- Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

$To make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta, gather these items: - 12 oz bowtie pasta - 1 lb ground beef - 1 onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 1 cup beef broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 tsp Italian seasoning - 1 tsp paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) You can easily swap out ingredients for what you have on hand. Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a veggie twist, use cooked lentils or mushrooms instead of meat. If you want more flavor, add red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs like thyme. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter taste. You can also mix different cheeses, like gouda or pepper jack, for a unique twist. When choosing your ingredients, freshness matters. Look for bright, firm tomatoes without blemishes. For pasta, select a brand that is not too soft, as it needs to hold its shape. Use high-quality beef with a good fat ratio for the best flavor. When picking cheese, go for blocks rather than pre-shredded. Block cheese melts better and tastes fresher. Always check the expiration dates on your broth and cheese for the best quality. To start, you need to cook the bowtie pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of bowtie pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion. Sauté it until it turns translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook this for another minute. You want the garlic to be fragrant. Now, increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1 lb of ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Aim for about 5-7 minutes until it turns brown. If there is extra fat, drain it off. It's time to add flavor! Stir in 1 can of drained diced tomatoes, 1 cup of beef broth, 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, and 1 tsp of paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring this mix to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes so the flavors mix well. Next, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined. Reduce the heat to low and add half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce. Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover it to allow the cheese to melt for a few minutes. If you want, add fresh basil leaves for garnish before serving. 1. Boiling Pasta: Look for bubbles in the water and ensure the pasta is tender but firm. 2. Sautéing Onion and Garlic: The onion should be clear, and the garlic should smell nice. 3. Browning Beef: The meat should be a nice brown color with no pink left. 4. Simmering Mixture: Watch for small bubbles indicating it’s cooking. 5. Melting Cheese: Look for a gooey, creamy texture. - Cooking the pasta: About 10-12 minutes. - Sautéing onion: About 3-4 minutes. - Cooking garlic: 1 minute. - Browning beef: 5-7 minutes. - Simmering sauce: 5 minutes. - Melting cheese: 2-3 minutes after removing from heat. Follow these steps for a delicious Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. When making Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta, avoid overcooking the pasta. Cook it until it is al dente. This helps keep the pasta firm. Drain it well to prevent a soggy dish. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Add salt and pepper during cooking. Taste as you go to balance flavors. Also, don’t skip the cheese melting step. This makes the dish creamy and rich. To boost flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce. This adds depth to the beef. You can also mix in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. For texture, consider toasting the pasta in the skillet before adding liquid. This gives it a nutty taste. Serve your Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in a big bowl. Top it with extra cheese and fresh basil leaves for color. Pair it with a simple green salad for freshness. A side of garlic bread complements the dish well. For drinks, a light red wine works great. If you want a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with lemon. Enjoy your delicious meal! For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. {{image_2}} You can switch the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage. Ground turkey gives a lighter taste. Sausage adds a nice kick. I recommend Italian sausage for extra flavor. Both options cook the same way as ground beef. Just make sure to brown them well before adding the other ingredients. If you want a vegetarian twist, use mushrooms or lentils. Mushrooms provide a nice, meaty texture. Lentils are packed with protein and fiber. You can sauté chopped mushrooms with the onions. For lentils, add cooked lentils instead of meat. This change will still give you a hearty meal. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. There are many great options available now. For a vegan version, skip the cheese and beef. Instead, use a plant-based ground meat. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also use cashew cheese for a creamy texture. These swaps keep the dish tasty and satisfying. You can find the Full Recipe to guide you through all these variations! To store your Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta, first let it cool down. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. When reheating, use the microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, cover the bowl with a damp paper towel. This helps keep it moist. Stir it halfway through to heat evenly. If using the stovetop, add a splash of beef broth or water. This helps prevent it from drying out. To freeze, portion out the pasta into freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently to bring back that cheesy goodness. For the full recipe, check out the details above! You can use plant-based meat or lentils instead of ground beef. Just sauté the onions and garlic as usual. Then add your meat substitute. Cook it until heated through. Use the same spices and broth for flavor. Add your cooked bowtie pasta and cheese last. This creates a tasty, meat-free dish. Yes, you can! Cook the pasta and meat mixture as directed. Let it cool and store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. You can serve a simple green salad or garlic bread. A side of steamed vegetables adds color and nutrition. For a heartier meal, pair it with roasted vegetables. A glass of red wine will also complement the flavors nicely. Try different options to find what you love! Check out the Full Recipe for detailed cooking steps and tips! You learned the key ingredients for Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta. We explored substitutions and the best ways to select quality items. The step-by-step cooking guide made it easy. I provided tips to avoid mistakes and enhance your dish. In closing, this recipe offers great flavor. You can customize it for dietary needs. Enjoy cooking and sharing this meal with others. Your kitchen will be full of smiles and delicious scents.$

- Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Craving a flavorful dinner? Try my Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta for a winning meal that's both simple and delicious! Packed with ground beef, pasta, and two types of cheese, it's sure to be a hit with family and friends. Discover tips for ingredient swaps, meal prep, and serving suggestions to make this dish your own. Ready to impress at the dinner table? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking tonight!

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Ingredients

12 oz bowtie pasta

1 lb ground beef

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

1 cup beef broth

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes.

Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients.

Reduce heat to low and add half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy.

Remove from heat and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Cover to allow the cheese to melt for a few minutes.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 30 min | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve in a large bowl with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top and a few basil leaves for color. Enjoy with crusty bread for a complete meal!