Creamy Beef Pasta

I came up with this Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef when my schedule was packed and dinner needed to happen fast. It's now my go-to fix when life gets hectic. The pasta turns out just right every time, and the beef mixed with that velvety sauce creates the kind of comfort food my family can't get enough of. And the best thing? You can have it ready in half an hour.

An Absolute Mealtime Hero

Don't you love finding recipes that never let you down? This one's definitely in that category. It's great because I always have these basics in my cupboard. My kids actually jump up and down when they catch a whiff of it cooking, and my hubby can't help grabbing taste tests while I'm still working on it. Every little bowtie gets a perfect coating of that creamy sauce, and trust me, it tastes way better warmed up the next day—if you're lucky enough to have some left.

My Grocery List Essentials

• Bowtie Pasta: A single 12 oz package does the trick. I often grab two since the leftovers vanish quickly around here.
• Ground Beef: Lean works best for me, but regular's fine too. Sometimes we swap in turkey for a lighter meal.
• Olive Oil: Need just a drizzle to start cooking.
• Garlic and Onion: Nothing beats fresh ones. I keep frozen chopped onions handy for crazy days.
• Tomatoes: One can is all you need. I use backyard tomatoes during summer months.
• Beef Broth: Gives the sauce amazing richness.
• Heavy Cream: Creates that silky texture. You can use light cream too.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar's my favorite but Parmesan brings something special too.
• Paprika: Brings nice warmth and a lovely reddish tint.

Whipping Up Your Dinner Wonder

Kick Off With Pasta

Grab your largest pot, add water with a handful of salt, and cook those bowties. I usually pull them out about a minute early. They'll finish up in our sauce and it really makes them tastier.

Prepare Your Foundation

While pasta bubbles away, heat up olive oil in a big pan. Throw in those onions until they're soft and translucent, then add garlic. Your kitchen will start smelling incredible.

Brown The Beef

Now toss in ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. I love watching it change from raw pink to perfectly cooked brown. When it's done, pour off extra grease so your sauce stays clean.

Build Your Sauce

Here comes the fun part. Add tomatoes, broth, and shake in paprika. Let everything simmer together for a bit. The aroma will fill your whole house.

Add The Creaminess

Lower your heat, pour in cream, and sprinkle cheese. Watch as it all melts into the most amazing sauce. I always sneak a little taste at this point.

Mix Everything Together

Dump in your pasta and stir it around to get covered in all that tasty, beefy, creamy goodness.

Nailing The Perfect Result

I've cooked this so many times I've learned what works best. Don't overcook your pasta, it should still have a tiny bit of firmness. Always grate cheese yourself instead of buying pre-shredded bags, it'll melt way better. If your sauce looks too thick, just add more broth till it flows nicely. My grandma always added a tiny bit of sugar to tomato sauces and she was right, it brings everything together perfectly.

Tweak It Your Way

I often change things up depending on what's in my fridge. Ground turkey works great and nobody can tell the difference. Once I threw in leftover spinach and some mushrooms that needed using. It turned out amazing. My friend who can't eat gluten loves this with chickpea pasta, and sometimes I'll treat myself to smoked gouda instead of regular cheese.

Dishing It Out

We eat this from wide, shallow pasta bowls that really show off those cute bowties swimming in sauce. A little fresh parsley on top with extra cheese makes it look fancy enough for company. My family loves tearing into garlic bread alongside to mop up every drop of sauce. When friends stop by, I'll uncork some red wine and toss a quick salad with my homemade lemon dressing.

Tucking Some Away

This dish keeps so well in the fridge. I put it in glass containers for quick lunches throughout the week. Adding a splash of milk when you warm it up brings back all that creaminess. I often cook double and freeze portions in my containers. It's such a relief on nights when I just can't face cooking from scratch.

Answers To Your Kitchen Questions

Can't get bowties at your store? Don't worry, any shorter pasta shape works great here. Friends who avoid dairy have tried coconut cream instead and loved the results. Want to get ahead for a dinner party? Make everything but cook the pasta less than usual. When you warm it up with a bit more cream, it'll taste freshly made.

Creative Twists To Try

My kitchen's where I have fun and this recipe plays along nicely. I sometimes toss in red pepper flakes when I want some heat. A while back I made it for my sister who doesn't eat meat using plant-based crumbles and veggie broth. She loved it so much she wanted my recipe. I've even tried those fancy colored pastas, and the green spinach bowties looked super pretty.

Nutritious And Delicious

This dish isn't just tasty but packs a good punch of nutrition too. The beef gives you that energy boost you need after a long day. I love how every bite has the perfect mix of flavors. When I'm feeling extra virtuous, I throw in whatever veggies are looking good. The kids don't even notice they're eating healthy stuff when it's mixed into this yummy sauce.

Your Weekly Meal Prep Buddy

My Sunday cooking got so much easier after finding this recipe. I usually make a big pot while watching TV shows. Divide it up and boom, lunches for the whole week are done. The sauce stays nice and velvety, which hardly ever happens with pasta dishes. It's so nice knowing there's something this good waiting in the fridge when life gets crazy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap out the pasta type?

Bowtie pasta works well with the sauce, but you can try penne, rotini, or another short pasta. Adjust the cooking time as needed for the shape you choose.

→ What's the best way to store leftovers?

Pop the leftovers in a sealed container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Warm them up with a splash of cream or broth to make the sauce smooth again.

→ Can I toss in some veggies?

Absolutely! Add peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor. Cook them at the start, alongside the garlic and onions, to bring out their taste.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Try using half-and-half or milk if you don't have heavy cream. The sauce won’t be as rich, so heat gently to prevent it from curdling.

→ Could I prepare this meal in advance?

You sure can. Make it ahead, then reheat over low heat. Toss in a bit of cream or broth while warming it up to revive its creamy consistency.

Conclusion

This comforting dish mixes tender pasta with savory ground beef in a velvety tomato sauce. Quick to prep and easy to love with simple ingredients everyone enjoys.