Comforting Bowtie Pasta Recipe with Ground Beef for Dinner

Name: Comforting Bowtie Pasta Recipe with Ground Beef for Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie pasta, cooked al dente; 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); Fresh basil, a handful, chopped (optional)

Posted on October 31, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s nothing like a bowl of hearty, homemade pasta to warm your soul after a long day. Imagine the tender bite of bowtie pasta smothered in a rich, savory ground beef sauce, topped with just the right amount of melted cheese. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in food form, and it comes together in no time at all. This Comforting Bowtie Pasta Recipe with Ground Beef is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick, delicious, and satisfying. Trust me, it’s one of those recipes that will have your family asking for seconds (and maybe thirds)!

I first tried this recipe during a hectic week when I had a fridge full of random ingredients but no time to think about what to cook. Bowtie pasta, ground beef, a can of tomato sauce, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs were all I needed to create this cozy masterpiece. It’s been a family favorite ever since, and every time I make it, it reminds me that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just want something easy that everyone will love, this bowtie pasta with ground beef recipe is the answer. It’s a simple combination of flavors and textures that works every time. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can tweak it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Let’s dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: This bowtie pasta with ground beef recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love the comforting flavors of this dish. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Budget-Friendly Ingredients: No fancy or expensive items here—just simple grocery store staples that won’t break the bank.
Rich and Delicious: The combination of ground beef, tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta is pure magic. It’s the kind of meal you’ll crave again and again.
Customizable: Whether you want to add veggies, swap the pasta, or adjust the seasoning, this recipe is flexible enough to fit your preferences.

What sets this recipe apart is the balance of flavors and textures. The bowtie pasta holds just the right amount of sauce in its ridges, while the ground beef adds heartiness and depth. Plus, the addition of garlic and Italian herbs takes the dish to a whole new level. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to satisfy. You’ll want to keep this one in your dinner rotation!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients to create bold flavors and comforting textures. You probably already have most of these items in your kitchen!

Bowtie Pasta: 12 oz (about 340 g) of bowtie pasta, cooked al dente. Its fun shape holds the sauce perfectly.
Ground Beef: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef. Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped (adds sweetness and depth).
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced (for bold, aromatic flavor).
Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (28 oz or 794 g). You can use tomato sauce if you prefer a smoother texture.
Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons (for a richer, concentrated flavor).
Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon (adds a blend of classic herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme).
Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (for sautéing).
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated (optional but highly recommended for a cheesy finish).
Fresh Basil: A handful, chopped (optional, for garnish).

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with a plant-based alternative or skip it altogether and add more veggies.

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting bowtie pasta recipe:

Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
Skillet or Saucepan: To cook the ground beef and make the sauce.
Colander: For draining the pasta.
Wooden Spoon: For stirring the sauce and breaking up the ground beef.
Chef’s Knife: For chopping the onion, garlic, and basil.
Cutting Board: To safely chop your ingredients.

Don’t have a large pot? Use any deep, wide pan that can hold water and pasta comfortably. A simple skillet works well for the sauce, but a Dutch oven can also do the job. If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen tools, consider investing in a sturdy colander—it’s a lifesaver for draining pasta efficiently.

Preparation Method

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes for al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Add the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the pasta and gently mix. Finish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.

Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy every comforting bite!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the bowtie pasta al dente ensures it holds its shape and doesn’t become mushy.
Choose Quality Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best for this recipe, but you can also use a fattier cut for extra flavor.
Use Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds a bold, aromatic flavor that dried garlic powder just can’t replicate.
Simmer the Sauce: Letting the sauce simmer allows the flavors to deepen and meld together beautifully.
Save Your Pasta Water: Adding a splash of reserved pasta water to the sauce helps it cling to the bowtie pasta and creates a silky texture.

Variations & Adaptations

Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and load up on vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a hearty meat-free version.
Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap out the bowtie pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to lower the carb count.
Cheesy Twist: Add a cup of shredded mozzarella and bake the pasta in a casserole dish until bubbly and golden.
Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
Seasonal Veggies: Toss in fresh peas or diced tomatoes during summer, or hearty roasted squash in fall.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this bowtie pasta hot, straight from the skillet, for the ultimate comfort food experience. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon would complement the flavors beautifully.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This bowtie pasta recipe is packed with protein from the ground beef and delivers a good dose of carbs for energy. The tomato sauce is rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which supports heart health. If you opt for whole-grain pasta, you’ll also get added fiber for digestion. It’s a balanced, satisfying meal that doesn’t feel heavy.

Please note that this recipe contains gluten, dairy (if using cheese), and potential allergens depending on ingredient substitutions. Always double-check labels for dietary needs.

Conclusion

This Comforting Bowtie Pasta Recipe with Ground Beef is the kind of meal that brings people together. Its rich, savory flavors and simple preparation make it a go-to for busy nights or cozy family dinners. I love how customizable it is—you can tweak it to fit your mood or pantry without sacrificing taste. Plus, it’s just plain fun to eat!

I hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own. Let me know in the comments how you adapted it, or share your favorite pasta dishes with me. Don’t forget to save this recipe for later and share it with anyone who needs a little dinnertime inspiration. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you like! Penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti will work well with this sauce.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap out the bowtie pasta for a gluten-free alternative. Many grocery stores carry a variety of options like chickpea or lentil pasta.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese substitute for a similar flavor.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, cook the pasta fresh, combine with the sauce, and heat through.

Pin This Recipe!