This Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta is pure comfort food in a bowl, combining tender pasta, a rich tomato-cream sauce, hearty beef, and two types of luscious cheese. It’s the kind of family-friendly, one-pan meal you’ll crave on busy weeknights, yet it’s impressive enough to serve to friends for a cozy dinner gathering. Every bite delivers a nostalgic blend of flavors and silky textures—the perfect marriage of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness. If you’re searching for a foolproof, kid-approved dinner, this Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta absolutely deserves a spot at your table.

Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to make this pasta spectacular. Each one has a starring role in building layers of flavor, color, and comforting texture that transform a humble bowl into something truly memorable.

Bowtie pasta (farfalle): Its fun shape catches all that creamy sauce, making each bite delightfully satisfying.
Ground beef: Adds rich, hearty flavor and satisfying protein for a one-pot meal.
Yellow onion: Sautéed onion creates a sweet, aromatic base that gives depth to the sauce.
Garlic: Just two cloves, but they add essential fragrance and warmth to the dish.
Olive oil: Gets the cooking started and helps the onions brown gently.
Italian seasoning: This blend brings the essence of classic herbs like basil and oregano to your sauce.
Smoked paprika: A dash of smokiness that subtly elevates the beefy undertones.
Salt and pepper: Don’t forget to season as you go—a little at each stage does wonders.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives the sauce a gorgeous color.
Diced tomatoes: Drained to prevent watery sauce, they give brightness and juicy bites.
Beef broth: Adds savory depth and helps meld all the flavors together.
Heavy cream: The magic touch for a silky, creamy sauce that hugs every piece of pasta.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and brings a rich, tangy creaminess.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and perfect for tying all the flavors together.
Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green right before serving adds a hint of freshness and color.

How to Make Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

Start things off by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the farfalle and cook just until al dente—follow your package instructions for best results. Drain the pasta well and set it aside; you want it ready to soak up every drop of creamy sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Ground Beef

In your largest skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, cooking for two to three minutes until it softens and turns a little translucent. Now, add the ground beef. Brown it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spoon, and drain off any excessive fat. This is where the dish starts to feel hearty and inviting.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan, stirring until the kitchen smells irresistible. Let the flavors bloom for a minute—this will strengthen every bite of your Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta.

Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth

Stir in the tomato paste until it blends into the beef, then add the drained diced tomatoes and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer for about five minutes, so the flavors deepen and everything melds together. Your sauce should already be looking thick and appetizing!

Step 5: Make It Creamy and Cheesy

Reduce the heat to low, then swirl in the heavy cream. Once that’s combined, stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until you have a smooth, creamy sauce packed with savory goodness. This is what gives Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta its signature comfort factor!

Step 6: Combine with Pasta and Finish

Add the cooked bowtie pasta directly into the skillet. Gently toss to coat every piece evenly in that luscious sauce, letting the pasta simmer for about two to three minutes to fully reheat and absorb the flavors. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like, and serve piping hot.

How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Garnishes

A scattering of fresh parsley wakes up all those creamy and cheesy flavors with a pop of color and freshness. If you’re feeling extra bold, grate a little extra Parmesan on top or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta is filling enough to shine all on its own, but it also loves a sidekick. Crispy garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted broccoli are wonderful options to balance the richness and provide a bit of crunch or vibrant color alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this pasta family-style in a big bowl so everyone can help themselves, or portion it into individual ramekins and top with a little extra cheese for a bubbly, golden crust after a quick broil. For a casual night, pile it into deep bowls to capture every drop of sauce and serve with thick slices of rustic bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have leftovers, lucky you! Transfer cooled Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for delicious reheated lunches or midnight snacks.

Freezing

This dish freezes nicely, though the sauce may thicken a bit. Scoop portions into freezer-safe containers or zippered bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the creamy sauce. You can also microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring between each to heat evenly and preserve that silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta creates a lovely visual and provides the perfect sauce-capturing shape, you can swap in penne, rotini, or even shells—just adjust the cooking time to match your choice.

Is there a lighter version of Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta?

You can lighten things up by using ground turkey or chicken, half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduced-fat cheeses. The dish will still be creamy and delicious, though a bit less rich.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free bowtie pasta or another gluten-free shape, and ensure your broth and other packaged ingredients are gluten free as well.

What other cheeses can I use in this recipe?

Try swapping or mixing in mozzarella for extra meltiness, or fontina for a milder flavor. Sharp white cheddar or pecorino can also add new layers of taste to your Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the onion and beef, or stir in a diced chipotle pepper for smoky, lingering heat. A sprinkle of hot sauce when serving can warm things up, too!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that combines easy comfort with loads of flavor, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta. It’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again, perfect for sharing with family or spoiling yourself after a long day. I know you’ll fall in love with every cheesy, savory bite—so go ahead and give it a try tonight!

Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this creamy ground beef and bowtie pasta dish that is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you’re craving a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Bowtie Pasta:

12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce:

2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, drained)
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Bowtie Pasta: Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened. Add ground beef, cook until browned, then add garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Simmer for 5 minutes. Reduce heat, add heavy cream, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, toss to coat. Simmer for a few minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduced-fat cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American