Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

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Why Make This Recipe

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the comfort of pasta with the heartiness of ground beef and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights; it comes together in just about 30 minutes and is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. The combination of cheese and seasoned beef creates a dish that feels indulgent yet is easy enough to whip up on a whim. Plus, the bowtie pasta adds a fun twist to the usual pasta shapes, making the meal visually appealing as well.

Beyond just being delicious, this meal also packs a nutritional punch. You get protein from the beef, carbohydrates from the pasta, and even some veggies if you choose to add more as optional extras. It’s a complete dish that can stand on its own, providing a satisfying dinner that will fill you up without too much hassle in the kitchen. So whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for yourself, Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta can easily become a go-to recipe.

How to Make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Ingredients

To prepare this scrumptious Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta, gather the following ingredients:

12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1 lb (450g) ground beef
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced (yes, again!)
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an ‘al dente’ texture. This usually takes around 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
Cook the Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Season the beef with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), salt, and pepper. Allow this to cook for another minute before removing the skillet from heat.
Make the Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for a minute. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture, whisking continuously for about 1 minute to eliminate any lumps.

Gradually pour in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth. Keep whisking and allow it to simmer until it thickens. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Combine Everything
Once the sauce is thickened, reduce the heat to low and mix in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and combined into the sauce. Then, add the cooked pasta and the browned beef mixture into the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy cheese sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve
Transfer your Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta to serving plates, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve warm.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta can be served as a main dish due to its hearty ingredients. It’s great on its own but consider pairing it with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables to round out your meal. A side of garlic bread also complements the flavors beautifully and adds an extra element of comfort.

If you’re having guests over, serving this dish in a large serving bowl can create a cozy family-style dining experience. Feel free to offer additional grated Parmesan cheese at the table for those who love extra cheesiness!

How to Store Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare with such a delicious dish), Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta can be easily stored. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating on the stovetop, consider adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce back up.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta. Place it in a freezer-safe container where it will be good for about 2-3 months. When you want to eat it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Always follow the package instructions for cooking the pasta to ensure it retains its texture. Al dente pasta will have a nice bite to it and will hold up better when combined with the sauce.
Flavor Boost: Add more veggies for extra flavor and nutrition. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach can complement the dish well. Just sauté them along with the onions.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix and match cheeses depending on what you have on hand. Cheddar, gouda, or any melting cheese can be excellent substitutes.
Spice It Up: If you like extra heat, you can add more red pepper flakes or toss in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef while cooking.

Variation

If you want to switch things up, consider trying a different type of pasta shape! Shells, penne, or rotini can change the texture and feel of the dish. You can also experiment by swapping half of the ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter version of this recipe.

For a different flavor profile, try adding different herbs like basil or oregano or swap the Italian seasoning for something like taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist. You could also make it a baked pasta dish by transferring the final mixture to a baking dish, topping it with additional cheese, and baking it until golden and bubbly.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the pasta and beef separately, then just combine and reheat right before serving. This is great for meal prepping or for days when you’re short on time.

2. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The cheesy and meaty nature of this dish is usually a huge hit with kids. You can adjust the seasonings if you think your children might find it too spicy.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or even beans like black beans or lentils. The dish will remain delicious while offering a great vegetarian option.

4. What can I serve with Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta?
This dish pairs well with a light salad or garlic bread. You can consider serving a simple cucumber and tomato salad to balance the richness.

5. How can I make leftovers taste fresh?
When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta while warming it up. This will help loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.