A plate of Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is the definition of cozy comfort food. This dish brings together tender bowtie pasta, a rich and creamy cheese sauce, and savory ground beef seasoned to perfection. Every bite delivers an irresistible mix of textures and flavors that’s perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.

What makes this meal extra special is how quickly it comes together with simple pantry staples. The creamy sauce hugs each piece of pasta and the juicy beef provides hearty satisfaction. It’s a dinner the whole family will love, and it reheats beautifully for lunches the next day.

What Kind of Bowtie Pasta Should I Use?

The classic farfalle, often called bowtie pasta, is ideal for this recipe. Its wide shape holds onto the cheesy sauce and mixes beautifully with ground beef. While you can substitute it with penne or rotini, farfalle gives the best bite and visual appeal.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

Ground Beef
Choose lean ground beef (80-90% lean) for a balance of flavor and less grease. It’s the protein heart of the dish.

Farfalle Pasta
The star pasta shape! Farfalle traps the creamy cheese sauce in its ridges for a perfect bite.

Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar melts into a rich, bold sauce. You can mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for more creaminess.

Heavy Cream
This thickens the sauce and creates a luscious, restaurant-quality texture.

Garlic & Onion
They form the base flavor foundation for the beef. Fresh or powdered both work.

Tomato Paste
Adds depth and umami. It balances the richness of the cream and cheese.

Beef Broth
Used to deglaze the pan and build a meaty flavor base in the sauce.

Butter & Olive Oil
Butter boosts richness and olive oil keeps the ingredients from sticking.

Salt, Pepper & Italian Seasoning
These bring everything together and add herby depth.

Fresh Parsley (optional)
A sprinkle of chopped parsley at the end adds a pop of color and brightness.

How To Make the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

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

Step 2: Cook the Beef Base

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and break it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess fat if needed. Add diced onion and minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste & Seasoning

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to deepen its flavor. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Reduce the heat to low. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes. Slowly add shredded cheddar cheese while stirring until fully melted and smooth. The sauce should be creamy and slightly thick.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and beef. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a small knob of butter stirred in for gloss and richness. Top with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve and Store Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

This cheesy pasta dish is best served straight from the skillet while still warm and creamy. For a more balanced meal, pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. You can also sprinkle on extra cheese or red pepper flakes for added flavor.

Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store in an airtight container and reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or shells work well, though farfalle holds the sauce beautifully.

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles can be used instead of beef.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat low when adding the cream and cheese, and stir constantly until smooth.

What cheeses melt best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar is ideal, but a mix with Monterey Jack or mozzarella can add more creaminess.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very much so! It’s cheesy, comforting, and easy to eat—a definite family favorite.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and beef base ahead and refrigerate separately, then reheat and combine with sauce before serving.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef, check out these other creative dinner favorites:

• Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce for a creamy garlic-packed option.
• One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta with a kick of sweet heat.
• Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole when you’re craving something extra rich.
• Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta for a veggie-packed creamy dinner.
• Sweet & Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta for that perfect balance of bold flavors.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s easy to find next time you need a hearty meal.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go extra cheesy or try a spice blend of your own? Additions like spinach or mushrooms can take it to the next level too.

I love seeing your takes on these recipes. Questions are welcome—let’s make dinner even better together!

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 35 minutes

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is a hearty, flavorful one-pan dinner made with creamy cheese sauce, tender farfalle pasta, and seasoned ground beef. Perfect for cozy evenings or quick family meals, it comes together in under an hour and is always a hit at the table.

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook farfalle pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste. Cook 2-3 minutes. Add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning.
Pour in beef broth and deglaze the skillet. Simmer until slightly reduced.

Lower heat. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes.
Gradually add cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and sauce is creamy.
Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in sauce.

Stir in butter for extra richness. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Category: Dinner