Bowtie Pasta With Ground Beef Recipe

Quick & Hearty Bowtie Pasta With Ground Beef Recipe

Whipping up a delightful bowtie pasta with ground beef can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Pasta lovers frequently seek comfort in hearty meals that satisfy deep hunger.

Our simple recipe combines tender meat with perfectly cooked noodles for maximum flavor.

Robust seasonings blend seamlessly to create a mouthwatering dish anyone can master.

Kitchen novices and experienced cooks alike will appreciate the straightforward preparation.

Each bite promises a delectable mix of textures and rich, savory notes.

Rush to your kitchen and start cooking – this meal will become an instant family favorite!

What Makes Bowtie Pasta with Beef So Craveable

  • Quick and Simple Cooking: Master a delicious pasta dish without complicated techniques, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing the entire meal in a single pan, reducing dishwashing time and effort.
  • Protein-Packed Meal: Ground beef provides a hearty protein boost, making this recipe satisfying and nutritionally balanced for families and individuals.
  • Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adapt the recipe by adding extra vegetables, changing cheese types, or adjusting seasonings to suit personal taste preferences.

What You’ll Need for Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

For the Pasta:
  • Bowtie Pasta: A playful, bow-shaped pasta that holds sauce beautifully and provides a delightful texture to the dish.
For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that adds richness and substance to the recipe.
For the Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onions, Garlic: These classic aromatics build a deep, savory foundation for the sauce and enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that highlight and balance the meat's natural taste.
  • Dried Oregano, Dried Basil: Aromatic herbs that bring a classic Italian herbal note to the sauce.
For the Sauce Components:
  • Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: These ingredients create a rich, robust sauce with a vibrant tomato flavor and smooth consistency.
For the Garnish and Finishing Touches:
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a light, clean flavor to the dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A salty, nutty cheese that adds depth and a creamy finish to the pasta.
For the Cooking Liquids:
  • Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil that provides a smooth cooking base and adds a subtle, rich flavor.
  • Water: The essential liquid for cooking pasta to the perfect al dente texture.

Step-by-Step Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

Step 1: Boil Water for Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, preparing for the bowtie pasta.

Step 2: Sear Ground Beef

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and seasoning with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Cook until the meat browns completely and loses its pink color, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 3: Caramelize Onions

Add diced onions to the browned meat, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant, around 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Infuse Garlic Flavor

Incorporate minced garlic into the meat mixture, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release its aromatic essence.

Step 5: Create Robust Sauce

Pour into the skillet:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Tomato paste

Stir to combine and develop a rich sauce.

Step 6: Enhance with Herbs

Sprinkle dried herbs into the sauce:
  • Oregano
  • Basil

Allow herbs to infuse their flavors for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Cook Pasta

Drop bowtie pasta into the boiling water, cooking until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Merge the cooked pasta with the beef sauce, gently tossing to ensure even coating and distribution.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Garnish with:
  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Grated parmesan cheese

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal.

Handy Tips for Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

  • Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir bowtie pasta occasionally during cooking to avoid clumping and ensure even cooking.
  • Boost Meat Flavor: Let ground beef develop a deep brown crust before breaking into crumbles for richer, more intense taste.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Simmer tomato sauce uncovered to thicken naturally and concentrate flavors without watering down.
  • Enhance Herb Aromatics: Crush dried oregano and basil between your fingers before adding to release more intense essential oils and maximize flavor profile.
  • Cheese Serving Tip: Grate parmesan cheese fresh directly over the dish for maximum melt and most vibrant taste experience.

Great Twists on Bowtie Pasta with Beef

  • Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Swap traditional bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, diced bell peppers, and kalamata olives to introduce a zesty Mediterranean-inspired profile with extra texture and heat.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute pasta with roasted cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that still delivers satisfying flavors.

Tasty Sides for Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

  • Savor Savory Wine Pairing: Complement the hearty beef pasta with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the rich tomato sauce and enhances the meat's robust flavor.
  • Create Crisp Salad Companion: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness, adding a fresh, zesty contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
  • Elevate with Garlic Bread: Serve crusty garlic bread alongside the pasta, using its buttery, herbed crunch to soak up extra sauce and provide a delightful textural counterpoint to the tender pasta and beef.

Storage Ideas for Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
  • Place portion on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking, heating until steaming hot throughout.

FAQs for Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe, providing a similar texture and absorbing the sauce’s flavors well.

  • How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook pasta al dente by following package instructions and testing a piece 1-2 minutes before recommended cooking time. Immediately drain and avoid overcooking.

  • What if I don't have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs are excellent substitutes. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as they have more concentrated flavors.

  • Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The mild seasonings and familiar ingredients like pasta and beef make this a crowd-pleaser for children and adults alike.

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Bowtie Pasta With Ground Beef Recipe

Bowtie Pasta With Ground Beef Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Bowtie pasta with ground beef delivers a hearty Italian-inspired comfort meal that combines tender noodles with rich, seasoned meat. Pasta lovers will savor each delicious bite of this simple yet satisfying dinner that brings warmth and flavor to your table.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

  • 1 lb bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Meat:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat for the bowtie pasta.
  2. While water heats, warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing for the ground beef.
  3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and seasoning with salt and black pepper. Cook until the meat browns completely and loses its pink color, approximately 7-8 minutes.
  4. Add diced onions to the browned meat, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Incorporate minced garlic into the meat mixture, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release its aromatic essence.
  6. Pour diced tomatoes and tomato paste into the skillet, stirring to combine and create a rich, robust sauce.
  7. Sprinkle dried oregano and basil into the sauce, allowing the herbs to infuse their flavors for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Drop bowtie pasta into the boiling water, cooking until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
  9. Combine the cooked pasta with the beef sauce, gently tossing to ensure even coating and distribution.
  10. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and generously shower with grated parmesan cheese before serving hot.

Notes

  • Pasta Selection: Choose high-quality bowtie (farfalle) pasta with ridged texture to help sauce cling better and enhance overall flavor absorption.
  • Meat Preparation: Select ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for optimal juiciness and rich taste without excessive greasiness.
  • Herb Intensity: Toast dried herbs briefly in the skillet before adding tomatoes to release deeper, more concentrated aromatics and elevate sauce complexity.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for vegetarian version, ensuring equal protein content and maintaining similar texture profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 560
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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