Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Cheesy beef bowtie pasta, a symphony of flavors and textures, is about to become your new weeknight hero! Imagine tender bowtie pasta embracing a rich, savory beef sauce, all blanketed in a molten layer of gooey, golden cheese. Are you drooling yet? I know I am just thinking about it!

While its exact origins are shrouded in mystery, this comforting casserole likely evolved from classic Italian-American baked pasta dishes. Think lasagna, but with a playful twist! The bowtie pasta, or farfalle, adds a delightful visual appeal and a satisfying bite that complements the hearty beef and creamy cheese perfectly.

What makes cheesy beef bowtie pasta so irresistible? It’s the ultimate comfort food trifecta: savory, cheesy, and satisfyingly filling. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese creates a flavor explosion that’s both familiar and exciting. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize to your liking! Add your favorite vegetables, experiment with different cheeses, or spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes. This dish is also a fantastic make-ahead meal, perfect for busy families or anyone who loves a delicious and convenient dinner. Get ready to experience a taste of pure comfort with this easy-to-follow recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound bowtie pasta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup beef broth (optional, for thinning sauce)

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

1. Get started by browning the ground beef. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned all over. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the aromatics. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor, so don’t rush it!
3. Introduce the tomatoes. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine everything. The tomato paste will add richness and depth to the sauce.
4. Season generously. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir again to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch of sugar if the sauce is too acidic.
5. Simmer for maximum flavor. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little beef broth to thin it out to your desired consistency. I usually simmer mine for about an hour, and it makes a world of difference!

Cooking the Pasta:

1. Boil the bowtie pasta. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, so you want the pasta to be firm but cooked through.
2. Drain the pasta. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well in a colander. Don’t rinse the pasta unless you’re making a cold pasta salad, as the starch helps the sauce cling to it.

Assembling the Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta:

1. Combine sauce and pasta. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Make sure every bowtie is covered in that delicious, flavorful sauce!
2. Incorporate the ricotta cheese. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta and sauce mixture. Gently stir it in, being careful not to overmix. The ricotta will add a creamy, cheesy element to the dish.
3. Add mozzarella and Parmesan. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and sauce mixture. Stir gently to distribute the cheese.
4. Transfer to a baking dish. Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. This will allow the cheese to melt and get bubbly in the oven.
5. Top with remaining cheese. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta in the baking dish. This will create a beautiful, cheesy crust.
6. Bake until bubbly and golden. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.
7. Rest before serving. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
8. Garnish and serve. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy! This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Add vegetables: Sauté some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the onion for added nutrients and flavor.
• Use different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, fontina, or asiago, for a unique flavor profile.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian option.
• Prepare ahead: You can assemble the pasta dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing instructions: This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Detailed Ingredient Notes:

• Ground Beef: I prefer using lean ground beef (90/10) to minimize grease. However, you can use ground chuck (80/20) for a richer flavor, just be sure to drain off the excess grease after browning.
• Onion and Garlic: These are the foundation of the sauce’s flavor. Use fresh onion and garlic for the best results. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-minced garlic, but the flavor won’t be quite as intense.
• Canned Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide the base of the sauce. Tomato sauce adds a smoother texture, and tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor. I recommend using high-quality canned tomatoes for the best taste. San Marzano tomatoes are a great option if you can find them.
• Dried Herbs: Oregano and basil are classic Italian herbs that complement the tomato sauce perfectly. Make sure your dried herbs are fresh for the best flavor. If you have fresh herbs on hand, you can use them instead. Use about 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for every 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
• Bowtie Pasta: Bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, is a fun and visually appealing pasta shape that works well with this dish. You can substitute it with other pasta shapes, such as penne, rotini, or shells.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese is a must for a cheesy pasta bake. Use low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella for the best melting and browning.
• Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta cheese adds a creamy and slightly tangy element to the dish. Use whole milk ricotta for the richest flavor. Drain the ricotta cheese in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth for about 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. This will prevent the pasta from becoming watery.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory flavor to the dish. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Beef Broth: Beef broth is optional, but it can be used to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick. You can also use water or vegetable broth as a substitute.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley is optional, but it adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this cheesy beef bowtie pasta with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
• It’s also great as a potluck dish or for feeding a crowd.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Conclusion:

This cheesy beef bowtie pasta isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and surprisingly easy to make. From the savory, seasoned ground beef to the perfectly al dente bowtie pasta, all enveloped in a blanket of creamy, cheesy goodness, every bite is an explosion of flavor. I know you’re probably thinking, “Just another pasta recipe?” But trust me, this one is different. It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and deliciousness, making it a must-try for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A blend of mozzarella and provolone will give you that classic, stretchy cheese pull, while adding a touch of sharp cheddar will kick up the flavor a notch. For a spicier version, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the beef mixture. If you’re looking to sneak in some extra veggies, consider adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce. They’ll cook down nicely and add a boost of nutrients without compromising the overall flavor.

Serving suggestions are endless! This cheesy beef bowtie pasta is fantastic on its own as a hearty main course. However, it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and some crusty garlic bread. For a more complete meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. And if you happen to have any leftovers (though I highly doubt you will!), they reheat beautifully, making it perfect for lunch the next day.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. That’s the beauty of cooking, right? It’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for you and your family. I’ve made this cheesy beef bowtie pasta countless times, and each time I tweak it slightly to suit my mood or the ingredients I have on hand. Sometimes I add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top before baking for an extra creamy touch. Other times, I sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the top for a crispy, golden crust. The possibilities are truly endless!

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I urge you to give it a try. It’s a surefire way to impress your family and friends, and it’s so easy to make that even beginner cooks can master it. Once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. I’m always eager to see how others are enjoying my recipes and to learn from your experiences.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will rave about. This cheesy beef bowtie pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create memories and share good food with the people you love. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your cheesy, beefy, bowtie pasta adventures!

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