Name: Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Pasta has always been my go-to comfort food, and nothing quite hits the spot like a creamy, cheesy pasta dish loaded with hearty ground beef. This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef was born out of one of those busy weeknights where I craved something quick, satisfying, and irresistibly cozy. The tender bowtie pasta catches all the creamy, savory sauce in its folds, while the seasoned beef adds richness and depth that transforms this simple dish into something special.

What I love most about this recipe is its balance — it’s creamy but not too heavy, cheesy without being overwhelming, and meaty enough to feel like a full meal. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels indulgent, but it’s also ridiculously easy to pull together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving a bowl of something soul-warming, this dish never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

This dish is a perfect example of comfort meets convenience. It’s:

Quick to prepare — dinner can be ready in 30 minutes.
Kid-friendly and adult-approved.
Customizable with pantry staples.
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor.
Great for leftovers (if there are any!).

Whether you need an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

What Kind of Bowtie Pasta Should I Use?

For this dish, I always go for classic farfalle, also known as bowtie pasta. Its unique pinched center and ridged edges do an excellent job of holding onto the creamy, cheesy sauce and crumbled beef. I prefer using regular durum wheat farfalle, but you can use whole wheat for a slightly nuttier flavor or even gluten-free versions if needed. Just make sure to cook it until al dente, so it keeps its texture even after being tossed with the rich sauce.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re looking to switch things up or work with what’s already in your pantry, this recipe is incredibly flexible:

Pasta: Swap bowties for penne, rotini, or shells—anything with shape and texture works well here.
Ground beef: You can easily use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Cheese: Cheddar gives a sharp, rich flavor, but you can use Monterey Jack, mozzarella for meltiness, or even a little Parmesan for a salty kick.
Cream base: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or even a full-fat milk (just reduce the amount slightly to keep the sauce thick).
Add-ins: Stir in spinach, peas, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers to add more color and nutrition.

The beauty of this dish is that it can adapt to your mood, your fridge, or your dietary needs without losing its creamy, savory charm.

Ingredients for This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in building up its cozy, crave-worthy flavor. Here’s what makes it all come together:

Bowtie (Farfalle) Pasta: Its shape is perfect for trapping the creamy sauce and bits of meat, giving every bite a satisfying texture.
Ground Beef: The savory backbone of this recipe—rich, filling, and full of umami.
Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and depth to the beef as it browns.
Garlic: Essential for flavor, garlic brings warmth and a fragrant base to the sauce.
Tomato Paste: A small amount adds concentrated tang and balances the richness of the cheese and cream.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its silky, luscious texture that coats every piece of pasta.
Cheddar Cheese: Melted into the cream, it adds sharpness and bold flavor.
Beef Broth: Enhances the meaty richness of the sauce while helping it stay smooth and pourable.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and beef, bringing everything together.
Salt & Pepper: Simple but necessary to season the dish just right.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For a final touch of color and a little fresh brightness.

Each ingredient layers into the next, building that signature comfort-food flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Once cooked, transfer the beef to a plate, leaving a little of the fat in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Tomato Paste and Deglaze

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for about 3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheese

Add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and cheesy.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Beef

Return the cooked ground beef to the pan, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the beef is fully incorporated into the sauce.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

How Long to Cook the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

From start to finish, this dish takes about 30 minutes total:

Pasta cooking: 10 minutes
Browning beef and aromatics: 8–10 minutes
Making the sauce and combining: 10 minutes

This makes it a perfect weeknight dinner when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. The key is multitasking—start the pasta while the beef browns, and you’ll have dinner ready in no time.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

Use freshly grated cheese: It melts more smoothly into the sauce compared to pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better when mixed into sauce and won’t get mushy.
Deglaze the pan: Scrape up all the browned bits after sautéing beef and onions—they’re loaded with flavor.
Simmer gently: When adding cream and cheese, keep the heat low to avoid curdling or clumping.
Adjust thickness: Use a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce thickens too much before serving.
Taste before serving: Always give it a final seasoning check with salt and pepper—cheese and broth can add saltiness, so you might not need much more.

These simple techniques help you get that restaurant-quality result right from your own kitchen.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with such a forgiving recipe, a few slip-ups can affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid:

Skipping the seasoning: Forgetting to season the beef or the sauce can make the dish taste flat.
Using low-quality cheese: Pre-shredded or artificial cheese might not melt smoothly, affecting texture and taste.
Boiling the sauce: High heat can cause the cream and cheese to separate. Keep the heat gentle.
Overcooking the pasta: Soft, mushy pasta won’t hold up well in the sauce. Stick to al dente.
Forgetting to reserve pasta water: A bit of starchy pasta water can rescue a sauce that’s too thick or dry.
Crowding the pan: If your skillet is too small, the beef won’t brown properly—it’ll steam instead.

What to Serve With Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef?

This dish is filling on its own, but a few sides can elevate the meal and bring variety:

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery, and garlicky—perfect for mopping up the cheesy sauce.

Mixed Green Salad

A fresh contrast to the rich pasta. Toss greens with a simple vinaigrette for balance.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli adds crunch and slight bitterness that cuts through the creaminess.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze offer a bright, juicy bite.

Soft Dinner Rolls

Warm, fluffy rolls are always a hit, especially with cheesy meals.

Grilled Eggplant

Smoky slices of grilled eggplant make for a hearty and flavorful side.

A Glass of Red Wine

A light-bodied red, like Pinot Noir or Chianti, complements the beef and cheese beautifully.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of this cheesy bowtie pasta hold up beautifully and are just as tasty the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat:

Refrigerator: Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir well to maintain that creamy texture.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: ~520
Protein: ~28g
Carbohydrates: ~40g
Fat: ~28g
Saturated Fat: ~14g
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~3g
Sodium: ~620mg

Note: These values can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or stir in a spoonful of hot sauce with the cream for a kick.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, shells, or rotini work well. Just choose a shape that holds sauce nicely.

What’s the best cheese alternative to cheddar?

Monterey Jack for creaminess, or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a stretchier, saltier result.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the full dish, cool it, and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of liquid to refresh the sauce.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely. The cheesy, mild flavors make it a hit with most kids. You can skip onions or garlic if needed for picky eaters.

Can I make it lighter?

Use lean ground beef or turkey, substitute half-and-half for cream, and go lighter on the cheese without losing too much flavor.

Will it still taste good without beef?

Yes! Try it with sautéed mushrooms, plant-based ground “meat,” or even lentils for a vegetarian version.

Can I bake it after mixing?

Totally! Pour it into a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Conclusion

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort dish that brings warmth, flavor, and a whole lot of satisfaction to your table. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight and tasty enough to become a family favorite. Whether you stick with the classic version or explore the substitutions, this dish is all about big flavor with little fuss. Keep this one in your dinner rotation—you won’t regret it.