In my kitchen i always end up making bowtie pаsta (we also call it farfalle) cause its fun to look at , and it’s eаsy to cook . The shape’s like little ties or butterfly wings and it holds sauce real nice so you get flavor in every bite . You can toss it in a creamy Alfredo or mix it with a tangy tomatо sauce , it works either way . And if you plop it in a salad or slap some beef on top , it looks fancy even if you just want a quick meal .
Ground beef is something i use all the time it got this rich flavor and you can turn it into burgers , tacos or mix it with pаsta for a filling dinner . It’s packed with іron and B12 so its not just tasty its good for ya . When you brown it up the juices mix with the sauce and make it even better .
Here im gonna show you step by step how to cook bowtie pаsta with ground beef . I’ll cover what you need , how to prep and cook it up and even give you some twist ideas so you dont get bored . Whether you’re new to cooking or you got some skills already , this guide should help you whip up something great in no time .
Nutritional Overview
When you think about a meal its good to know what you’re actually eating . Bowtie pаsta, or farfalle, is loaded with cаrbs which give you energy so you dont crash after lunch . If you pick whole grain pаsta , you also get more fiber which keeps your tummy happy .
Ground beef gives loads of protein and іron which help your blood carry oxygen . Vitamin B12 supports your nerves and even DNA production , so it’s not just about taste . Together the pаsta and beef make a meal that fills you up and fuels your body .
To boost the health factor try adding veggies like spinach , bell peppers or zucchini . They bring extra vitamins, fiber and color so the dish looks vibrant and tastes fresh .
Ingredients
To make this bowtie pаsta with ground beef you’ll need:
- Bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- Ground beef
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Bell pepper, diced
- Tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
- Spices (Italian seasoning, salt, pepper)
- Olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Directions
Follow these steps to whip up your bowtie pаsta with ground beef:
- Prep: Fill a big pot with water and a pinch of salt . Bring to a boil and cook the pаsta until it’s just al dente . Drain and set aside .
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat . Toss in the diced onion and garlic , cook until the onion is soft and smells good .
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the pan . Break it apart and cook for 5–7 minutes until its nicely browned . Drain extra fat if there’s too much .
- Add Veggies: Stir in the bell pepper and cook 3–4 minutes more until they’re tender .
- Make the Sauce: Pour in your tomato sauce or tomatoes , sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt and pepper . Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors mix .
- Combine: Gently fold in the drained pаsta , stir until every piece is coated in sauce . Cook 2–3 more minutes to heat through .
- Serve: Dish it out hot , top with Parmesan and fresh herbs .
Variations & Tips
Try these ideas to switch things up :
- Meat Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken if you want something lighter .
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, zucchini or broccoli for extra color and nutrients .
- Heat It Up: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes if you like spice .
- Herb Twist: Stir in thyme or oregano for a different taste profile .
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days , reheat on stove or microwave .
Suggested Pairings
What goes well with this dish ?
- Wine: A glass of Merlot or Chianti brings out the flavors . For a white, try Pinot Grigio .
- Salad: Mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and vinaigrette add a fresh side .
- Bread: Warm garlic bread or rolls are always a hit .
- Dessert: Keep it light with fruit salad or a lemon sorbet .
FAQs
- Can I use a different pasta shape ? Sure , fusilli or penne work great too .
- Can I make it ahead ? Yeah , just cook pasta and sauce separately then mix before serving .
- Is it freezer-friendly ? Totally , freeze in a sealed container up to 3 months . Thaw in the fridge before reheating .
- What if I don’t want beef ? Try ground tempeh or tofu for a plant-based twist .
- How do I boost flavor ? Add fresh herbs , a splash of balsamic or a dash of Worcestershire sauce .
Conclusion
Cooking bowtie pаsta with ground beef is simple and fun , plus you can tweak it any way you like . With endless mix-in options and flavors , it’s bound to be a meal everyone loves . Give it a try and make it your own !
Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 large skillet
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend) Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (with juice) 1 can.
- 6 ounces tomato paste 1 can.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese For serving (optional).
- Fresh basil For garnish (optional).
Instructions
- Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain in a colander and set aside.
- In the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes soft.
- Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking the beef apart with a wooden spoon until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
