Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a one-pot comfort meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor and satisfying textures, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

ground beefbowtie pastadiced onionminced garliccrushed tomatoesbeef brothcream cheesecheddar cheeseshredded mozzarella cheeseolive oilsaltblack pepperItalian seasoningfresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated.

Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture and stir to combine.

Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until melted and everything is evenly coated.

Simmer for a few minutes until heated through and creamy.

Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Add chopped bell peppers or spinach for extra vegetables.

Try using a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Parmesan for different flavors.

Top with breadcrumbs and broil for a crispy, baked finish.

Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as needed.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rotini, or shells work well too.

Is this dish spicy?

Not unless you add spice. Feel free to toss in red pepper flakes for heat.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, prepare and refrigerate. Reheat when ready to serve.

What’s the best cheese for melting?

Cheddar and mozzarella melt smoothly and give a rich flavor.

Do I need to use cream cheese?

Cream cheese adds creaminess, but you can use heavy cream or sour cream instead.

Can I bake this?

Yes, transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.

Is this kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy pasta and mild beef flavor.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting dry?

Add a splash of broth or milk while reheating to keep it creamy.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, filling, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers in taste and convenience. One bite, and it’ll be a weeknight favorite!