Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Beef Marinara
A comforting dish of farfalle pasta mixed with a rich beef marinara and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese.
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!
Notes
For a twist, consider adding some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.