If you’ve ever wished for the perfect dish to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings all at once, then you are in for a treat with the Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe. This dish brings together tender bowtie pasta drenched in a luscious, creamy sauce, enriched with savory ground beef and the bright flavors of tomatoes and Italian seasonings. It’s not just a meal; it’s a hug on a plate, with every bite bursting with comforting warmth and cheesy goodness that feels like a special occasion in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in the final flavor and texture. From the bowtie pasta that holds onto every bit of sauce, to the creamy cheeses melting seamlessly with the seasoned ground beef, every element is essential and easy to find in your pantry or fridge.
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta: The perfect shape to catch and hold the creamy sauce in every nook and cranny.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds hearty, savory richness that forms the base of this comfort feast.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed): Helps brown the beef evenly and prevents sticking in the pan.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and depth to the sauce once softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth that enhances every bite.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lifts the entire dish with classic Mediterranean flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Provides a gentle smoky undertone and vibrant color.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all other flavors.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained: Adds a fresh, tangy contrast that brightens up the richness.
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce: Helps create the sauce’s smooth texture and deep tomato flavor.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: The star of the creamy sauce, adding indulgence and silkiness.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Adds savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, offering gooey, stretchy comfort.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty punch that finishes the sauce perfectly.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brings a pop of color and a fresh bite to balance the richness.
How to Make Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the bowtie pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente — tender but with just a slight bite is exactly what you want. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside, ready to soak up all the luscious sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. If your beef is lean, you might want to add a splash of olive oil to keep it from sticking, but if it has some fat, it will render as it cooks. Brown the beef until it’s fully cooked through with no pink left. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce from turning greasy.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic with Spices
Now, toss in the finely chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic along with the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices toast gently for about a minute to really unlock those amazing flavors.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and beef broth. Stir everything together lovingly until you see that creamy, colorful sauce begin to take shape. Bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing the magic of simmering to thicken the sauce slightly and combine all those beautiful flavors.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Once your sauce has thickened to a lovely consistency, add the cooked bowtie pasta directly into the skillet. Stir well to coat every piece in the creamy, savory mixture. Then introduce the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Stir patiently until the cheeses melt into the sauce, creating a rich, cheesy coating that makes every forkful irresistible. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Serve with a Fresh Touch
Plate your Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe while piping hot. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a beautiful pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor, making the dish inviting and perfectly balanced.
How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t be shy with garnishes here. Fresh chopped parsley is a classic, but you can also try adding a few fresh basil leaves or a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes will add an exciting touch if you like a bit of kick.
Side Dishes
This ultimate comfort meal pairs beautifully with simple sides that don’t compete but complement. Think a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or garlic roasted vegetables to add a contrasting crunch and freshness. Warm, crusty bread is a fabulous addition too, perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta in individual cast iron skillets or rustic bowls to keep the warmth locked in. You can also sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts on top for extra texture. For a fun twist, try baking it briefly with an extra layer of cheese on top until golden and bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making leftovers even more comforting the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe, make sure it’s fully cooled first. Package it in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of beef broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick. It can also be microwaved, but stirring halfway through helps it heat evenly and keeps that creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is ideal because of its shape that holds the sauce beautifully, other short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini would work just as well.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out the heavy cream and cheeses for dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cheese, though the taste and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I prepare this dish without ground beef?
Definitely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative to suit your dietary preferences.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe has a mild flavor profile with only a hint of paprika for smokiness; it’s great for those who love comforting flavors without heat. Add crushed red pepper flakes if you want to spice things up.
What sides would you recommend to serve with this pasta dish?
Light sides like a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread complement the richness of the pasta perfectly and make for a balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the secret to making Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe, it’s time to treat yourself and your loved ones with this gorgeous, soul-satisfying meal. It’s easy to prepare, full of heartwarming flavors, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite. So, roll up your sleeves, get cozy, and enjoy every luscious bite!
Print
Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender bowtie pasta tossed in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce with savory ground beef and melted cheeses. This easy-to-make skillet recipe blends Italian herbs, fresh garlic, and paprika for a flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and remove some if necessary. If the skillet is dry, add olive oil for cooking the aromatics.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper, and cook for about 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and beef broth into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until they melt completely and the sauce is creamy and cohesive. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Serve the creamy ground beef bowtie pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired for an enhanced presentation.
Notes
- Use olive oil only if the skillet is dry after cooking ground beef to prevent sticking.
- Drain diced tomatoes well to avoid thinning out the sauce.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but expect a less rich sauce.
- Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh note, but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Adjust salt and black pepper at the end after adding cheese, as cheese adds saltiness.
- Bowtie pasta absorbs sauce well but shells or penne can be used as alternatives.
