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Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef Sauce

Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef Sauce

Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef Sauce is a quick and comforting meal that pairs tender bowtie pasta with a rich, flavorful ground beef sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly dish offers balanced flavors and is easily customizable to suit various dietary preferences. Ideal for busy weeknights, it brings warmth and satisfaction to the table with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz bowtie pasta

Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil blend)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, creating the savory base of the sauce.
  3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet with the beef sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce is too thick.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Optionally, add fresh chopped parsley or basil and a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to brighten the dish before serving.
  • Do not overcook pasta; slightly undercooking preserves texture when tossed with sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to help sauce cling to the pasta without thinning it excessively.
  • Brown the ground beef well to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Allow the sauce to simmer gently for richer, melded flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: bowtie pasta, ground beef sauce, quick dinner, family-friendly, Italian, easy weeknight meal, one-pot pasta, comforting meal