Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta is the kind of dinner that fills the kitchen with comfort before you even sit down to eat. The first time I made Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta, the aroma of browned beef, garlic, and simmering tomatoes drifted through the house and made everyone ask what was cooking.
When the cream and melted cheeses blended into the sauce, it turned silky, rich, and deeply savory, coating every piece of pasta beautifully.
What I love most about this Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta is how it balances hearty and creamy in every bite. The bowtie pasta catches the sauce in its folds, the seasoned beef adds richness, and the smoked paprika gives a subtle warmth that makes the flavor stand out.
Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta tastes like something you would order at a cozy family restaurant, yet it comes together with simple pantry staples.
Key Ingredients in Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta
The beauty of this Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta recipe is in how a few everyday ingredients create such a rich, satisfying dish.
1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta
1 and 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 and 1/2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
1 half cup cream cheese (optional)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
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Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta with Rich Tomato
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta is a hearty, creamy pasta dish made with tender farfalle, seasoned ground beef, garlic, onions, diced tomatoes, beef broth, heavy cream, and melted cheddar and mozzarella for a rich, comforting family meal.
Ingredients
1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta
1 and 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 and 1/2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
1 half cup cream cheese (optional)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until tender but still slightly firm. Drain well and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart as it browns, until fully cooked and nicely browned. Remove any excess grease.
Add the diced onion and garlic to the beef and cook for a few minutes until the onion softens and everything smells rich and savory.
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the beef broth. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes so the flavors come together.
Lower the heat and add the heavy cream. If using, add the cream cheese and let it melt into the sauce, creating a smooth and slightly thick base.
If using, add the cheddar and mozzarella, mixing until the sauce turns thick, glossy, and full of melted cheese.
Add the cooked bowtie pasta and gently fold everything together until the sauce coats every piece.
Let it sit for a couple of minutes so the sauce thickens slightly, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
If you enjoy Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta, you may also like High Protein Chickpea Salad for a lighter meal option, Strawberry Balsamic Bruschetta as a fresh appetizer, or Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta when you want something bright and elegant.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta Step-by-Step
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant, letting those flavors develop fully.
- Stir in diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer so the flavors meld together.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Add cream cheese if using, stirring until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Mix in cheddar and mozzarella if using. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes creamy, thick, and glossy.
- Fold the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet, tossing gently until every piece is coated in the rich cheesy sauce.
- Let everything rest for a minute or two before serving so the sauce thickens slightly and clings even better to the pasta.
Tips for the Best Results
- Brown the beef well for deeper flavor.
- Cook pasta just until al dente so it does not become too soft when mixed into the sauce.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
- Add a splash of extra broth if the sauce thickens too much.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving for the best balance.
Conclusion
Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta is one of those recipes that feels generous and comforting from the first bite to the last. The creamy cheese sauce, seasoned beef, and tender pasta come together in a way that tastes both familiar and special. It is the kind of meal I return to when I want something warm, satisfying, and guaranteed to bring everyone to the table.
Looking for inspiration? Visit Elise Chef on Pinterest to explore beautifully curated high-fiber recipes and discover your next healthy habit.