Bowtie Pasta With Ground Beef Recipe

Sizzling Bowtie Pasta With Ground Beef Recipe For Cozy Nights

Crafting a delightful bowtie pasta with ground beef brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Pasta shapes make every bite playful and exciting.

Hearty ground beef adds robust flavor and satisfying protein to this classic dish.

Simple ingredients combine magically, creating a meal that feels both familiar and fresh.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together during busy weeknights.

Seasoned with herbs and rich spices, the dish promises a delicious adventure for hungry appetites.

Dive into this culinary experience and savor every delectable forkful.

Why Bowtie Pasta With Ground Beef Is A Winner

  • Quick and Satisfying Meal: Perfect for busy nights when you crave a hearty, delicious dinner that doesn't require complicated cooking techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combines classic ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and creamy sauce that appeal to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners.
  • Versatile Cooking Experience: Allows home cooks of all skill levels to create a restaurant-quality meal with simple steps and readily available ingredients, boosting kitchen confidence.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by preparing the entire dish in a single pan, reducing the number of dishes and saving precious time after meal preparation.

What You’ll Need For Bowtie Pasta With Ground Beef

For the Pasta:
  • Bowtie Pasta: A playful, bow-shaped pasta that holds sauce beautifully and provides a delightful texture to the dish.
For the Meat and Base:
  • Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful protein that forms the hearty foundation of the recipe.
  • Onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic base to the sauce, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
  • Garlic: Provides a pungent and robust flavor that complements the beef and creates a classic taste profile.
For the Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: A cooking medium that helps sauté ingredients and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
  • Tomato Paste: Concentrates and deepens the tomato flavor in the sauce.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds fresh tomato texture and bright acidity to the sauce.
  • Beef Broth: Enriches the sauce with a savory, meaty liquid base.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety texture and softens the sauce's sharp edges.
For the Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the dish's overall flavor.
  • Dried Oregano, Dried Basil: Classic Italian herbs that provide aromatic and traditional Mediterranean notes.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that adds a finishing touch of richness.
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that garnishes and adds a pop of color.

Easy Steps For Bowtie Pasta With Ground Beef

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a boil and cook bowtie pasta until perfectly tender, usually taking about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Prep Aromatics

Finely chop onions and mince garlic, setting them aside for the next stage of cooking.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it into small crumbles using a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until the meat develops a rich golden-brown color and releases its flavorful juices.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Toss the chopped onions and minced garlic into the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 5: Build the Sauce Base

Introduce tomato paste to the skillet, stirring to create a deep, concentrated flavor foundation.

Step 6: Simmer the Sauce

Add:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Beef broth

Let the mixture simmer and reduce, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 5 minutes.

Step 7: Drain the Pasta

Strain the cooked pasta, keeping a small amount of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.

Step 8: Create Creamy Texture

Pour heavy cream into the beef mixture, stirring to create a luxurious and smooth sauce.

Step 9: Season and Enhance

Sprinkle in dried oregano and basil, mixing thoroughly to distribute the herbs evenly throughout the sauce.

Step 10: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the bowtie pasta into the creamy beef sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated with the flavorful mixture.

Step 11: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Step 12: Serve Immediately

Enjoy the dish while it’s hot, savoring the rich, creamy flavors at their absolute best.

Top Tips For Bowtie Pasta With Ground Beef

  • Pasta Water Trick: Save a splash of starchy pasta water to help thicken and smooth out the sauce if it becomes too dry.
  • Meat Browning Technique: Cook ground beef on high heat to develop a rich, caramelized flavor that adds depth to the entire dish.
  • Herb Enhancement: Crush dried herbs between your fingers before adding to release more intense aromatics and boost overall flavor profile.
  • Cream Incorporation Method: Add heavy cream slowly and stir continuously to prevent sauce from separating and ensure a silky, uniform texture.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace bowtie pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version of the meal.

Yummy Styles Of Bowtie Pasta With Ground Beef

  • Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Mexican-Inspired Variation: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and cumin to transform the sauce, then top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Light Cream Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lower-fat, tangy version that still provides creamy texture.

What To Serve With Bowtie Pasta With Ground Beef

  • Pair Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich, meaty sauce and cuts through the creamy texture.
  • Complement with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy pasta dish and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Create Garlic Bread Side: Prepare toasted garlic bread with herbs to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture to the meal.
  • Match with Tangy Cucumber Pickles: Serve quick-pickled cucumbers on the side to offer a zesty, acidic element that brightens the creamy pasta experience.

How To Store Bowtie Pasta With Ground Beef The Right Way

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the pasta and sauce separate to maintain texture.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly and storing for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing cream-based sauces for best quality.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra broth, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
  • Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through and creamy, about 4-5 minutes.

FAQs For Bowtie Pasta With Ground Beef Simplified

  • What ingredients give this pasta dish its rich flavor?

The ground beef, tomato paste, and beef broth create a deep, savory base, while herbs like oregano and basil add complexity. The heavy cream provides a luxurious, smooth finish that enhances the overall taste.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta instead of bowtie?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with other shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini. These pasta types will hold the sauce equally well and provide a similar eating experience.

  • How do I know when the ground beef is properly cooked?

The beef is done when it’s completely browned with no pink remaining and has released its juices. This typically takes about 6-7 minutes over medium-high heat, ensuring food safety and maximum flavor development.

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Bowtie Pasta With Ground Beef Recipe

Bowtie Pasta With Ground Beef Recipe


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4.5 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef delivers a comforting classic that blends robust flavors and tender pasta shapes. Savory beef and perfectly cooked noodles create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

  • 12 oz (340 g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)

Meat:

  • 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

Seasonings and Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Garnish:

  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, preparing to cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
  2. While water heats, finely dice the onion and mince the garlic, setting aside for immediate use.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, allowing it to shimmer and become fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Cook the beef until it browns thoroughly and releases its rich, savory juices, approximately 6-7 minutes.
  6. Incorporate diced onions and garlic into the beef, sautéing until the onions become translucent and aromatic.
  7. Stir in tomato paste, creating a deep, concentrated flavor base for the sauce.
  8. Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth, allowing the mixture to simmer and reduce for 5 minutes.
  9. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
  10. Fold heavy cream into the beef mixture, creating a luxurious, creamy texture.
  11. Add dried oregano and basil, stirring to distribute the herbs evenly throughout the sauce.
  12. Gently combine the pasta with the beef sauce, ensuring each bowtie is generously coated.
  13. Plate the pasta, garnishing with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
  14. Serve immediately while the dish remains hot and the flavors are at their peak.

Notes

  • Enhance pasta’s texture by cooking it just until al dente, ensuring a slight firmness that prevents mushiness.
  • Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency, adding starchy liquid helps bind ingredients smoothly.
  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat while maintaining rich, meaty flavor profile in the dish.
  • Transform recipe into gluten-free version by substituting bowtie pasta with alternative grain or vegetable noodles like zucchini spirals or chickpea pasta.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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