets coated with delectable goodness.

  • Serve with Flair

Dust with fresh parsley and serve piping hot, ready to delight hungry friends and family.

Flavor Adjustments for a Bolder Dish

  • Mastering the Creamy Beef Bowtie Dish
  • Ensure your pasta is perfectly al dente by salting the water generously and testing a piece 1-2 minutes before the package instructions suggest. This prevents mushy pasta and locks in that ideal texture.
  • For a healthier twist, replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. These leaner proteins work wonderfully and cut down on saturated fat while maintaining the dish's rich flavor profile.
  • Lactose-intolerant pasta lovers can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast to create a creamy sauce that's equally delicious and allergen-friendly.
  • Want to kick the flavor up a notch? Add red pepper flakes, smoked chipotle powder, or a dash of hot sauce to bring some exciting heat to the dish. Experiment with different spice levels to match your taste preferences.
  • This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat slowly, adding a splash of broth to restore the creamy consistency when you're ready to enjoy.

Serving Pasta Bowls for Family Dinner

  • Family Comfort Plating: Serve this hearty pasta in large, shallow bowls that showcase the creamy beef and bowtie pasta's rich colors and textures.
  • Herb Garden Freshness: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or chives on top to add brightness and a pop of green color that enhances the dish's visual appeal.
  • Bread Pairing Delight: Complement the creamy pasta with warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying crunch.
  • Side Salad Balance: Add a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the creamy beef pasta and create a well-rounded meal.

Tips to Keep Pasta in the Fridge

  • Transfer leftovers into airtight glass containers to maintain freshness for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Portion the pasta in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Freeze up to 2 months for quick future meals.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to restore sauce's original creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
  • Prepare beef sauce and pasta separately. Store components in separate containers, mixing just before serving to prevent pasta from becoming soggy. This technique keeps each ingredient's texture and flavor perfectly intact.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells that hold sauce well.

  • Is this dish spicy?

No, this recipe has mild seasoning. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the beef.

  • Can I make this recipe with ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this creamy pasta dish. Just ensure the turkey is fully cooked before adding other ingredients.

  • How can I make this recipe lighter?

To reduce calories, use ground turkey instead of beef, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, and choose a reduced-fat cheese option.

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Rich Beef And Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Rich Beef And Bowtie Pasta Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Rich and hearty Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta brings comfort to dinner tables with Italian-inspired flavors. Parmesan cheese and tender beef create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pasta Preparation: Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Meat Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown ground beef with onions, cooking until meat is fully caramelized and onions turn translucent, approximately 6-7 minutes.
  3. Aromatic Enhancement: Add minced garlic and sauté briefly, releasing intense flavors while stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
  4. Liquid Infusion: Pour diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Simmer the mixture for 5-6 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and develop rich flavors.
  5. Creamy Transformation: Reduce heat to low, gently incorporate heavy cream, and warm for 2-3 minutes to create a velvety base.
  6. Cheese Integration: Slowly add shredded cheese, stirring methodically until the sauce becomes smooth and uniform without any visible cheese lumps.
  7. Final Combination: Carefully fold the reserved bowtie pasta into the creamy beef sauce, ensuring complete and even coating of each pasta piece.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and herbal freshness. Serve immediately while hot, presenting a comforting and delectable meal.

Notes

  • Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with sauce, ensuring a delightful texture throughout the dish.
  • Meat Browning Technique: Achieve deep flavor by allowing ground beef to develop a golden-brown crust before breaking it apart, maximizing caramelization and taste.
  • Cream Incorporation Trick: Add heavy cream gradually and on low heat to prevent curdling, maintaining a smooth and silky sauce consistency.
  • Cheese Melting Strategy: Remove skillet from direct heat when adding cheese, stirring continuously to create a velvety sauce without developing unwanted grainy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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