This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a total game-changer when it comes to weeknight dinners! It’s rich, hearty, and oh-so-creamy, with tender beef and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta that are enveloped in a cheesy, savory sauce. And the best part? It comes together quickly, so you can enjoy a comforting meal in no time at all!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for those busy nights when you want something hearty but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Rich and Creamy: The creamy sauce, loaded with cheese, is absolutely irresistible. It coats every piece of pasta and beef perfectly for a bite you won’t forget.
Customizable: You can tweak the recipe with your favorite veggies, spices, or even add more cheese. It’s a dish that works for everyone!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The heart of this dish. It provides a savory, meaty base that’s full of flavor. You can use lean beef or ground turkey for a lighter option.
Bowtie Pasta: Also known as farfalle, this pasta shape adds a fun, charming touch and holds the sauce beautifully. You can swap it for penne or fusilli if you prefer.
Cheese: The cheesy goodness comes from a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan. Mozzarella melts perfectly, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that ties everything together.
Cream: A bit of heavy cream makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich. If you want to lighten it up, you can substitute with milk or half-and-half.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a wonderful aromatic depth to the dish. Don’t skip this—its flavor pairs so well with the beef and cheese.
Tomato Sauce: Adds a tangy, vibrant flavor that balances the richness of the cream and cheese. You can use marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes for variety.
Onion: A finely chopped onion gives the sauce a savory foundation and a touch of sweetness.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs (like oregano and basil) give the dish a comforting, familiar flavor. Add some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas:

Add Veggies: Stir in some spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to give the dish a healthy boost. Mushrooms also work great if you want to add some earthiness.
Spicy Version: If you love a little kick, add in some crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño.
Different Cheese: Mix it up with different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even a touch of cream cheese for a tangier twist.
Switch Proteins: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter meal, or even ground sausage for a more flavorful, spiced-up version.

How to Make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes. Add salt, pepper, and your Italian seasoning, then mix in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy mixture.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Beef Sauce

Add the drained bowtie pasta into the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the cheesy beef sauce. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat everything through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the pasta is all mixed in, serve immediately! Top with extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and maybe a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil for a little freshness.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure you cook the bowtie pasta al dente. It’ll continue to cook a bit once you mix it into the sauce, so you want it to be slightly firm to the bite.
Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add a bit of beef broth or chicken stock if you prefer a slightly thinner sauce. It’ll still be rich but won’t be as thick.
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic packs more punch than pre-minced garlic and will elevate the flavor of your sauce.
Cheese Tips: For extra cheesy goodness, save some cheese to sprinkle on top before serving. You can also broil the dish for a minute or two to get a bubbly, golden cheese crust.

How to Serve

This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides.

Side Salad:

Serve it alongside a fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pasta.

Garlic Bread:

A classic garlic bread or toasted baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra cheesy sauce.

Roasted Veggies:

Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts add a healthy, crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish makes great leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

Freezing

You can freeze Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of cream or milk to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works wonderfully, any pasta shape like penne, rotini, or farfalle will work just as well. Use your favorite!

2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. The flavors will still be delicious, just a bit more mild.

3. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Spinach, bell peppers, or even peas are great options. If you’re using spinach, just stir it into the sauce until wilted.

4. How can I make the dish spicier?
If you like heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes, a chopped jalapeño, or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for a nice kick.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is comfort food at its finest. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—all while being quick and simple enough for any busy weeknight. Whether you’re feeding your family or craving a cozy meal for yourself, this recipe delivers on every front. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll love every bite!

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe