Easy Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

What I love most about this cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef is how versatile it is. You can easily adapt it to whatever you have on hand. Sometimes I add extra veggies, like chopped bell peppers or zucchini, to sneak in some extra nutrients for the little ones. Other times, I’ll throw in a can of diced tomatoes for a bit of extra acidity. It’s truly the perfect easy ground beef bowtie pasta.

It’s also incredibly budget-friendly, which is a huge plus in my book. Ground beef is usually pretty affordable, and pasta is a pantry staple. Plus, it makes a ton, so you’ll likely have leftovers for lunch the next day. Speaking of budget-friendly, I made this dish when trying to feed a crowd and thought it was a great way to stretch ground beef.

This dish is a regular in my meal rotation because it’s quick, easy, and everyone loves it. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, no complaints allowed (well, almost none!). It’s also an excellent meal to make ahead of time and bake when you are ready for dinner. If you want a more adult flavor try a little bit of nutmeg!

Trust me, once you try this cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef, it’ll become a staple in your house, too. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in or a potluck with friends.

Ingredients for Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

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• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (16-ounce) package bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

I always use lean ground beef for my cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef to keep things a bit healthier. But if you prefer a richer flavor, you can definitely use regular ground beef. If you want to try ground turkey use a little olive oil when cooking so it does not dry out. I also swear by a good quality marinara sauce. It really makes a difference in the overall taste of the dish. When making cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef, you can find really great Italian marinara at your local grocery store!

Here’s a cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef trick I learned from my mom: add a pinch of sugar to the sauce to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. It really works!

For busy families making cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef, you can definitely prep some of the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the onion and garlic in the morning, so they’re ready to go when you start cooking dinner.

To save a little money on this dish, I buy my pasta in bulk whenever it’s on sale. Pasta lasts a long time, so you can stock up when the price is right. I have also found great deals on tomato sauce during the fall harvest season.

Leftover cheese should always be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. That way, it will last longer.

How To Make – Step-by-Step Instructions

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1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain well and set aside. Don’t overcook it, you want it to be slightly al dente because it will continue to cook in the oven. While the pasta is cooking, you can start on the meat sauce.
3. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. I learned the hard way with cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef that you have to drain the grease well, otherwise, the dish can be too greasy. Ground beef quality will affect the grease that is given off. See “USDA Ground Beef Information” for more information on ground beef quality.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together. Your cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef should smell like a warm, comforting hug at this point!
6. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce and stir to combine. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. Don’t worry if your cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef looks a little saucy at this point; it will thicken up in the oven.
7. Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly browned. In my kitchen, cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef usually takes exactly 22 minutes to reach that perfect cheesy, bubbly state.
9. Let the ground beef pasta casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set up a bit.

While the cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef is cooking, I usually throw together a quick salad or steam some green beans. It’s all about efficiency!

If you want to make this cheesy beef and pasta recipe ahead of time, you can assemble it in the baking dish and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

For an even easier cleanup, use a disposable aluminum baking pan.

Serving Suggestions

The kids love our cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef when I serve it with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad. It’s the perfect balanced meal.

My go-to side dishes that pair with cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef are a Caesar salad and some steamed broccoli. The Caesar salad adds a nice creamy element, while the broccoli provides some much-needed greens. The pasta pairs so well with this Greek Salad.

This cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or even a casual get-together with friends. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.

For presentation tips, I like to garnish the finished dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil. It adds a pop of color and freshness.

If you have extra cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef, it’s delicious reheated for lunch the next day. You can also freeze it for a quick and easy meal later on.

For a seasonal variation, try adding some roasted vegetables, like butternut squash or Brussels sprouts, to the pasta in the fall. It adds a delicious nutty flavor.

My friends always ask for this cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef recipe whenever I make it for a party. It’s always a hit!

FAQs

Q: Can I use different types of pasta?

A: Absolutely! While I love using bowtie pasta for this recipe (hence the name), you can definitely substitute it with other types of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or even macaroni. The key is to choose a pasta shape that will hold the sauce well. You could easily make this a farfalle pasta bake by layering all the ingredients and baking it.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

A: Yes, you can. Ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef and will make the dish a bit leaner. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly. You know what I do when my cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef calls for ground turkey? I add a little bit of olive oil to the pan while cooking the turkey so that it doesn’t dry out!

Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A: Of course! This is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for the kids. Some good options include chopped bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Feel free to get creative and use whatever you have on hand.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the ground beef pasta casserole in the baking dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?

A: Absolutely! This cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef freezes really well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make this dish without cheese?

A: While the cheese is a key component of this dish, you can definitely omit it if you prefer. Just be aware that it will change the flavor and texture of the dish slightly. We tried this cheesy beef and pasta recipe with dairy free cheese, and it was almost as good!

Q: My sauce is too acidic. What can I do?

A: If your sauce is too acidic, try adding a pinch of sugar or a tablespoon of butter. This will help to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.

My Final Thoughts

This cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that my whole family loves. It’s simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.

My Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta! You want it to be slightly al dente because it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Drain the grease well! Nobody wants a greasy pasta dish.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses! I love adding a little bit of provolone or pepper jack for extra flavor.

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Here are a few cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef variations I’ve tried with my family:

• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce for a bit of heat.
• Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Deluxe: Add some cooked bacon or Italian sausage to the pasta for a heartier meal.

My son, little Timmy, loves the plainest version possible, with just ground beef, sauce, and mozzarella. My daughter, on the other hand, loves it with all the veggies!

I really hope you try this cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef recipe. It’s so easy to make and customize to your liking. Make it your own!

And remember, cooking should be fun! Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and experiment with different flavors. I have faith that you can make this cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef a family staple!

Easy Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

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This cheesy bowtie pasta recipe with ground beef is a family favorite! It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor.

• Author: Zoubida
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 30
• Total Time: 45
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (16 ounce) package bowtie pasta
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in marinara sauce and cream of mushroom soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.
4. Meanwhile, cook bowtie pasta according to package directions. Drain well.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce. Stir to combine.
6. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Serve immediately.

Notes

For an extra cheesy flavor, add a layer of mozzarella cheese on top and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.