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Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta

Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta

Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender bowtie pasta with savory ground beef in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, this recipe is family-friendly, budget-conscious, and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz bowtie pasta

Meat

  • 1 lb ground beef

Cheese Sauce

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk or cream

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the bowtie pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat for a leaner dish.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
  5. Make the Cheese Sauce: Lower the heat and add milk or cream, then gradually stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth, creating a luscious sauce.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked bowtie pasta in the cheese and beef sauce until every piece is coated evenly.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Dish out your Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta immediately for best texture and taste.

Notes

  • Use fresh cheese: shredding your own cheese melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded options.
  • Don’t overcook pasta: aim for al dente to brighten the bite and prevent mushiness after mixing.
  • Drain the beef well: removing excess fat avoids greasy sauce and keeps flavors balanced.
  • Season as you go: taste and adjust salt and pepper at each step for the best flavor depth.
  • Simmer gently: maintain low heat when melting cheese to avoid curdling or separation.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy beef pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, quick dinner, family meal, comfort food, easy pasta recipe, creamy pasta, budget-friendly dinner