Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan

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If you’re in need of a comfort meal that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the heartiness of ground beef, this Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan is a must-try. It’s one of those dinners that brings everyone to the table fast and keeps them coming back for seconds. The bowtie pasta captures all that creamy sauce in its folds, while the blend of cheeses melts perfectly into every bite.

The magic of this dish is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. A few pantry staples, a skillet, and one pot of boiling water are all it takes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this pasta dish is a guaranteed winner.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta

It’s cozy, filling, and incredibly easy to make. This pasta hits that nostalgic note of homemade casseroles but skips the oven and bakes in flavor right on the stove. The mozzarella gives it a gooey stretch, the Parmesan adds depth, and the creaminess ties it all together for a meal that feels indulgent but is totally fuss-free.

This dish is also perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers, as the flavors intensify beautifully overnight. Plus, it’s adaptable—you can sneak in some veggies like spinach or mushrooms or even give it a spicy kick with red pepper flakes.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, works perfectly in this recipe because of its shape. The ridges and folds catch onto the creamy sauce and cheese, making each bite satisfyingly rich. But if you don’t have bowties on hand, penne, rigatoni, or rotini are great backups that hold onto sauce just as well.

Ingredients for the Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan

This creamy pasta comes together with a handful of simple ingredients that create incredible depth and flavor. Each one plays a key role in making this dish as luscious and satisfying as it is.

• Ground beef
• Bowtie pasta
• Garlic cloves
• Yellow onion
• Heavy cream
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Tomato paste
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

The ground beef is the hearty base, bringing protein and savory flavor. Bowtie pasta acts as the perfect vehicle to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce. Garlic and onion give the dish a fragrant and flavorful start. Heavy cream is what makes this so decadently creamy, while mozzarella adds melty, stringy richness and Parmesan sharpens the flavor with its nutty bite. Tomato paste brings in a bit of acidity and umami to balance the cream. Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper tie it all together, and a drizzle of olive oil helps it cook up perfectly. A sprinkle of parsley on top is totally optional but adds a fresh contrast.

How To Make the Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about half a cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, then stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute to deepen the flavor.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine with the beef mixture, letting it simmer gently for a few minutes. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it to coat evenly.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until melted and incorporated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot and gooey.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

This recipe is easy, but a few missteps can take it from rich and creamy to dry or bland. First, avoid overcooking the pasta. Bowtie pasta can go from perfectly al dente to mushy in a flash. Keep an eye on it and taste test toward the end of the cooking time.

Next, be careful not to drain off all the pasta water. Saving a bit allows you to adjust the sauce’s consistency later, giving it that silky finish. When browning the beef, let it develop a slight crust before stirring too often—this deepens the flavor. And finally, don’t rush the cheese. Let it melt slowly into the sauce for the ultimate creamy texture.

Serving and Storing Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan

This creamy ground beef bowtie pasta feeds about 4 to 6 people, depending on appetite. It’s best served hot right off the stove when the mozzarella is still gooey and the sauce clings to every pasta fold.

If you have leftovers, they store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk before microwaving to bring back the creaminess without drying out the dish.

What to Serve With Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread pairs like a dream with this creamy pasta, perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with a tangy dressing balances the richness of the dish.

Roasted Broccoli

Simple oven-roasted broccoli adds a healthy and earthy side that complements the cheesy pasta.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella on skewers offer a bright and refreshing contrast.

Lemon Green Beans

Toss green beans in lemon juice and a touch of olive oil for a zesty veggie side.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Mushrooms bring a savory umami note that enhances the flavors in the pasta.

Chopped Italian Salad

Loaded with olives, peppers, and cheese, this salad is bold and textured—just right next to a creamy main.

Grilled Zucchini

Lightly charred and seasoned zucchini slices add a touch of smoky sweetness to the meal.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If this Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan hit the spot, you’re going to love these other rich and flavorful pasta dishes:

• Try this crowd-favorite Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a bold and herby twist.
• This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is another simple weeknight go-to with cozy vibes.
• Fans of rich sauces will adore the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce with all the cheesy goodness.
• For something a bit lighter but equally comforting, check out the Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach.
• Or switch it up with a chicken favorite like Marry Me Chicken Pasta, filled with flavor and charm.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try it with mushrooms or keep it classic? Maybe threw in some spinach for a veggie boost?

I love seeing your versions of these cozy dishes. Ask questions, share your tweaks, and let’s keep the dinner table fresh and fun.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan is the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a household staple. It’s easy, it’s fast, and it delivers comfort in every cheesy, saucy bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is as reliable as it is irresistible. So grab a fork and dig into your next favorite pasta dinner.

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