Description
This comforting Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef recipe features tender farfalle pasta tossed in a creamy, flavorful sauce made from sautéed onion, garlic, browned ground beef, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and a hint of paprika. Finished with heavy cream and melted cheese, this easy one-pan dish is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner and is garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Beef Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Creamy Finish
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside to be combined later.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
- Simmer sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for 5-10 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce slightly reduces.
- Add cream and cheese: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring until fully incorporated. Then add the shredded cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce turns creamy and smooth.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy beef sauce. Heat for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm through.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish generously with fresh parsley. Serve immediately while warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use either cheddar or Parmesan cheese based on your flavor preference; Parmesan offers a nuttier taste while cheddar benefits creaminess.
- To reduce fat, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when simmering the sauce.
- Leftover pasta refrigerates well for 2-3 days in an airtight container and reheats nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
