Description: A comforting and rich pasta dish featuring tender ground beef and bowtie pasta tossed in a luscious creamy sauce. This recipe elevates a simple pasta dinner into a satisfying and flavorful experience. The combination of savory ground beef, fragrant garlic and onion, and a velvety cheese sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. This dish is incredibly versatile, easily adaptable to your personal preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to add vegetables, experiment with different cheeses, or adjust the spice level to your liking. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is sure to become a new favorite. It’s also easy enough to make on a busy weeknight, requiring minimal prep time and readily available ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, referring to pasta that is firm to the bite. This ensures the pasta holds its shape and texture when combined with the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly using a colander. Set aside the cooked pasta while you prepare the rest of the dish. Be sure to prevent the pasta from sticking together by tossing it with a little olive oil if it will sit for more than a few minutes.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it apart into smaller pieces. Cook the ground beef until it is browned and cooked through, approximately 7-8 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Once the beef is cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. Excess fat can make the dish greasy, so this step is important for achieving the desired creamy texture.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Sauté the onion and garlic until they are softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Sautéing the aromatics is essential for infusing the dish with a delicious depth of flavor. The heat releases the natural oils and compounds in the onion and garlic, creating a savory base for the sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce Pour the beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reducing the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and the cream to reduce, creating a richer and more concentrated sauce. Be careful not to boil the sauce, as this can cause it to curdle.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese adds both texture and flavor to the sauce. Mozzarella provides a mild, creamy base, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty dimension.
Step 6: Season the Sauce Season the creamy beef sauce with dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of seasoning according to your personal preferences. Italian seasoning typically includes a blend of herbs such as oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme, which add a classic Italian flavor to the dish. Taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper as needed to achieve the desired level of seasoning.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Ensure that every piece of pasta is covered in the luscious sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the pasta to absorb the sauce. This final step is crucial for creating a cohesive and flavorful dish.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve Garnish the Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Comfort Food at Its Best: It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in or a satisfying family dinner.
- Quick and Easy: It’s quick and easy to make, ideal for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
- Flavorful and Delicious: The combination of ground beef, creamy sauce, and cheese creates a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Versatile and Adaptable: It’s incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs.
- Kid-Friendly: It’s a kid-friendly meal that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5 (Very Easy)
- Taste: 5/5 (Excellent)
- Kid-Friendly: 5/5 (Excellent)
- Overall: 5/5 (Highly Recommended)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
- Top with extra Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for added flavor and spice.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground Italian sausage.
- Add vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce for added nutrients and flavor.
- Use different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Fontina, to create a unique flavor profile.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more beef broth or heavy cream to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 700mg (This can vary greatly depending on the salt added and sodium content of the broth and cheese)
Conclusion
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its simplicity, combined with its rich and satisfying flavor, makes it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with loved ones, this recipe is a guaranteed success. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for bowtie pasta, you can easily substitute it with other types of pasta such as penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
Q2: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef. The cooking time and method will remain the same.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta, reheat the sauce, and combine.
Q4: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: While you can freeze this recipe, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, be sure to store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q5: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Yes, adding vegetables is a great way to enhance the nutritional value and flavor of this dish. Some good options include mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Simply sauté the vegetables along with the onion and garlic.
