Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta
This creamy ground beef and bowtie pasta recipe is the perfect 30-minute, one-pot meal made with pantry staples! With browned ground beef, rich beef broth, heavy whipping cream, and tender pasta, it’s a comforting, family-friendly dish that everyone will love. This simple recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite!
Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef Use at least 90% lean for less grease.
- 0.5 cup medium onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- Salt and pepper To taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika Optional
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 cups bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley Optional for garnish
Instructions
Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and minced garlic, and cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Drain off any excess fat, if desired. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Cook the Pasta
- Stir in the beef broth, heavy whipping cream, and uncooked bowtie pasta.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.
- Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Add the Cheese
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Serve
- Serve the creamy ground beef and bowtie pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley and extra shredded cheese, if desired.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy ground beef and bowtie pasta dish is quick, easy, and full of flavor. With only 30 minutes of cooking time, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy, cheesy sauce and tender pasta are a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, making clean-up a breeze!
What Makes This Recipe Special
This dish is a comforting, creamy pasta meal that’s made with ground beef, making it both affordable and filling. The addition of cheddar cheese gives it a deliciously creamy, cheesy finish, while the use of bowtie pasta adds a fun, hearty touch. It’s perfect for feeding a family and can be served with simple sides like buttered bread or vegetables.
Ingredients for Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta
What You’ll Need
- For the Pasta:
- 1 lb (500g) lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup medium onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 cups bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Directions for Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, and cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat, if desired. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Stir in the beef broth, heavy whipping cream, and uncooked bowtie pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add the Cheese:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve:
- Serve the creamy ground beef and bowtie pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley and extra shredded cheese, if desired.
How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta
This creamy pasta dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides like buttered bread, garlic bread, or a green vegetable. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded dinner.
How to Store
Storing Leftovers:
Leftover creamy ground beef and bowtie pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce over time, so you may need to add a splash of cream or milk when reheating.
Freezing:
While this dish can be frozen, the creamy sauce may become slightly grainy when reheated. If you plan to freeze it, I recommend adding the cheese after it’s thawed and reheated to keep the texture smooth.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta
- Use Lean Ground Beef: I recommend using at least 90% lean ground beef for a balance of flavor and less grease.
- Soften the Cheese: To make sure the cheese melts smoothly, take it out of the fridge for a few minutes before adding it to the pasta.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or paprika to suit your taste. You can also try adding a bit of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Substitute the Pasta: If you don’t have bowtie pasta, you can use other pasta shapes like shells, mini penne, or rigatoni.
Variations
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy paprika to add some heat to the dish.
- Add Veggies: Stir in some spinach, peas, or chopped bell peppers to add more veggies to the dish.
- Cheese Variations: Swap out the cheddar for another melting cheese, like mozzarella or a Mexican blend, for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be prepared ahead of time. Simply store it in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to eat, reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian meat crumbles if you prefer.
Can I make this dish without cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy whipping cream for a lighter version of this dish. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!