Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is perfect for a hearty family dinner or a cozy night in. The combination of beef, cheese, and cream creates a velvety sauce that coats the bowtie pasta, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and guarantees a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Cook the Pasta:

1. Boil bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Beef:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Make the Sauce:

1. Stir in beef broth and bring to a simmer.
2. Pour in heavy cream, cheddar, Parmesan, and paprika.
3. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.

Combine:

1. Add cooked pasta to the beef and sauce.
2. Stir until the pasta is coated in the creamy mixture.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

1. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 640 kcal per serving

The Magic of Creamy Sauces

Creamy sauces have a way of elevating any pasta dish to a new level of indulgence. The combination of heavy cream, cheese, and beef broth in this recipe creates a luscious sauce that clings to the bowtie pasta, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. The use of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses adds a depth of flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.

The Role of Cheese

Cheese is a crucial component in this dish, providing both flavor and texture. Cheddar cheese offers a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the richness of the beef, while Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty element that enhances the overall taste. The melting of the cheeses into the cream and beef broth creates a velvety smooth sauce that is irresistible.

The Importance of Beef Broth

Beef broth is essential in this recipe as it adds a savory depth to the sauce. It enhances the flavor of the ground beef and provides a rich, meaty undertone that balances the creaminess of the sauce. Using beef broth also helps to thin out the sauce slightly, ensuring that it coats the pasta evenly without being too thick.

Tips and Variations

Tips:

1. Pasta Cooking: To ensure perfectly cooked pasta, cook it al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. This prevents the pasta from becoming too soft and maintains its texture.
2. Cheese Selection: For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of different cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda along with cheddar and Parmesan. Experimenting with different cheese combinations can add variety and depth to the dish.
3. Spice It Up: If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the beef. This will give the dish a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Variations:

1. Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Sauté the vegetables with the onion and garlic before adding the beef for a well-rounded meal.
2. Protein Swap: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. This will reduce the fat content while still providing a hearty, protein-rich dish.
3. Creamy Alternatives: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. This will reduce the calorie count without sacrificing too much of the creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Side Salad

Pair this creamy pasta with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing will complement the richness of the pasta, providing a refreshing contrast. You can also add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado to the salad for extra flavor and nutrition.

Garlic Bread

Serve with garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. The combination of garlic and butter on crispy bread is a perfect accompaniment to the creamy pasta. You can make your own garlic bread by slicing a baguette, spreading a mixture of butter, garlic, and parsley on the slices, and baking until golden brown.

Wine Pairing

A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon complements the rich flavors of the dish. The tannins in the wine help to cut through the creaminess of the sauce, while the fruity notes enhance the flavors of the beef and cheese. If you prefer a white wine, a crisp Chardonnay can also be a good pairing, offering a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta.

Health Benefits

While this dish is indulgent, it also offers several health benefits. Ground beef is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. It also provides important vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. The pasta contributes to your daily carbohydrate intake, providing energy for your body.

Cheese Nutrition

Cheese is a great source of calcium, which is crucial for bone health. It also contains protein and various vitamins and minerals. While it is high in fat, enjoying cheese in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.

Vegetable Additions

Adding vegetables to the dish increases its nutritional value. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, while spinach is packed with iron and vitamin K. Mushrooms provide a good source of B vitamins and potassium. Incorporating these vegetables not only enhances the flavor of the dish but also makes it more nutritious.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the Beef

Browning the ground beef is an essential step in this recipe. It develops the flavor of the beef, creating a rich, meaty base for the sauce. To achieve the best browning, ensure that the skillet is hot before adding the beef. This will help to sear the meat and develop a nice crust. Draining excess fat is also important to prevent the sauce from becoming too greasy.

Making the Sauce

The key to a creamy sauce is to slowly simmer the ingredients together. Adding the beef broth first allows it to reduce slightly, concentrating its flavor. Gradually stirring in the heavy cream and cheeses ensures that they melt evenly, creating a smooth and velvety sauce. Be sure to stir the sauce frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

Combining the Pasta

When combining the pasta with the sauce, it’s important to do so while both are still hot. This allows the pasta to absorb some of the sauce, enhancing its flavor. Stir the pasta gently to ensure that it is evenly coated without breaking the bowtie shapes.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a delightful and satisfying dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of beef, cheese, and cream creates a velvety sauce that coats the bowtie pasta, making each bite a delightful experience.

With its hearty and comforting nature, this dish is perfect for any occasion. The tips and variations provided allow you to customize the recipe to your liking, whether you prefer a spicier version or a lighter alternative. Pairing it with a side salad, garlic bread, or a glass of wine enhances the overall dining experience, making it a meal to remember.

So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta. Your taste buds will thank you!

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  Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

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  • Author: Teresa
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

  Print Recipe

  Pin Recipe

  Description

  Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish that combines ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, offering a rich and satisfying meal.

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  Ingredients

  Scale 1x2x3x

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

  ---

  Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
     • Boil bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Beef:
     • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
     • Add diced onion and cook until softened.
     • Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
     • Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Make the Sauce:
     • Stir in beef broth and bring to a simmer.
     • Pour in heavy cream, cheddar, Parmesan, and paprika.
     • Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
  4. Combine:
     • Add cooked pasta to the beef and sauce.
     • Stir until the pasta is coated in the creamy mixture.
     • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve:
     • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!

  Notes

  • Pasta Cooking: Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft when mixed with the sauce.
  • Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheese combinations for added flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
  • Vegetable Additions: Include vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
  • Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Creamy Alternatives: Use half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

  Nutrition

  • Calories: 640 kcal per serving
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg