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This thick, cheesy pasta with beef will have everyone coming back for seconds, and fast. Soft noodles, flavorful beef, a rich, melty sauce—it checks all the boxes for comfort food, even for my pickiest eaters.
The first time I made this, my sister's family popped over unexpectedly, and I had to whip up something that would work for everyone. It was such a crowd-pleaser, now it's a must at all our get-togethers.
Tasty Ingredients
- Parmesan cheese brings in that sharp, nutty punch that rounds out the sauce
- Mozzarella cheese makes the whole thing gooey and fun to eat
- Heavy cream is what gives the sauce that dreamy smooth feel
- Italian seasoning is your shortcut to big flavor with just one shake
- Diced tomatoes brighten up the dish with a bit of tang
- Onion and garlic lay down a tasty flavor base right up front
- Ground beef makes this stick-to-your-ribs hearty
- Bowtie pasta catches the sauce in every fold
Easy Step-by-Step
- Garnish and Serve
- Toss on some chopped parsley just before you dig in. It makes the whole thing look fresh. Enjoy it while it's still piping hot and the cheese is all gooey.
- Add the Cheese
- Throw in the Parmesan and mozzarella, a handful at a time, stirring as you go until it’s all gooey and smooth. Coat every noodle in that cheesy goodness.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Tip in your cooked pasta and stir so every piece gets slathered in the sauce. If it’s looking thick, just splash in a bit of your saved pasta water.
- Enrich with Cream
- Turn the heat way down low, drizzle in the heavy cream slowly, and give it a good stir. Let it bubble gently for a couple minutes and watch the sauce go peachy-pink.
- Create the Sauce Base
- Add your tomatoes (keep all that juice), Italian seasoning, a bit of salt, and pepper. Mix it up and let everything simmer for 5 minutes till it thickens just a bit.
- Develop the Aromatics
- Once the meat’s browned, dump in the onion and cook until it’s clear, about 3 minutes. Add your garlic and just let it smell good—about 30 seconds is plenty. Don't let the garlic get too dark or you'll taste it.
- Brown the Beef
- Heat up some olive oil in a big skillet over medium. Toss in the ground beef, smashing it up with a spoon. Fry till it loses all the pink and you see crispy brown bits, about 6 or 7 minutes. The browner, the better the taste.
- Cook the Pasta
- Get the bowties boiling in salty water. Stop cooking them a minute early so they’re just al dente. Save half a cup of the cooking water—trust me, you might want it for the sauce.
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Don’t mess with the heavy cream—the magic’s right there. I tried swapping it for half and half to lighten things up once, but it lost that silky bite that makes everyone happy-sigh at my table.
Leftover Brilliance
Microwave leftovers with a little splash of milk and the sauce turns creamy all over again. Better yet, pile them in a baking dish, add more cheese, and bake at 375°F until it bubbles like a casserole. Sometimes, I make enough for leftovers on purpose!
Switch It Up
You can always toss in extras like spinach, peas, or bell peppers if you want more veggies. Swap in ground turkey if you like, just add more olive oil since it’s leaner. Want it spicier? Sprinkle on some hot sauce or red pepper flakes. I keep mine mild, but my husband loves it fiery and always piles on the flakes.
Best Pairings
This sticks-to-your-ribs dinner loves a crisp salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette. Scoop up any extra sauce with thick Italian bread or garlic bread. If you’re having wine, a soft Merlot or Chianti goes really well and matches the beefy-tomato vibe.
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Common Queries
- → Can I swap the bowties for another shape?
Definitely! Try penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Go with something that holds onto the sauce nicely.
- → Is there another protein I can try?
Sure, ground chicken or turkey works great. Plant-based meat is also an option for vegetarians!
- → How do I make this spicier?
It’s easy—just toss in some cayenne or red chili flakes while cooking the sauce to give it a kick.
- → Can you make it ahead of time?
Yes, cook the pasta and prep the sauce beforehand. When it’s mealtime, mix and gently warm everything up for the best texture.
- → What would go nicely on the side?
Pair it with a crisp green salad or some warm garlic bread for a complete meal.