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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 easy weeknight dinner combining tender farfalle pasta with a rich, savory ground beef tomato sauce. This comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish uses simple pantry staples, making it perfect for busy nights while delivering satisfying family-friendly flavors everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)

Meat Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or medium-fat)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish (Optional)

  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley or basil

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the bowtie pasta, and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later use if needed.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Build the Sauce: Stir in tomato paste and canned tomatoes, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet with the beef sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately, topping with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook pasta; aim for al dente to maintain texture with sauce.
  • Use quality canned tomatoes for a richer sauce flavor.
  • Season gradually, tasting as you cook to balance flavors.
  • Reserve pasta water to help sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.
  • Customize with fresh basil or parsley just before serving for a bright flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: bowtie pasta, farfalle, ground beef sauce, quick dinner, Italian, weeknight meal, comfort food, easy pasta recipe