Name: A Comforting and Flavorful Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle); 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup tomato sauce; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (if needed); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, creamy, and cheesy bowl of beef bowtie pasta. This dish is the perfect balance of rich, savory flavors and comforting textures, making it a family favorite in my home. The combination of tender ground beef, al dente bowtie pasta, and a creamy, tomato-based sauce topped with melted cheese creates a meal that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare.

I love how quickly this recipe comes together, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that taste like you put in way more effort than you actually did, and the leftovers—if you have any—taste even better the next day. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this beef bowtie pasta!

Why You’ll Love This Beef Bowtie Pasta

Easy and Quick – This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy schedule.
One-Pot Wonder – Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
Creamy and Cheesy – A luscious, velvety sauce coats every bite of pasta.
Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike love the comforting flavors.
Versatile – You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

What Type of Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?

While bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle) is the classic choice for this dish, you can easily swap it out for other pasta shapes. Bowtie pasta holds the creamy sauce beautifully, thanks to its ridged and folded shape. However, if you don’t have bowtie pasta on hand, penne, rigatoni, or rotini work just as well. These shapes also help trap the delicious beef and cheesy sauce, ensuring each bite is full of flavor.

If you prefer a lighter option, you can use whole wheat pasta for added fiber or even gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.

Options for Substitutions

This beef bowtie pasta recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to make swaps based on what you have available or your dietary preferences.

Ground Beef → Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
Heavy Cream → Use half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a lighter version.
Tomato Sauce → Swap with marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes with added seasonings.
Cheese → While mozzarella is a classic choice, try cheddar, provolone, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra depth.
Pasta → Use whole wheat, chickpea, or gluten-free pasta to suit your needs.
Veggies → Want to add more nutrition? Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra color and texture.

These substitutions allow you to make this dish your own while keeping it just as delicious and satisfying!

Ingredients for This Beef Bowtie Pasta

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in bringing out the rich, comforting flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle) – This pasta shape holds the sauce beautifully and gives the dish a satisfying bite.
Ground Beef – Adds a hearty, savory element that makes this meal filling and delicious.
Onion – Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that enhances the beef.
Garlic – A must-have for boosting the overall taste with its aromatic richness.
Tomato Sauce – Forms the base of the sauce, giving the dish a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
Heavy Cream – Creates a creamy, luscious texture that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese – Melts into the pasta, making it extra cheesy and irresistible.
Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor with hints of oregano, basil, and thyme.
Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings to bring out the best flavors in the dish.
Fresh Parsley (optional) – Adds a pop of freshness and color as a finishing touch.

Each ingredient comes together to create a rich, comforting, and flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once done, drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let it warm up for a minute, then add half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it gently to coat it evenly with the sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavors.

Step 7: Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the pasta, cover the skillet, and let it sit for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts. You can also broil it in the oven for a golden, bubbly top.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

How Long to Cook the Beef Bowtie Pasta

This dish comes together in about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. Here’s a breakdown of the cooking time:

Boiling the pasta – 8-10 minutes (depending on the brand and type)
Browning the beef – 5-7 minutes
Sautéing onions and garlic – 3-4 minutes
Simmering the sauce – 5 minutes
Melting the cheese and combining everything – 3-5 minutes

Everything cooks quickly, making this a fantastic choice for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Tips for Perfect Beef Bowtie Pasta

Salt your pasta water – This enhances the overall flavor of the dish right from the start.
Don’t overcook the pasta – Cook it until al dente, as it will continue to absorb the sauce when mixed.
Drain excess grease from the beef – This prevents the dish from becoming too oily.
Use fresh garlic – It gives a much richer flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered garlic.
Add reserved pasta water – If the sauce is too thick, a splash of pasta water helps create a smooth, silky texture.
Melt the cheese properly – Cover the skillet for a few minutes or broil for a golden, bubbly topping.
Let it rest before serving – This allows the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken slightly.

With these tips, your beef bowtie pasta will turn out creamy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious every time!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this dish is simple, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the Pasta – Bowtie pasta can become mushy if overcooked. Cook it al dente to maintain its texture.
Not Draining the Beef Properly – Excess grease can make the dish too heavy and oily, so be sure to drain it if necessary.
Skipping the Pasta Water – A little reserved pasta water helps create a silky, well-blended sauce.
Using Too Much or Too Little Cheese – While cheese makes everything better, overloading it can make the dish too thick, and skimping on it can make it less creamy.
Forgetting to Season – Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out all the flavors in the dish.
Cooking Over High Heat When Adding Cream – Keep the heat low when stirring in the heavy cream to prevent it from curdling.
Not Letting the Cheese Melt Fully – For the best texture, allow the cheese to melt properly by covering the pan or broiling it for a bubbly, golden finish.
Serving Immediately Without Letting It Sit – Letting the pasta sit for a few minutes helps the sauce thicken and coat the pasta perfectly.

What to Serve With Beef Bowtie Pasta?

This dish is rich and hearty, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread

A crispy, buttery slice of garlic bread is the perfect side to scoop up the creamy sauce.

2. Green Salad

A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the pasta.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add extra nutrition and color to your meal.

4. Steamed Broccoli

A simple, healthy side that complements the creamy sauce without overpowering the flavors.

5. Bruschetta

Fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze on toasted bread make for a refreshing appetizer.

6. Antipasto Platter

A mix of olives, cheese, cured meats, and roasted red peppers makes a great starter.

7. Parmesan Crusted Zucchini

Crispy, cheesy zucchini rounds add a fun and flavorful crunch to your meal.

8. Classic Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and Parmesan cheese is always a winning choice with pasta.

These sides add variety and freshness, making your meal feel even more complete!

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this beef bowtie pasta stores and reheats beautifully!

Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer – This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating – Warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Estimated Nutrition

The nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients used, but here’s a general estimate per serving:

Calories: ~550-650 kcal
Protein: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~50g
Fat: ~30g
Saturated Fat: ~15g
Cholesterol: ~80mg
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~6g
Sodium: ~600-800mg

For a lighter version, you can use lean ground turkey, low-fat cheese, and whole wheat pasta to cut down on calories and fat while keeping the dish delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, cook the pasta fresh, heat the sauce, and combine them for the best taste.

2. Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage work well in place of ground beef. Each option brings a slightly different flavor to the dish.

3. How Do I Prevent the Sauce from Being Too Thick?

If your sauce turns out too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, milk, or broth to loosen it up without diluting the flavor.

4. Can I Make This Dish Spicy?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the pasta a little heat. You can also use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.

5. What’s the Best Cheese to Use for This Recipe?

Mozzarella is the classic choice, but you can also use cheddar, provolone, or a mix of Parmesan for more depth in flavor.

6. Can I Make This Pasta Dish Dairy-Free?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative, and use a plant-based cheese substitute. The texture will still be creamy and delicious.

7. How Can I Add More Vegetables?

You can mix in spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or even peas. Just sauté them with the onions or stir them into the sauce before serving.

8. Is This Dish Good for Meal Prep?

Definitely! It reheats well and makes a great meal prep option for the week. Just store individual portions in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.

Conclusion

This Beef Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor! Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a dish that never disappoints. If you love this recipe, save it on Pinterest, share it with your family and friends, and let me know how it turned out for you! Enjoy!