Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta – Creamy, Hearty & Comforting

Simple Weeknight Comfort Food Ready in 30 Minutes

Are you craving a rich, satisfying pasta dish that’s quick enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough to become a family favorite? Look no further than this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe. Combining tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a velvety cheese sauce, this one-pot wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

This crowd-pleasing pasta dish has earned its place in our regular dinner rotation for good reason:

• Quick and easy: On the table in just 30 minutes
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients
• Kid-approved: The perfect combination of pasta, beef, and cheese
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite add-ins

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or sophisticated palates, this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta hits all the right notes of comfort, flavor, and simplicity.

Ingredients for Perfect Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

For the Pasta Base:

• 12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole milk works best)
• 8 oz (225g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 10-12 minutes).
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Drain pasta and set aside.

2. Cook the Beef Mixture

1. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
5. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Cook until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
7. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.

3. Create the Cheese Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the beef mixture, allowing it to melt.
2. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
3. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until it begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
6. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
7. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time.

4. Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet with the cheesy beef sauce.
2. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
3. Let the dish simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

• Cheese tip: Shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the beef mixture and cheese sauce up to a day in advance, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
• Storage: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore the creamy texture.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe, try these delicious variations:

• Taco style: Substitute taco seasoning for Italian seasoning and top with diced avocado and sour cream.
• Mediterranean: Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
• Veggie-loaded: Mix in sautéed zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms for added nutrition.

Perfect Pairings for Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Complete your meal with these simple sides:

• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables

FAQs About Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Can I use a different pasta shape? Absolutely! While bowtie pasta catches the sauce beautifully in its crevices, rotini, penne, or medium shells work great too.

How can I make this dish lighter? Use lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey, opt for reduced-fat cheeses, and use 2% milk instead of whole milk.

Can I make this vegetarian? Yes! Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat substitute, or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, or microwave at 50% power, stirring halfway through.

Can I add vegetables to make it healthier? Definitely! Frozen peas, diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini are all excellent additions that blend seamlessly into this dish.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta truly special is the balanced combination of flavors and textures. The savory ground beef provides protein and depth, while the three-cheese sauce creates a luxurious coating that clings perfectly to each piece of pasta. The bowtie shape isn’t just cute—its nooks and crannies capture pockets of sauce, ensuring every bite delivers the perfect cheese-to-pasta ratio.

This dish strikes the ideal balance between fancy and familiar. It’s sophisticated enough to serve to guests but comforting enough to become your go-to weeknight dinner. The preparation is straightforward with no fancy techniques required, making it accessible even to novice cooks.

Perhaps most importantly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. The basic formula can be adapted endlessly to suit your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. It’s also a great recipe for meal prep, as the flavors develop nicely over time, making leftovers something to look forward to.

This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a solution for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. With its perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty beef, it’s guaranteed to become a regular request in your household.

Try this recipe tonight and discover why Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta has become one of our most popular comfort food recipes!

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