Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines tender bowtie pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s rich, comforting, and comes together quickly—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious one-pot meal that everyone will devour.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
bowtie pasta (farfalle)ground beefonion (diced)garlic (minced)tomato sauce or crushed tomatoespaprikaitalian seasoningsaltblack peppercream cheesecheddar cheese (shredded)milk or heavy creamfresh parsley (optional for garnish)
directions
Cook bowtie pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or pot, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet; sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in tomato sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Lower the heat and add cream cheese and milk, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Mix in cooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a cheese blend.
Use sour cream instead of cream cheese for a tangier sauce.
Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.Not recommended for freezing due to the creamy sauce texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne, rotini, or shells work well too.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, prepare and store—just reheat before serving.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Very! It’s cheesy, creamy, and mild in flavor.
Can I make it lighter?
Use low-fat cheese, milk, and ground turkey for a lighter version.
What’s the best cheese for melting?
Cheddar melts smoothly and adds great flavor, but feel free to mix in your favorite.
Conclusion
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a satisfying, comforting meal that’s full of flavor and easy to throw together. With tender pasta, savory beef, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s a go-to recipe that pleases even the pickiest eaters—perfect for any night of the week.
Print
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a family-friendly dinner packed with seasoned ground beef, tender bowtie noodles, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s ready in about 30 minutes and perfect for busy nights when you want something warm and satisfying.
Ingredients
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12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1/2 tsp paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
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1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
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1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, or a blend)
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Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the beef:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add garlic and seasoning:
Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Make the sauce:
Add tomato sauce and beef broth to the pan. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes. Then stir in the cream and shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
Combine and serve:
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Cook 1–2 more minutes to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot!
Notes
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Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
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Add in cooked veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
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Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for more depth.
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