Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef! This dish has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face. There’s something so comforting about the combination of tender bowtie pasta and juicy ground beef, all enveloped in that gooey, melted cheddar cheese. Every time I make it, the aroma fills my home and instantly takes me back to cozy family dinners. It’s hearty enough to fill you up after a long day, yet quick and easy to whip up, making it the perfect weeknight meal. Trust me, once you try this cheesy creation, it’ll become a favorite in your household too!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll have it ready in no time. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add in the 8 oz of bowtie pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until it’s al dente. Make sure to stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick together.
- While that’s cooking, grab a skillet and cook 1 lb of ground beef over medium heat. Toss in 1/2 cup of chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Keep stirring until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent—about 5-7 minutes. Oh, the smell is irresistible!
- Once the beef is nice and cooked, drain any excess fat. You don’t want a greasy pasta dish, right? Just tilt the skillet carefully and let the fat drain off.
- Now, add in 1 cup of marinara sauce, 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to blend those flavors beautifully.
- After the pasta has cooked, drain it, and toss it right into the skillet with the beef mixture. Mix it all up so every piece of pasta is coated with that savory goodness!
- Finally, sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover the skillet, and let it sit on low heat for a few minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey masterpiece. Serve it hot, and get ready to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Hearty and filling, making it a satisfying meal for the whole family.
- Comfort food at its finest, with gooey cheese and savory beef.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or spices for added flavor.
- Leftovers taste just as good, making for a delightful lunch the next day!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of this cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef packs a delightful punch with about 450 calories. You’ll also get around 20 grams of fat, which makes it wonderfully rich and satisfying. Plus, you’re looking at about 25 grams of protein, thanks to that hearty ground beef. With 45 grams of carbohydrates, it’s a filling meal that will keep you energized. Of course, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. But trust me, it’s a delicious way to fuel your day!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef turns out absolutely amazing! Here are my top tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente texture so it holds up well when mixed with the beef and sauce. It’ll continue cooking a bit when you combine it all.
- Use lean ground beef: For a healthier option, go for lean ground beef to reduce fat without sacrificing flavor.
- Add some veggies: Sneak in chopped bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini for added nutrition and color. Just toss them in with the beef to soften them up.
- Experiment with cheese: While cheddar is fantastic, don’t hesitate to mix in some mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick! A blend of cheeses can elevate the creaminess.
- Make it a bake: If you’re feeling adventurous, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake it for 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C) for a delightful crispy top!
Variations
One of the best things about this cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste! If you want to sneak in some extra nutrients, consider adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even some broccoli florets. Just toss them in with the beef to cook through for a colorful twist!
If you’re feeling adventurous with the cheese, try swapping out some of the cheddar for mozzarella or gouda for a creamier texture. You could also throw in some crumbled feta for a tangy kick! And don’t forget about spices—add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, if you happen to have any leftovers of this cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef (which is rare in my house!), storing them is super easy. Just let the dish cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You might want to add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to keep it nice and creamy.
If you prefer the microwave, pop it in a safe dish and cover it loosely to avoid splatters. Heat it up in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s heated through. Trust me, the cheesy goodness will still be there waiting for you!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is super fun, you can easily swap it for penne, rotini, or even macaroni. Just keep an eye on the cooking times as they might differ a bit.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and cook the pasta in advance. Just combine them when you’re ready to eat, add the cheese, and heat it up! It’s a great meal prep option.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Freeze the pasta in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken. You could also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian twist that still packs a punch!
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños when cooking the beef. You’ll get that nice spicy flair without overpowering the cheesy goodness!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Tomato Basil Soup or Classic Beef Stroganoff!
Imprimer
Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef: 5 Comforting Steps
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
A hearty dish of cheesy bowtie pasta with ground beef.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic.
- Drain excess fat from beef.
- Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef.
- Stir in cooked pasta and mix well.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover and let cheese melt over low heat.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- This dish can be baked for a crispy top.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 4g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: cheesy bowtie pasta, ground beef, pasta dish
