Cheesy Bowtie Pasta: The Ultimate Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Beef Marinara Recipe
Introduction to Cheesy Bowtie Pasta
If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish that’s sure to please family and friends alike, look no further! Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Beef Marinara is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes for a perfect weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal for gatherings. This dish combines tender farfalle pasta with a rich, meaty marinara sauce topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl!
A Personal Story Behind My Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Journey
Growing up, my family had a tradition of gathering around the dinner table for homemade meals. One of my fondest memories is of my grandmother preparing her famous pasta dishes. The aroma of simmering tomatoes and spices would waft through the house, drawing everyone in. This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Beef Marinara is my homage to those cherished moments, combining the nostalgia of family dinners with my own spin on a classic recipe.
What Makes This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and the comforting flavors that come together effortlessly. The lean ground beef adds a hearty protein that complements the tender bowtie pasta, while the combination of tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and spices creates a rich marinara that packs a punch. Topped with generous amounts of mozzarella cheese, this dish becomes irresistibly creamy and delicious. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a great choice for cooks of all skill levels!
The Full Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoons basil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 29-ounce can tomato sauce (or two 15-ounce cans)
- 12-ounce can tomato paste
- 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 16-ounce box farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set it aside.
- In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are tender, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid burning the garlic. Drain any excess grease and return the mixture to the pan.
- Sprinkle oregano, basil, salt, and pepper over the meat mixture, then stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and crushed tomatoes to the pan. Stir well to combine and heat over medium heat. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally while the pasta cooks.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil over medium-high heat and cook the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions for al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Combine the meat mixture with the pasta and stir well to ensure every piece of pasta is coated with the delicious sauce.
- Pour half of the meat and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then add the remaining meat and pasta mixture, finishing with the remaining cheese on top. This layering will create a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This step will enhance the flavors as everything melds together.
- Once done, carefully remove from the oven. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Cheesy Bowtie Pasta
This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Beef Marinara is delicious as is, but there are plenty of ways to customize it! For a healthier twist, consider adding some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also substitute the mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a different taste. Serve it with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread for a well-rounded meal that everyone will love!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Bowtie Pasta
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle is charming, you can use penne, rotini, or any pasta shape you prefer.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use lentils for a hearty vegetarian version. Just ensure to adjust the spices accordingly!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! This dish freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F until heated through.
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories per Serving: 480
Servings: 8
Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Beef Marinara
Equipment
- 9x13 baking dish For baking the pasta dish.
- Large Skillet For cooking the beef and sauce.
- Large pot For boiling the pasta.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1.5 teaspoons basil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 29 ounces tomato sauce or two 15-ounce cans
- 12 ounces tomato paste
- 15 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
- 16 ounces farfalle pasta
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set it aside.
- In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid burning the garlic. Drain any excess grease and return the mixture to the pan.
- Sprinkle oregano, basil, salt, and pepper over the meat mixture, then stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and crushed tomatoes to the pan. Stir well to combine and heat over medium heat. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally while the pasta cooks.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil over medium-high heat and cook the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions for al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Combine the meat mixture with the pasta and stir well to ensure every piece of pasta is coated with the delicious sauce.
- Pour half of the meat and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then add the remaining meat and pasta mixture, finishing with the remaining cheese on top. This layering will create a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This step will enhance the flavors as everything melds together.
- Once done, carefully remove from the oven. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal!