Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender beef, creamy cheese, and bowtie pasta. This meal is perfect for a family dinner or a meal prep option for the week. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s an easy dish that will become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Satisfying & Hearty: The ground beef gives it a protein-packed base, while the cheese adds richness and creaminess.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is quick and can be made in less than an hour.
• Customizable: You can tweak the cheese blend or add vegetables for extra flavor.
• Kid-Friendly: The cheesy goodness and familiar pasta shape make it a hit with little ones.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add enough salt to the water so it tastes like the sea.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add the bowtie pasta to the boiling water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes until al dente.
3. Drain and Set Aside: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Sauce

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Brown the beef until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pan with the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently.
3. Add Seasonings: Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add the diced tomatoes (if using) and beef broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the Flour: Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
3. Add the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream or milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
4. Add the Cheese: Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add Pasta to Beef Sauce: Once the beef sauce is ready, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the pan, stirring to coat the pasta in the beef mixture.
2. Pour in Cheese Sauce: Pour the cheesy sauce over the pasta and beef mixture, stirring gently to combine everything evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
3. Simmer: Let the combined dish simmer for a few minutes to allow everything to meld together, and the cheese sauce to fully coat the pasta.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the Pasta: Serve the cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in bowls or on plates.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and a little extra shredded cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

1. Cheese Choices:

• Mozzarella is the classic cheese used in this recipe for its melting properties.
• Cheddar adds a sharp, rich flavor, but you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Parmesan, or Gruyère for different textures and tastes.

2. Ground Beef Variations:

• You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option.
• For a richer flavor, use ground lamb or a mix of ground beef and sausage.

3. Adding Vegetables:

• Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the beef sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
• You can also stir in some frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes of simmering.

4. Making It Spicy:

• If you love spice, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef sauce.

5. Make It Gluten-Free:

• To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free thickening agent like cornstarch.

6. Make It Vegetarian:

• Skip the ground beef and use a plant-based meat substitute or extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and eggplant to create a vegetarian-friendly version.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Every Occasion

1. Versatility: Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner, preparing a meal for a crowd, or packing lunches for the week, this recipe fits the bill. You can scale it up or down and customize it to your preferences.

2. Comforting and Filling: With the combination of rich beef, creamy cheese, and hearty pasta, it’s a meal that satisfies both the stomach and the soul.

3. Kid-Approved: The mild flavors and creamy texture are sure to please picky eaters, making this a family-friendly option.

The History of Pasta and Beef Dishes

Pasta and beef dishes have been around for centuries, with roots tracing back to the ancient Mediterranean cultures. Italian cuisine, in particular, has long been known for its emphasis on pasta, meat, and cheese. Though cheesy pasta dishes like macaroni and cheese have evolved in different ways in various parts of the world, the combination of beef and pasta is a timeless classic that transcends many cultural boundaries.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a perfect example of a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of indulgence into one hearty meal. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or adding your own twist to the recipe, this dish is sure to be a hit. By following these detailed steps and tips, you can create a rich, cheesy pasta dish that will delight your taste buds every time.

Happy cooking!

Yield: 4-6

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender beef, creamy cheese, and bowtie pasta. This meal is perfect for a family dinner or a meal prep option for the week. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it's an easy dish that will become a favorite in your kitchen.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta:Cook the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the beef:While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add the aromatics:Add the chopped onion to the beef and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add liquids and seasonings:Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add cheese:Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. You can add more cheese for a cheesier dish.
6. Combine with pasta:Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the sauce mixture, tossing everything to combine. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more beef broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve:Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

• You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef if you prefer a leaner option.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños.
• If you like a creamier dish, feel free to add more heavy cream or cheese.