Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. It features tender bowtie pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce that brings everything together in one satisfying bite. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this pasta bake is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

ingredients

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

bowtie pastaground beefoniongarlicItalian seasoningcrushed tomatoesbeef brothcheddar cheesemozzarella cheesecream cheeseolive oilsaltpepper

directions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease.

Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Reduce heat and stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.

Add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly.

Sprinkle in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and well mixed.

Transfer to a baking dish if desired, top with extra cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.

Add chopped spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.

Try different pasta shapes like penne or rotini if bowtie isn’t available.

Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Swap in Velveeta or Colby Jack cheese for a twist on the flavor.

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 broth or milk to maintain creaminess.You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate before baking. Bake when ready to serve.

Do I need to bake it?

No, it can be served straight from the stovetop. Baking is optional for a cheesy crust.

What type of cheese melts best?

Cheddar and mozzarella melt beautifully, but you can mix in others like provolone or Monterey Jack.

Can I use jarred pasta sauce?

Yes, substitute the crushed tomatoes and seasoning with your favorite pasta sauce.

Is this dish spicy?

Not unless you add spice. It’s mild by default, making it kid-friendly.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check labels on broth and cheese to be sure.

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Let the cream cheese soften before mixing and stir continuously when adding shredded cheese.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger skillet or two pans and increase ingredients proportionally.

Can I skip cream cheese?

Yes, but it adds richness. Substitute with a splash of heavy cream or sour cream.

Is this good for meal prep?

Absolutely! It reheats well and makes a great lunch or dinner for several days.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a comforting, creamy, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this cheesy pasta delivers flavor and heartiness in every bite. Give it a try and watch it become a regular on your dinner rotation.