Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

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I’ve always had a soft spot for hearty pasta dishes, especially ones that come together effortlessly on a busy weeknight. That’s exactly why this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is a staple in my kitchen. It’s a comforting meal that feels indulgent yet takes very little time to prepare. Every bite brings together the rich flavor of seasoned ground beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that hugs each piece of pasta beautifully.

What I also love is how versatile this dish is. Whether I’m cooking for family or entertaining friends, this pasta never fails to please. It’s simple enough for a casual meal but satisfying enough to feel like something special. Plus, it’s the kind of recipe you can easily tweak based on what’s in your pantry, which makes it a lifesaver on nights when grocery shopping didn’t happen.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

This dish checks all the boxes for a fantastic dinner. It’s quick to make—perfect for those evenings when time is short. It’s family-friendly, with flavors that appeal to both kids and adults alike. The creamy, cheesy sauce adds just the right amount of richness without being overly heavy. And let’s not forget: it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a reliable dish to serve to guests, this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef fits the bill perfectly.

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What Kind of Bowtie Pasta Should I Use?

When it comes to bowtie pasta (also called farfalle), I prefer using the classic semolina variety you’ll find in most grocery stores. It holds up well to the creamy cheese sauce and hearty ground beef. If you want a bit more texture, whole wheat bowtie pasta is also a great option—it adds a slightly nutty flavor and a bit more fiber. For those looking to reduce gluten, gluten-free bowtie pasta substitutes beautifully in this dish. Just be mindful of cook times, as they can vary slightly depending on the brand.

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Options for Substitutions

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Here are some easy swaps you can make:

• Pasta: While bowtie pasta is my go-to, penne, rotini, or even shells work just as well. Choose something with nooks and ridges to catch all that cheesy goodness.
• Ground beef: You can substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter version.
• Cheese: Cheddar is delicious here, but feel free to use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites for different flavor profiles.
• Cream base: If you don’t have heavy cream, half-and-half or even whole milk with a bit of butter can be used.
• Add-ins: Diced tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers can all be stirred in for extra veggies and flavor.

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Ingredients for Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

Each ingredient in this dish plays an important role in building flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Bowtie (Farfalle) Pasta
  The perfect shape for capturing the creamy sauce and hearty beef in every bite.
• Ground Beef
  Brings richness and a savory depth to the dish. I usually go for 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and juiciness.
• Onion
  Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the dish.
• Garlic
  Infuses the sauce with bold flavor and rounds out the savory notes.
• Beef Broth
  Enhances the meatiness of the sauce and provides a flavorful cooking liquid.
• Heavy Cream
  Creates that luscious, velvety texture in the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese
  Melts beautifully into the sauce, giving it that signature cheesy flavor. I recommend shredding it yourself for the best melt.
• Italian Seasoning
  Adds layers of herby flavor and complements both the beef and cheese.
• Salt and Pepper
  Essential for balancing and brightening the overall taste.
• Fresh Parsley (optional)
  A touch of color and freshness to garnish the finished dish.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

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Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if needed, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.

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Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

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Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to slightly reduce. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

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Step 5: Add the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

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Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat every piece in the cheesy beef sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Garnish with fresh parsley if using, and serve hot!

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How Long to Cook Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

The beauty of this dish is how quickly it comes together. Here’s a rough breakdown of the timing:

• Pasta: About 10–12 minutes to cook the bowtie pasta al dente.
• Ground beef and aromatics: Around 7–8 minutes to brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic.
• Sauce: Another 5–7 minutes to simmer the broth, add the cream, and melt the cheese.

In total, you can have this dish on the table in about 25–30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.

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Tips for Perfect Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

• Salt your pasta water well — it’s your first chance to season the pasta itself.
• Don’t overcook the pasta — aim for al dente, so it holds its shape and texture once mixed with the sauce.
• Drain excess fat from the beef — this keeps the sauce from becoming too greasy, while leaving just enough for flavor.
• Use freshly shredded cheese — pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make sauces grainy.
• Reserve pasta water — a splash can loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
• Taste and adjust seasoning — add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed to suit your taste.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with a simple dish like this, a few small missteps can affect the final result. Keep these in mind:

• Overcooking the pasta: If the pasta is too soft, it will turn mushy once tossed in the sauce. Stick to al dente.
• Skipping the pasta water: The starch in the pasta water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.
• Using low-fat cream: For the creamiest result, stick with heavy cream. Lower-fat options can cause the sauce to break.
• Rushing the cheese: Add the cheese slowly over low heat to prevent clumping or a gritty texture.
• Under-seasoning: Taste as you go! Proper seasoning brings the whole dish together.

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What to Serve With Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef?

This pasta is hearty enough to stand on its own, but adding a side or two can turn it into a well-rounded meal. Here are some great pairings:

1. Garlic Bread

The ultimate pasta side! Crisp, buttery, and perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

2. Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad adds freshness and a little crunch to balance the creamy pasta.

3. Steamed Green Beans

Light and simple, green beans offer a nice contrast to the richness of the dish.

4. Roasted Broccoli

The caramelized edges of roasted broccoli bring out a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully here.

5. Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic offer a bright and refreshing side.

6. Grilled Asparagus

Tender asparagus spears add color and freshness to the plate.

7. Mixed Antipasto Platter

For a more Italian-inspired spread, serve with olives, cured meats, and marinated veggies.

8. Simple Cucumber Salad

A light cucumber salad with vinegar dressing helps cleanse the palate.

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Storage Instructions

Leftovers of this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef store beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.

• Refrigerator: Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Freezing: While possible, I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the creamy cheese sauce can separate and lose its silky texture when thawed.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here is a general estimate per serving (assuming the recipe yields about 4 servings):

• Calories: ~600–650 kcal
• Protein: ~25–30 g
• Carbohydrates: ~40–50 g
• Fat: ~35–40 g
• Fiber: ~2–4 g
• Sugar: ~3–5 g
• Sodium: ~800–1000 mg

Please note that nutrition will vary based on exact brands used, portion sizes, and any substitutions you make.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the entire dish a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to refresh the sauce.

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2. What’s the best type of cheese to use?

Cheddar is classic and flavorful, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even Gruyère for a richer taste.

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3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, rotini, shells, or even rigatoni all work beautifully in this dish.

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4. Is there a way to make this lighter?

You can use ground turkey or chicken, swap heavy cream for half-and-half, and use reduced-fat cheese to lighten it up a bit.

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5. Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Of course! Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini are all great additions for extra color and nutrition.

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6. How do I keep the cheese sauce from turning grainy?

Use freshly shredded cheese and add it slowly over low heat. Avoid high heat, which can cause the sauce to break.

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7. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to help the sauce stay creamy.

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8. Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and use a large skillet or Dutch oven to accommodate the extra volume.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is one of those recipes that brings comfort to the table with minimal effort. It’s creamy, satisfying, and endlessly customizable to suit your tastes and pantry staples. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting casual guests, this pasta will always deliver. Give it a try—I think you’ll love how easy and delicious it is!

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