Description
Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender farfalle pasta tossed in a rich, creamy tomato and beef sauce. This one-pan skillet meal combines the savory flavors of browned ground beef, Italian seasoning, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for an ultimate family-friendly dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 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 Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken Sauce: Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy beef tomato sauce.
- Melt Cheese: Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses until they melt completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy ground beef and bowtie pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and optional extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Drain excess fat from beef to reduce grease in the sauce.
- Feel free to add vegetables like chopped bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing onions for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce.
