If you’re in the mood for a cozy, crave-worthy dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender farfalle noodles, rich and savory ground beef, a velvety tomato cream sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese—all bubbling together in one skillet. This dish is the definition of easy comfort, perfect for busy families, picky eaters, or anyone who wants a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. Trust me: one bite and you’ll understand why this recipe is a staple in my kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food is how each ingredient works its magic, creating layers of flavor and irresistible texture. You probably have most items on hand, and every single one plays a role in making this dish so special.
- Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: Its fun shape holds onto all that creamy sauce, making each bite extra satisfying.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the beef and onions brown perfectly.
- Ground beef: The star protein, bringing hearty flavor and a tender bite.
- Onion: Diced small, it melts into the sauce for subtle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Just two cloves add a punch of aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a classic, comforting vibe.
- Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and warmth without overpowering the sauce.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish just right.
- Black pepper: Brings a gentle heat to round out the flavors.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor gives the sauce body and tang.
- Diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds juiciness and just the right amount of texture to the sauce.
- Beef broth: Deepens the savory notes and helps the sauce come together fluidly.
- Heavy cream: The secret to a silky, luscious sauce you’ll want to scoop up with bread.
- Cheddar or mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible melt and stretch—pick your favorite, or use both!
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful finish that brightens every bowl.
How to Make Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Don’t overcook—those cute little noodles will keep soaking up sauce later. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. This step is quick but crucial: perfectly cooked pasta is the foundation of Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
While your pasta is bubbling away, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the beef is browned and no pink remains, and the onion is soft and fragrant. If there’s extra fat, drain it off, so your sauce isn’t greasy—just rich and fabulous!
Step 3: Season and Build Flavor
Next, stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let everything cook for a minute, just until the garlic is fragrant and the spices bloom. Then add the tomato paste and cook for another minute; this step caramelizes the tomato, giving your sauce a deeper, more complex flavor that makes Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food truly unforgettable.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes along with the beef broth, stirring well to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This allows all those savory flavors to mingle, and the sauce to thicken just a bit—your kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts and the sauce turns creamy and smooth. This is the magic moment when everything comes together into a silky, dreamy sauce that’s the hallmark of Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the drained, cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together so every bowtie is coated in that luscious sauce. Serve it hot, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Now, dig in and savor every bite!
How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley not only adds a burst of color but also brightens the rich, creamy sauce. Try a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan for an extra layer of cheesy goodness, or a few cracks of black pepper for a little zing. Even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can bring a gentle heat if you like things spicy.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up every drop of sauce. For a lighter touch, try steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus alongside Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style dinner, serve the pasta straight out of the skillet at the center of the table, letting everyone dig in. If you want to impress guests, spoon the pasta into shallow bowls and top each with an extra sprinkle of cheese and parsley. You can even serve it in individual ramekins for a cozy, casserole-style twist on Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Simply transfer it to an airtight container once cooled. The flavors will deepen as they mingle, so your leftovers might be even tastier the next day!
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of time, this pasta freezes well. Let it cool completely, then pack it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. For best results, freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat and add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir gently until heated through and creamy once again. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through for even heating. Either way, Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food tastes just as dreamy the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta holds the sauce beautifully, you can swap in penne, rotini, or even shells if that’s what you have on hand. The creamy sauce will cling to just about any shape, so feel free to use your favorite or whatever’s in your pantry.
Can I make this dish lighter?
Yes! For a lighter version of Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be a bit less rich and creamy.
Is it okay to add vegetables?
Definitely. This recipe is super flexible—add a couple of handfuls of baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, or bell peppers when you’re sautéing the beef and onions. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without losing that comforting flavor.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar and mozzarella are both fantastic—cheddar brings a sharp, tangy bite, while mozzarella melts into stretchy, creamy pools. You can even use a blend, or try Monterey Jack or provolone for a little twist. Just choose a cheese that melts well for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply swap the regular bowtie pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free pastas can be more delicate. The rest of Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a meal that feels like a warm hug, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food. It’s quick, fuss-free, and guaranteed to put smiles around the table. Give it a try and let it earn its place in your regular dinner rotation—you just might find it becomes your own family favorite, too!
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Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This creamy ground beef and bowtie pasta dish is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory seasoned beef with a rich, cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, it’s a hearty meal that satisfies cravings and feeds the family with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
For Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 10-12 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the Beef and Onions: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned and onions are soft, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to reduce greasiness.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until the aromas are released. Add tomato paste and cook another minute, stirring frequently to blend flavors.
- Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes to develop a rich sauce.
- Make it Creamy: Lower heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy beef sauce.
- Serve: Dish out the pasta while warm, garnished with chopped parsley if using, for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- For a lighter dish, substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Add fresh or sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or other veggies for extra nutrition and texture.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
