Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe: Easy, Hearty & Seriously Comforting

ByJulia Child

Okay, so you’re hungry. Like real hungry. And you want something easy but satisfying, quick but homemade. That’s where this beef and bowtie pasta recipe walks in like it owns the kitchen.

This dish checks all the right boxes: it’s filling, flavorful, and family-friendly. The bowtie pasta—also called farfalle if we’re being fancy—holds sauce like a champ. Add in well-seasoned ground beef, a touch of garlic, some crushed tomatoes, and melty cheese? You’ve got dinner handled.

Whether it’s a weeknight rush or a lazy weekend, this recipe feels like the cozy, back-pocket kind. Nothing complicated. Just good food.

🍝 Ingredients You’ll Need

Main stuff:

  • 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or lean)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup beef broth or water (optional, for extra sauciness)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Finishers:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water, add bowtie pasta, and cook until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Break it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, around 3–4 minutes.
  4. Add the sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes, seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and beef broth. Let everything simmer gently for 8–10 minutes so the flavors blend. Taste and adjust salt/pepper.
  5. Combine & melt: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet. Stir to coat everything well. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan on top, cover with a lid, and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes.
  6. Serve hot: Sprinkle with fresh herbs and maybe an extra bit of cheese—because why not?

⏱️ Time & Servings

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: ~30 minutes
  • Serves: 4–5 people
  • Difficulty: Easy-peasy

🧂 Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Pasta pot
  • Strainer
  • Wooden spoon
  • Grater (for cheese)
  • Knife & cutting board

📦 Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you.

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or broth so it stays moist.
  • Freezer-friendly? Yep. Let it cool, pack it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

🔢 Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

(Estimated based on 5 servings)

  • Calories: 480
  • Protein: 29g
  • Carbs: 42g
  • Fat: 21g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sodium: ~480mg

Not exactly a light salad—but it’s protein-packed, and one hearty plate might be all you need.

📝 Recipe Notes

  • Want it cheesier? Add more mozzarella or a handful of provolone.
  • Make it spicy with hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
  • Like more veggies? Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini with the onion.
  • Use gluten-free bowtie pasta if you need it GF.

✨ Extra Tips to Make It Just Right

  • Undercook your pasta slightly if you’ll be reheating later—helps it hold texture.
  • Fresh garlic always beats jarred here.
  • Simmer the sauce long enough to let the beef really flavor it—it makes a difference.
  • Save a little pasta water in case you want to loosen up the sauce before serving.

🍽️ How to Serve

  • Weeknight dinner: Serve with garlic bread and a green salad. Done.
  • Lunch the next day: Add a little extra cheese and microwave—it reheats well.
  • Potluck or gathering: Double the recipe, transfer to a baking dish, and keep warm in the oven.

This dish works for all occasions. It’s not fancy, but it feels like comfort food royalty.

❓ FAQs

Yes. Assemble everything except the cheese topping. Store it in the fridge and heat with cheese when ready to serve.

Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for less grease. You could also sub in turkey or plant-based ground for a lighter option.

Totally. Transfer the beef and pasta mix to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until bubbly.

Not by default, but you can use gluten-free pasta to make it so. Everything else is naturally GF.

Fresh parsley, basil, or thyme. Even a little rosemary if you’re into bold flavors.

Final Thoughts

This beef and bowtie pasta is the kind of no-fuss comfort food that always comes through when you need it most—quick to make, hearty enough to satisfy, and versatile enough to fit any night of the week. The tender farfalle, savory beef, and melty cheese come together in a way that feels both cozy and crowd-pleasing, whether you’re feeding family, meal-prepping, or showing up to a potluck with something everyone will dig into. Simple, reliable, and seriously comforting—this is one of those back-pocket recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again.

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