There’s something irresistibly comforting about a creamy pasta dish that is rich, savory, and satisfying. Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is just that it’s a hearty meal that brings together the best of ground beef, creamy sauce, and tender pasta, creating a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hosting a cozy dinner with friends, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
I first discovered this dish on a lazy Sunday evening when I was craving something creamy yet simple. After rummaging through the fridge and pantry, I realized I had all the ingredients for a pasta dish, but with a twist. The addition of ground beef to the creamy sauce took this meal to a whole new level of comfort food. The rich beef flavor complements the smoothness of the cream, making each bite feel like a warm hug on a plate. It quickly became a go-to in my weekly meal rotation, and I’m sure it’ll be the same for you once you give it a try.
Let’s dive into how you can recreate this creamy, comforting pasta dish in your own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10 minutes, until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce later. Set the pasta aside for now.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season the beef with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet and transfer the beef to a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Now, it’s time to add the creamy goodness. Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any delicious browned bits left in the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes. Then, add the heavy cream, stirring it into the mixture. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Add the Beef and Cheese
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce. Gradually add the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until it’s fully melted and the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing it to coat the pasta in the creamy beef sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce, plate the dish and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations:
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, and you can customize it to suit different preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to make this dish your own:
- Add Veggies: Try adding some vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and color. Sauté them along with the onions for extra flavor.
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a lighter version of this dish, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Both work well in the creamy sauce and offer a leaner alternative.
- Vegan Version: To make this dish vegan-friendly, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute and use coconut milk or a plant-based cream to make the sauce. Swap the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese.
- Extra Spice: If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, simply swap the bowtie pasta for gluten-free pasta. The sauce will still be just as creamy and indulgent!
Cooking Notes:
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Make sure to cook the beef just until browned. Overcooking it can make it dry, so it’s best to cook it quickly over medium-high heat and drain any excess fat.
- Control the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream and substitute some of it with more beef broth. For a richer sauce, feel free to use all heavy cream and add more cheese for extra creaminess.
- Avoid Clumping: To ensure the mozzarella cheese melts smoothly, add it gradually to the sauce, stirring constantly. If the cheese starts to clump, you can add a splash of pasta water to smooth things out.
- Customizing the Sauce: If you want to make the sauce even richer, add a tablespoon of butter once the cheese is melted. It will create a silky texture and deepen the flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish is hearty and filling on its own, but here are a few ideas for sides to make your meal even more complete:
- Garlic Bread: A side of warm, buttery garlic bread is always a hit with pasta dishes. It’s perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the creamy beef pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots make a great side, adding a bit of crunch and a nice contrast to the soft, creamy pasta.
Tips for Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and beef mixture, cook the pasta, and combine everything.
- Leftovers: Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prep. Just store the sauce and pasta separately and combine when ready to serve. It makes for an easy, delicious lunch or dinner during the week.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 670 per serving
- Protein: 33g
- Sodium: 510mg
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is used in this recipe, you can substitute it with any type of pasta you prefer penne, rotini, or even spaghetti will work just fine.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze the sauce and beef mixture. Just let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. When ready to reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, adding extra cream or broth if needed.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: To add heat, try sprinkling in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you’re simmering the beef broth and cream. You can also add some diced jalapeños to the sauce for an extra kick.
Conclusion:
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is the perfect combination of savory, creamy, and comforting. It’s a meal that is sure to satisfy your hunger and please everyone at the table. With easy-to-find ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s an ideal dish for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a cozy evening with friends, this creamy pasta is sure to become a favorite.
So, give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear how it turned out for you leave a comment, and let’s connect over the joy of cooking and enjoying great food.
Print
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10 minutes, until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce later. Set the pasta aside for now.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season the beef with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet and transfer the beef to a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Now, it’s time to add the creamy goodness. Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any delicious browned bits left in the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes. Then, add the heavy cream, stirring it into the mixture. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Add the Beef and Cheese
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce. Gradually add the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until it’s fully melted and the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing it to coat the pasta in the creamy beef sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce, plate the dish and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Make sure to cook the beef just until browned. Overcooking it can make it dry, so it’s best to cook it quickly over medium-high heat and drain any excess fat.
- Control the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream and substitute some of it with more beef broth. For a richer sauce, feel free to use all heavy cream and add more cheese for extra creaminess.
- Avoid Clumping: To ensure the mozzarella cheese melts smoothly, add it gradually to the sauce, stirring constantly. If the cheese starts to clump, you can add a splash of pasta water to smooth things out.
- Customizing the Sauce: If you want to make the sauce even richer, add a tablespoon of butter once the cheese is melted. It will create a silky texture and deepen the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 670
- Sodium: 510
- Protein: 33