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- 12 oz bowtie pasta - 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup beef broth - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional) When measuring your ingredients, precision makes a big difference. For the pasta, use a kitchen scale if you have one. Weighing 12 oz gives you the right amount. For the ground beef, make sure to get lean meat. This helps keep your dish healthy. Use a medium onion, as it provides just the right flavor. Dice it finely for even cooking. Garlic should be minced for a strong taste. When using canned tomatoes, drain them slightly to avoid excess liquid. The beef broth adds depth, so measure exactly one cup. For the cheese, use sharp cheddar for a robust flavor. Lastly, season to your taste with salt and black pepper. You can swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, use lentils or mushrooms instead. For cheese, mozzarella or pepper jack can work well too. You can also replace bowtie pasta with any pasta shape you like, such as penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This step is key for flavor. Add the bowtie pasta when the water reaches a rolling boil. Cook it until al dente, following the package directions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. It will soak up the sauce later. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the finely diced onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes. Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic. You want the onion to soften and turn clear. This creates a tasty base for your beef. Now, add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is no longer pink. If there's too much fat, drain it from the skillet. This keeps the dish from being greasy. Next, stir in a can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) with green chilies. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. Reduce the heat to low. Add the drained bowtie pasta to your beef mixture. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. This step is crucial for flavor integration. You want every bite to be cheesy and rich. Now comes the best part—cheese! Gradually sprinkle in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, add a bit more beef broth. This helps achieve the perfect consistency for your dish. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt or pepper if you like. Once satisfied, serve the cheesy beef and bowtie pasta hot. If you want to make it look nice, garnish with fresh parsley. This adds a bright touch to your delicious creation. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above! To make sure your bowtie pasta is perfect, start with plenty of salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil before adding the pasta. This keeps the pasta from sticking. Stir it often while cooking. Aim for al dente, where the pasta is firm to the bite. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta well and avoid rinsing. Rinsing washes away the starch that helps the sauce cling. To kick up the flavors of your cheesy beef and bowtie pasta, consider adding a few more spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano elevate the taste too. You might also try a splash of Worcestershire sauce for richness. Just remember to taste as you go. This helps you find the perfect balance. Prep your ingredients before you cook. Chop your onions and garlic in advance. You can also measure out your spices and cheese ahead of time. This not only saves time but makes cooking less stressful. If you have leftover beef or cheese, use them in your next meal. This keeps your kitchen efficient and cuts down on waste. For more details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can switch up the meat in this dish. Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you want a vegetarian twist, use lentils or mushrooms instead of beef. These choices still give you a hearty meal. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegan version. Each swap brings a new flavor and texture to the dish. The sauce can change a lot with different cheeses. Instead of sharp cheddar, use mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicy kick. You can mix cheeses for a richer taste. For the tomato base, try a marinara or a creamy Alfredo sauce. Each variation can help you create a new experience. Don’t forget to adjust your spices to match the sauce. You can serve this dish with a side salad or garlic bread. Both options add nice textures and flavors. If you want to try something new, bake it in the oven. Just add more cheese on top and bake it until bubbly. This gives a fun twist to the meal, and it’s perfect for gatherings. You can also top it with fresh herbs for added color and taste. To keep your Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. This helps preserve the flavors and texture. It can last in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Divide the pasta into single portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label each bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When reheating, avoid a microwave if you can. Instead, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist. Stir often to ensure even heating. You can also use the oven at 350°F. Cover it with foil to maintain moisture. This way, your pasta stays creamy and delicious. To make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta, follow these steps: 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water. Add bowtie pasta. Cook until al dente. 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil. Cook diced onion and minced garlic until soft. 3. Brown the Beef: Add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. 4. Flavor the Mixture: Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes. 5. Combine Pasta and Beef: Mix the cooked pasta with the beef mixture. 6. Incorporate Cheese: Add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. 7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. 8. Serve and Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and the beef mixture separately. Store them in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, combine and heat everything in a pot. This method keeps the pasta from becoming mushy. You can serve this dish with: - Garlic bread - A fresh garden salad - Steamed vegetables - Roasted Brussels sprouts These sides balance the richness of the pasta. To make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta healthier, consider these tips: - Use lean ground turkey instead of beef. - Add fresh spinach or kale for extra nutrients. - Use whole wheat pasta for more fiber. - Reduce the amount of cheese or use a lighter cheese option. You can transform leftovers in fun ways: - Mix with scrambled eggs for breakfast. - Make a pasta bake by adding more cheese and baking it. - Toss with extra veggies for a new dish. Yes! You can use other pasta shapes like: - Penne - Fusilli - Rotini These shapes will hold the sauce well and taste great. Absolutely! To scale the recipe: - Double or triple the ingredients based on the number of guests. - Use a large pot for cooking and a big serving dish. - Consider adding more vegetables to stretch the dish. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. In this post, we explored a delicious Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe. We covered essential ingredients, measurement tips, and easy substitutions for flexibility. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions, along with helpful tips to enhance flavors and save time. For best results, remember to adjust seasoning to your taste. This dish is perfect for family meals, and the options for variations are endless. Enjoy creating this comforting meal that everyone will love!

- Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Elevate your dinner game with this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe! Quick, flavorful, and perfect for the whole family, this dish combines tender beef, creamy cheddar, and delightful bowtie pasta in a way everyone will adore. Find step-by-step instructions, ingredient tips, and clever variations to suit your taste. Get ready to impress your family and explore this delicious recipe today! Click to discover the full details and get cooking!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz bowtie pasta

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 cup beef broth

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

      Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.

        Flavor the Mixture: Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

          Combine Pasta and Beef: Reduce the heat to low. Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet, stirring thoroughly to incorporate it with the beef mixture.

            Incorporate Cheese: Gradually sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little more beef broth until you achieve your desired consistency.

              Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt and pepper as per your preference.

                Serve and Garnish: Serve the cheesy beef and bowtie pasta hot. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your delicious creation!

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