Beef Creamy Pasta

This Farfalle with Ground Beef has turned into my go-to dinner fix when life gets hectic. I stumbled onto this gem during my craziest work period and can't imagine weeknights without it now. The bowties cook up just right while the beef and silky sauce create this awesome comfort food moment that everyone at my table can't wait for. And guess what? It's ready in half an hour flat.

An Absolute Mealtime Miracle

Don't you love finding recipes that never fail? This one tops my list. I'm so happy it needs stuff I've always got on hand. My little ones actually jump up and down when they catch a whiff from the kitchen, and I catch my partner stealing tastes when they think I'm not looking. The velvety sauce wraps around each bowtie perfectly and truthfully, it tastes way better warmed up the day after if you're lucky enough to save some.

Stuff You'll Need to Grab

• Farfalle Pasta: A 12 oz package does the trick. I often buy two since the leftovers vanish quickly around here.
• Ground Beef: Lean works nicely but regular's totally fine. We swap in turkey sometimes for a lighter twist.
• Olive Oil: Just a drizzle to kick things off.
• Onion and Garlic: Go with fresh if you can. I keep frozen chopped onions ready for busy nights.
• Diced Tomatoes: A single can works great. I swap in garden tomatoes during summer months.
• Beef Broth: Gives the sauce amazing richness.
• Heavy Cream: Creates that dreamy texture. You can use light cream too.
• Cheese: We love sharp cheddar but Parmesan really works magic here.
• Paprika: Brings nice warmth and pretty color to the dish.

Creating Your Pasta Wonder

Begin With The Pasta

Grab your largest pot, add water with a nice salt pinch and cook those bowties. I pull them out about a minute early. They'll finish up in our sauce and it really makes them taste better.

Create Your Foundation

While pasta cooks, warm up olive oil in your favorite pan. Drop in those onions until they turn soft and fragrant, then toss in garlic. Your kitchen will smell incredible right about now.

Brown The Beef

Add ground beef and break it apart as it cooks. I enjoy watching it change from red to beautiful brown. After it's done, drain off extra grease so your sauce stays clean.

Whip Up Your Sauce

Here comes the fun part. Add tomatoes, broth, and sprinkle paprika. Let everything bubble together a few minutes. The smells will drive everyone to the kitchen.

Add The Richness

Lower your heat and pour cream in. Add cheese and watch as it transforms into this gorgeous sauce. I always sneak a little taste at this point.

Mix Everything Together

Toss those bowties into your sauce and let them swim around for a minute or two. Each pasta piece gets wrapped in that amazing beefy sauce.

Nailing The Details

I've cooked this so many times I've picked up what works best. Watch your pasta closely so it stays a bit firm. Don't use bagged cheese, grate your own for much better melting. If sauce gets too thick, splash in more broth until you like the texture. A tiny bit of sugar in the sauce brings everything together nicely, something my nonna showed me years ago.

Putting Your Spin On It

I often mix it up based on what's hanging out in my fridge. Ground turkey works great and nobody notices the swap. Recently I threw in leftover spinach and mushrooms that needed using. Turned out awesome. My friend who can't eat gluten loves this with chickpea bowties, and when I'm feeling fancy I'll use smoked gouda instead of regular cheese.

Dishing It Out

We eat this from our wide pasta bowls. They show off all those pretty bowties floating in sauce so nicely. A little fresh parsley and extra cheese on top makes it look restaurant-worthy. We always grab some crusty garlic bread for mopping up sauce. When company drops by, I open some red wine and toss together a quick side salad with my homemade lemon dressing.

Tucking Some Away

This dish stays amazing in the fridge. I put it in glass containers and it's perfect for quick lunches throughout the week. Just add a splash of milk when warming it up to bring back that creamy feel. I often cook twice as much and freeze portions in containers. It's such a lifesaver on nights when I can't face cooking anything.

Answers To Your Cooking Questions

Can't track down bowties? Don't sweat it, any shorter pasta works great here. Friends who don't do dairy use coconut cream instead and love the results. Want to get ahead for a dinner with friends? Make everything but keep the pasta slightly firm. When you heat it back up, add fresh cream and it'll taste just-made.

Cool Twists To Try

My kitchen feels like my creative space and this dish loves changing up. Sometimes I toss in red pepper flakes when I want some kick. Last time my vegetarian sister visited, I used plant meat and veggie broth. She loved it so much she wanted my recipe. I've even tried those rainbow vegetable pastas. The green spinach bowties made it look so pretty.

Healthy Stuff Inside

This pasta isn't just tasty but packs in good things too. The beef gives you protein after a long day. I love how the sauce clings to each bite giving you perfect flavor in every mouthful. When I'm trying to be healthier, I toss in whatever veggies look good at the store. The kids don't even realize they're eating vegetables when they're coated in this creamy sauce.

Your Weekly Meal Savior

Sunday cooking got way easier after finding this recipe. I make a huge batch while watching TV shows. Split it into containers and boom, lunches for the week are done. The sauce stays nice and creamy which doesn't always happen with pasta dishes. So nice having something this tasty waiting in the fridge when days get crazy.

Pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap out the pasta for another type?

Sure thing! Penne, rotini, or any other short pasta works too. Just keep an eye on cooking times since they may differ a bit.

→ How should I save leftovers?

Pop leftovers in an airtight container and put them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm it up with a splash of broth or cream to keep it silky.

→ What veggies can I add in?

Throw in bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms—they're all great! Cook them with onions and garlic early for more flavor.

→ Can I skip the heavy cream?

Yep, you can swap for whole milk or half-and-half. It won't be as thick, though, so don't let it boil or it'll curdle.

→ Can this be prepped ahead?

Sure, make it beforehand and reheat gently on the stove. Toss in a splash of cream or broth while warming to keep it creamy.

Conclusion

This cozy pasta tosses buttery bowtie noodles with seasoned ground beef and a smooth, creamy tomato sauce. Quick, simple, and packed with flavor.