Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan

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This Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan is the ultimate comfort food made quick and easy. Juicy ground beef is browned and simmered with tender bowtie pasta in a rich, cheesy cream sauce that’s absolutely loaded with flavor. The combination of gooey mozzarella and salty parmesan creates a creamy texture that hugs every bite.

Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this pasta dish brings warmth, flavor, and satisfaction to the table with just a handful of simple ingredients. If you’re craving a hearty dinner idea that’s family-friendly and fuss-free, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta

This recipe checks all the boxes: fast, filling, and incredibly tasty. Bowtie pasta (also called farfalle) holds the creamy sauce beautifully, while the beef gives the dish that rich, savory base. The blend of mozzarella and parmesan makes the sauce ultra-creamy with the perfect cheesy stretch.

You’ll also love how versatile this pasta is—add veggies, spice it up with chili flakes, or swap in ground turkey for a lighter version. It’s great for leftovers and perfect for feeding a crowd.

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What Kind of Ground Beef Works Best?

Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. The slight fat content keeps the beef juicy and enhances the sauce. If you prefer leaner meat, go with 90/10, but you may want to add a splash of olive oil or a bit of extra cream to maintain the richness.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta

Every ingredient in this recipe has a delicious role to play. Here’s why you need each one:

• Ground Beef (80/20) – Juicy and full of flavor, it’s the star of this dish.
• Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle) – Its shape traps the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully for that gooey, stretchy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream – Creates the rich, velvety base for the cheese sauce.
• Garlic (Minced) – Brings out deep flavor in both beef and sauce.
• Onion (Diced) – Adds sweetness and body to the base.
• Diced Tomatoes – Offers acidity and a burst of juiciness to balance the richness.
• Butter – Enhances flavor and adds silkiness to the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning – A perfect herb blend to round out the flavors.
• Salt & Pepper – Simple and essential for perfect seasoning.
• Fresh Parsley (optional) – A bright, herby finish to top it off.

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How To Make the Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, melt butter and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Add diced onions and garlic to the beef. Sauté until fragrant and soft. Stir in diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Let it simmer, then add mozzarella and parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with sauce. Simmer another minute or two to bring it all together. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired.

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How to Serve and Store Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta

Serve this dish hot, straight from the skillet, for the creamiest texture and fullest flavor. It’s the kind of meal that needs nothing more than a fork and a big appetite. This recipe feeds 4 generous portions, making it perfect for families or small gatherings.

Leftovers? No problem! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. Avoid freezing, as the dairy can separate and affect the creamy consistency.

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What to Serve With Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta?

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery, and perfect for mopping up extra sauce.

2. Caesar Salad

The crunch of romaine and tangy dressing gives a fresh balance to the richness of the pasta.

3. Roasted Green Beans

Lightly seasoned and roasted to perfection, they’re a simple and healthy side.

4. Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella with a balsamic drizzle bring a fresh contrast.

5. Steamed Broccoli

Mild and nutritious, it pairs well with the bold flavors of the pasta.

6. Red or Sparkling Grape Juice

A kid-friendly drink that adds a little elegance to family dinners.

7. Crusty Baguette

For soaking up the last of the creamy, cheesy sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or shells work great too. Just make sure it’s a shape that can hold the creamy sauce well.

2. Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

Yes, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and lean ground beef or even ground turkey to reduce fat.

3. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and meat sauce ahead of time, then combine and heat just before serving. Add a splash of cream when reheating to refresh the sauce.

4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Use a skillet on low heat with a small amount of milk or cream, stirring gently. This keeps the sauce creamy and smooth.

5. Can I make this without tomatoes?

Yes! The tomatoes add acidity and texture, but you can omit them or replace with a splash of broth or extra cream.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments if you added a twist—maybe some spinach, mushrooms, or red pepper flakes?

I love seeing your creative takes on these recipes. Feel free to ask questions or share your version—we’re all here to help each other cook better!

Explore cozy, family-friendly pasta meals on Tanya Recipes on Pinterest and find more weeknight dinner inspiration!

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Conclusion

Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—fast, flavorful, and super satisfying. It brings together cheesy goodness, tender pasta, and a rich beef sauce all in one dish. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Comfort food at its best!

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