Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan
Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan is a delightful dish that brings comfort food to a new level. With tender bowtie pasta, juicy ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, it’s quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, the combination of ground beef and creamy cheeses makes for a hearty meal that satisfies both kids and adults. Lastly, it’s a versatile dish; you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just making dinner for yourself, this creamy pasta dish won’t disappoint.
How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan
Ingredients:
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1⁄2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Break it up as it cooks until no pink remains.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine into a creamy, tomato-infused sauce.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly.
- Sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir gently until melted and the sauce is thick, cheesy, and coats every bite.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot, straight from the skillet.
How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan
This pasta dish is best served hot. You can plate it individually or serve it directly from the skillet. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for an added cheesy goodness!
How to Store Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if necessary to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture.
- Use a mix of cheeses if you want to try different flavors.
- Feel free to add in your favorite veggies, like spinach or bell peppers, for added nutrition and flavor.
Variation
For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use whole grain pasta for a healthier twist. If you’re a vegetarian, try using plant-based ground meat or mushrooms instead of beef.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
2. What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little bit of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up while stirring.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the cooked and cooled dish in an airtight container. Just make sure to properly thaw and reheat it in a skillet, adding a splash of cream if needed.
Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful creamy pasta dish with tender bowtie pasta, juicy ground beef, and a cheesy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Break it up as it cooks until no pink remains.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine into a creamy, tomato-infused sauce.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly.
- Sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir gently until melted and the sauce is thick, cheesy, and coats every bite.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot, straight from the skillet.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and use whole grain pasta. Feel free to add your favorite veggies for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: pasta, beef, creamy, comfort food, Italian