Description
This Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is a hearty and delicious Italian-American main course that combines tender farfalle pasta with a rich, seasoned meat sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this flavorful dish is enhanced with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onions are softened and fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to deepen the flavors.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and heat through for a minute or two.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley before serving to add a burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese before serving.
- This recipe works well with ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
