Name: Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 12 oz bowtie pasta; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (optional)

When comfort food meets weeknight ease, this creamy ground beef bowtie pasta delivers all the cozy vibes you crave. It’s rich with savory ground beef, tossed in a luscious creamy sauce that clings to every curve of the pasta, and made even more indulgent with melted mozzarella and a dusting of sharp Parmesan. This is the kind of dinner that earns a spot in your regular rotation.

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What makes this pasta dish so delightful is the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The bowtie pasta, with its ridged surface, holds the creamy sauce beautifully. The seasoned beef adds a meaty depth, while the cheeses blend into a creamy blanket that wraps the whole dish in warmth. It’s hearty, soul-satisfying, and ready in about 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta

This is the kind of meal that requires minimal prep but gives maximum payoff. It’s budget-friendly, feeds a crowd, and reheats like a dream. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or batch cooking for the week, this pasta has your back.

Plus, you can easily adapt it: swap the pasta shape, use ground turkey instead of beef, or add in veggies like spinach or peas to round it out even more. It’s versatile, cheesy, and endlessly comforting.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Bowtie pasta, or farfalle, is ideal for creamy sauces because its pinched center and flat edges grab onto thick sauces without turning mushy. If you don’t have bowties, penne, rotini, or shells are great alternatives. Just aim for something with surface area and texture to help the sauce cling.

Ingredients for the Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta

To make this creamy and cheesy pasta, you’ll need a handful of everyday ingredients that each bring something essential to the dish. From protein to creaminess to that golden finish on top, every element plays its role perfectly.

Ground Beef: Adds hearty flavor and protein, forming the savory base of the sauce.
Bowtie Pasta: Holds the creamy sauce well with its shape and texture.

Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base when sautéed.
Garlic: Deepens the flavor with a punch of fragrance and warmth.
Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal depth and balance to the beef.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds just a hint of heat to cut through the richness.
Heavy Cream: Creates the velvety body of the sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, stretchy texture.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that sharpens the creamy flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall taste.
Olive Oil or Butter: Used to sauté the onion and garlic and add a bit of richness.

How To Make the Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil or butter. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onion to the pan and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Flavor

Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let everything cook together for a minute to bloom the spices.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like.

Serving and Storing Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta

This dish is perfect for feeding 4 to 6 people, making it ideal for family dinners or casual entertaining. Serve it straight from the stovetop while it’s hot and gooey, with extra Parmesan and perhaps a little fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken a bit, so when reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creamy consistency. It warms up well in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.

What to Serve With Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Buttery and crisp, garlic bread is the ultimate sidekick to creamy pasta. It soaks up every last bit of sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A light salad with vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the dish and brings balance.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds texture and a nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms complement the beefy flavors and deepen the umami.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar with garlicky dressing and crunchy croutons is a satisfying side.

Steamed Green Beans

Fresh and snappy, green beans offer a bright and slightly bitter contrast.

Bruschetta

Tomato-topped toasted bread brings acidity and freshness.

Red Wine

If you’re in the mood for a drink, a glass of red wine like Merlot or Chianti pairs beautifully with the savory richness.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this creamy bowtie pasta, you might want to explore a few more delicious pasta creations from Luna Meals:

Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a garlicky, meaty twist on Alfredo.
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna if you love seafood and luscious layers.
Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe when you’re craving a little spice.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for bold flavor in every forkful.
Creamy Mushroom Ravioli if you’re in the mood for a vegetarian option that still delivers indulgence.

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Conclusion

Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan is a one-pan dream for those nights when you want something fast, hearty, and wildly comforting. With simple ingredients and a flavor that everyone loves, it’s the kind of recipe that turns into a tradition. Keep it classic or make it your own—either way, this pasta is a keeper.