Description: This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines perfectly cooked bowtie pasta with a rich, savory beef sauce, all brought together with a luscious creamy finish and a generous blanket of melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a cozy night in or a comforting family dinner.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s the epitome of comfort food – a delicious blend of pasta, meat, and creamy cheese sauce that satisfies even the biggest cravings.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, using readily available ingredients and straightforward instructions. It’s perfect for weeknight cooking.
- Flavorful and Versatile: The combination of Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, and beef broth creates a deep and complex flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking with different vegetables or spices.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this creamy pasta dish. The familiar flavors and pleasing textures make it a winner with kids and adults alike.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd. You can easily double or triple the ingredients to serve a larger group of people. It’s a guaranteed hit at potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers.
Introduction
In the realm of comfort food, pasta dishes reign supreme. There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of perfectly cooked pasta, coated in a rich, flavorful sauce, and topped with a generous sprinkle of cheese. This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe takes that comforting experience to the next level. This isn’t just your average pasta dish; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
Bowtie pasta, with its charming shape and delightful chewiness, forms the perfect base for this dish. The ground beef, browned to perfection and infused with aromatic garlic and Italian seasoning, creates a savory foundation for the sauce. The diced tomatoes and beef broth add depth and complexity, while the heavy cream lends a luxurious creaminess that coats every strand of pasta. And of course, no creamy pasta dish would be complete without a generous topping of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, adding a gooey, cheesy goodness that is simply irresistible.
This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients; it’s a culinary experience that will transport you to a place of warmth, comfort, and pure deliciousness. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a pasta masterpiece that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Begin by cooking the bowtie pasta according to package directions. The key to perfect pasta is cooking it al dente, meaning “to the tooth” in Italian. This ensures the pasta is firm but not mushy. Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water – this seasons the pasta from the inside out. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. A little tip here, don’t rinse the pasta unless you want to avoid the sauce sticking to the noodles.
Step 2: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Olive oil provides a healthy fat that adds richness and flavor to the dish. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned. Browning the beef is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor. Make sure to drain off any excess grease to prevent the final dish from being too oily.
Step 3: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. The onions provide sweetness, while the garlic adds a pungent aroma that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can result in a bitter taste.
Step 4: Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor to the dish. Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, while pepper adds a touch of spice. Crushed red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick of heat, but they can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
Step 5: Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The diced tomatoes add acidity and texture, while the tomato sauce contributes to the rich tomato flavor. The beef broth provides moisture and adds depth of flavor to the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 6: After simmering for 10 minutes, stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option). Heavy cream adds a luxurious creaminess to the sauce, while coconut cream provides a dairy-free alternative that still delivers a rich and decadent flavor. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes, or until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened. Be careful not to boil the sauce after adding the cream, as this can cause it to curdle.
Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy beef sauce. Make sure all the pasta is well coated with the sauce to ensure maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir gently until the cheeses are melted and creamy, creating a gooey, cheesy sauce that coats every strand of pasta. The mozzarella cheese adds a stretchy, melty texture, while the Parmesan cheese provides a salty, nutty flavor.
Step 9: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped, for a pop of color and freshness. Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the richness of the dish. Serve the Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta warm and enjoy!
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Flavor Complexity: Medium
- Overall Deliciousness: High
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course for a comforting family dinner.
- Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Serve with garlic bread or crusty rolls for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for added flavor.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh basil for a more vibrant flavor profile.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground sausage.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
- Use different types of cheese, such as provolone, fontina, or Gruyère, for a unique flavor profile.
- For a spicier dish, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- To make ahead, prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve, then combine and heat through.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a recipe that you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. So, go ahead and give it a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Questions and Answers about Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta:
Q1: Can I substitute the ground beef with another type of meat?
A: Absolutely! While ground beef is a classic choice, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground sausage. Each will add a slightly different flavor profile, so experiment to find your favorite. Ground sausage, particularly Italian sausage, will add a bolder, spicier flavor to the dish.
Q2: I’m lactose intolerant. Can I still enjoy this recipe?
A: Yes, you can! There are several dairy-free alternatives you can use. For the heavy cream, substitute with coconut cream or cashew cream. These will provide a similar richness and creaminess without the lactose. For the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, you can find dairy-free versions at most grocery stores. Keep in mind that the dairy-free cheeses may not melt exactly the same as their dairy counterparts, but they will still add a cheesy flavor.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this dish. Some great options include mushrooms, bell peppers (any color), spinach, zucchini, or even peas. Simply sauté the vegetables along with the onion and garlic until they are tender-crisp before adding the other sauce ingredients.
Q4: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: If you like a little heat, there are several ways to spice up this recipe. You can add more crushed red pepper flakes, as the recipe already suggests. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce. Another option is to use spicy Italian sausage instead of regular ground beef.
Q5: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, this recipe is great for making ahead of time. You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately. Store them in the refrigerator in airtight containers until you’re ready to serve. When ready to eat, simply combine the sauce and pasta in a skillet and heat through. You may need to add a little extra beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Add the cheese at the very end and stir until melted.
