Beef and bowtie pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner that combines savory ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, and a rich tomato sauce all in one satisfying dish. This simple recipe comes together quickly with pantry staples and delivers big flavor that the whole family will love. The bowtie shape holds sauce beautifully while ground beef provides hearty protein.
Perfect for busy nights when you need something comforting, filling, and ready in under 30 minutes.
💚 Why This Pasta Dish Wins Every Time ?
This recipe solves the eternal “what’s for dinner” question with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. Ground beef cooks quickly and seasons beautifully with Italian herbs and garlic. Bowtie pasta adds visual interest that kids especially enjoy.
The one-pot method means less cleanup, making this ideal for rushed evenings. Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld together. Budget-friendly ingredients stretch far to feed large families without breaking the bank.
The versatility of beef and bowtie pasta makes it a kitchen staple worth mastering. Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. Swap cheeses based on what’s in your fridge. Make it creamy with cream cheese or keep it light with fresh tomatoes. This base recipe adapts to whatever your family craves or whatever ingredients you have available.
🥘 Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and let it warm for 30 seconds. Add 1 pound ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is completely browned with no pink remaining. The beef should develop some crispy brown bits on the bottom of the pan this adds flavor. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion to the browned beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. The onions should sizzle gently but not burn. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly. Garlic burns quickly, so watch carefully. The kitchen will smell amazing at this point. These aromatics form the flavor foundation of your dish.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with all their juice. Add tomato sauce directly to the pan. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These browned bits add deep, savory flavor called fond. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Liquid
Pour in 8 ounces of dry bowtie pasta directly into the skillet. Don’t pre-cook the pasta—it will cook in the sauce. Add 2 cups beef broth or water. Stir well to ensure pasta is mostly submerged in liquid. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid.
Step 5: Simmer Until Pasta Is Tender
Let the pasta simmer covered for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb liquid and become tender while the sauce thickens. If sauce becomes too thick before pasta is done, add splashes of water or broth. If too thin, remove lid for last few minutes to allow evaporation. Pasta should be tender but still have slight bite.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish
Remove pan from heat once pasta is cooked to your liking. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir gently until cheese melts and creates creamy coating. Let dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving—this allows sauce to thicken further. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness.
🎨 Creative Variations to Explore
- Creamy Version: Stir in 4 ounces cream cheese or 1/2 cup heavy cream with the cheese at the end for ultra-rich sauce.
- Veggie-Packed: Add diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or fresh spinach when cooking onions.
- Spicy Kick: Double red pepper flakes and add diced jalapeños for heat lovers.
- Italian Sausage Swap: Replace ground beef with Italian sausage (removed from casings) for different flavor profile.
- Mexican Twist: Use taco seasoning instead of Italian herbs, add corn and black beans, top with cheddar cheese.
📝 Important Cooking Notes
Use a large enough pan 12 inches minimum to prevent overcrowding. Smaller pans make pasta cook unevenly. Ground beef quality matters 80/20 blend provides best flavor and moisture. Leaner beef becomes dry. Fresh garlic tastes significantly better than jarred or powder. Stir frequently during simmering to prevent bottom from scorching. Pasta releases starch that naturally thickens sauce no cornstarch needed.
Don’t skip the resting time after cooking. Those few minutes allow everything to set properly and flavors to marry. Cold leftovers can be reheated with splash of water or broth to loosen sauce. This dish freezes well for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions That Shine
Serve beef and bowtie pasta in shallow bowls with crusty garlic bread for soaking up extra sauce. A simple green salad with Italian dressing provides fresh contrast to the rich pasta. Caesar salad works beautifully too. For special occasions, sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh basil on top. Pair with red wine for adults—Chianti or Merlot complement the tomato sauce perfectly.
Kids love this dish with breadsticks and carrot sticks on the side. Make it a complete meal by serving steamed broccoli or green beans alongside. The pasta is hearty enough to stand alone but benefits from fresh vegetable sides that add color and nutrition.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Let ground beef develop good brown crust before breaking it up completely this caramelization adds flavor. Use high-quality canned tomatoes San Marzano varieties taste noticeably better. Fresh herbs elevate this dish significantly swap dried herbs for triple amount fresh. Add splash of red wine with tomatoes for sophisticated depth.
Salt pasta water generously even though it’s cooking in sauce well-seasoned pasta makes huge difference. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving every tomato brand varies in acidity. Don’t add cheese to portions you plan to freeze cheese can separate upon reheating. Add fresh cheese after reheating instead.
⏱️ Timing Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
🥗 Nutritional Facts
Per serving (approximately 1.5 cups):
Calories: 420-460
Protein: 28-32 grams
Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
Fat: 18-22 grams
Sodium: 680-750 milligrams
Fiber: 3-4 grams
Nutritional values vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, shells, or rotini all work wonderfully. Cooking times remain similar for most short pasta shapes.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 4 days. Add splash of water or broth when reheating to restore creamy texture.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Cook completely, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently on stovetop with added liquid. Flavor improves overnight.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
Water works fine, or use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even milk for creamier result.
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage all substitute well. Cooking method stays the same.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Very! Freeze in portions without cheese topping. Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat, adding fresh cheese.
🎉 Conclusion
Beef and bowtie pasta delivers restaurant-quality comfort food right from your home kitchen. This reliable one-pot meal satisfies hungry families without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients. Master this recipe once and you’ll make it weekly.
The perfect balance of meat, pasta, and cheese creates memories around the dinner table while keeping weeknight cooking stress-free and delicious.
