The cheese smells warm and gooey, and the pasta feels soft and cozy in every bite. I love how the bowties hold the creamy sauce and little bits of beef.
I first made this on a night when I wanted something quick that still tasted special. My family kept asking for more, and that made it one of my favorite easy dinners.
Let’s make it together. This cheesy, beefy pasta is simple, warm, and perfect for a cozy meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Reader Favorite: As one home cook shared, “My family devoured this in minutes.”
- Creamy and Comforting: The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a velvety sauce that coats each piece of pasta.
- Quick to Make: Ready in just 30 minutes with straightforward steps.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components ahead and assemble for a quick dinner.
- Great for Meal Prep: Cook a large batch and enjoy throughout the week.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: About 30 minutes
Servings: This recipe makes 4 generous servings as a main dish. Need to feed more people? Double the recipe easily.
Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners but satisfying for experienced cooks too.
Ingredients for Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Beef
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, flavorful dish:
- Bowtie Pasta: 12 oz of your favorite brand
- Ground Beef: 1 lb, providing protein and hearty texture
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing
- Onion: 1 small onion, chopped, adds depth to the sauce
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for aromatic flavor
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz), brings brightness to the dish
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, creates the classic Italian flavor profile
- Salt: 1 teaspoon for seasoning
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon for subtle heat
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup, creates the creamy foundation
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1½ cups, melts smoothly into the sauce
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, adds sharp, savory notes
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped for garnish, adds color and freshness
Variations for Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Beef
- Add Vegetables: Mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Use Different Pasta: Try farfalle, penne, or rigatoni for texture variety.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Include Bacon: Crisp bacon bits add smoky depth to the sauce.
- Use Ground Turkey: Substitute ground beef for a lighter version.
- Add Italian Meats: Incorporate crumbled Italian sausage for richer flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Beef: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks, until it reaches a golden brown color. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Create the Flavor Base
Add the chopped onion to the browned beef and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Build the Sauce
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with its juices. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let simmer for 3-4 minutes so flavors blend together.
5. Add Creaminess
Reduce heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine with the beef mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer but do not boil.
6. Combine Cheeses
Add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
7. Bring It Together
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the cheese sauce. Gently toss everything together until every piece of pasta is coated with the creamy beef sauce.
8. Final Touches
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm.
How to Serve Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Beef
This versatile dish pairs well with many accompaniments:
- With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted broccoli or asparagus for a vegetable element.
- On Its Own: The dish stands perfectly well as a complete, satisfying meal.
- With Fresh Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread to soak up extra sauce.
Storing Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Beef
- Cooked Dish: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. You can also microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Allow to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container.
Tips and Tricks for Success
Use freshly grated cheese whenever possible rather than pre-shredded varieties, as they melt more smoothly and create a creamier sauce. Keep the heat moderate when adding cheese to prevent it from becoming grainy or separating. Stir constantly during this step for the best results. Don’t skip the reserved pasta water, as it helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency. Add it gradually and taste as you go. Cook the pasta until just al dente, as it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the warm sauce. Fresh parsley at the end brightens the dish and adds visual appeal.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 720 |
| Protein | 42g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Fat | 38g |
| Saturated Fat | 19g |
| Cholesterol | 115mg |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Iron | 3.2mg |
| Calcium | 450mg |
Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Beef
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces, until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with juices. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and stir in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer without boiling.
- Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently until well coated.
- Transfer to serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Beef FAQs
Yes, this sauce works beautifully with penne, rigatoni, farfalle, or any short pasta shape you prefer.
Add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Yes, you can prepare the beef sauce ahead and refrigerate separately from the pasta. Reheat gently and combine when ready to serve.
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
Keep heat moderate and stir constantly when adding cheese. Avoid boiling at high temperatures.
Conclusion
Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Beef delivers comfort and satisfaction in just 30 minutes. This family-friendly dish combines seasoned ground beef with a rich, creamy cheese sauce that turns simple bowtie pasta into something special. Whether you’re cooking for weeknight dinners, meal prepping for the week ahead, or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers consistent results every time. The combination of Italian seasonings, tender pasta, and melted cheese creates a dish that appeals to both children and adults. Make this your go-to recipe when you need something delicious, quick, and sure to please everyone at the table.
