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I whipped up my One-Pot Creamy Beef with Farfalle when I was scrambling for dinner one night as a busy parent. Now this blend of soft pasta, seasoned meat, and smooth sauce has turned into our household's go-to comfort meal. There's something truly wonderful that happens when these basic ingredients mix together in a single skillet, and guess what? You can have it on the table in just 30 minutes.
Easy Dinner Wonder
The beauty of this dish comes from throwing everything we crave into one pan. The velvety sauce wraps around each pasta piece while the beef packs tons of flavor. My children can't resist the playful bowtie shapes, and I'm thrilled with the minimal cleanup. Just last week my neighbor caught a whiff through our window—she tells me her family now devours it twice weekly without leaving a single bite behind.
What You'll Need
- The pasta: Eight ounces of farfalle—they catch all that delicious sauce.
- Good beef: A pound of lean ground beef adds flavor without extra grease.
- Fresh aromatics: Sweet onion and plenty of garlic build our flavor foundation.
- Your liquids: Hearty beef broth and heavy cream create that silky texture.
- The cheese: Either sharp cheddar or mozzarella work perfectly for melting.
- Seasonings: Italian herbs, salt, pepper, with fresh parsley for brightness.
Let's Get Cooking
- Start with pasta:
- Boil your farfalle in well-salted water until just tender. Don't forget to save a cup of that starchy cooking water before draining.
- Brown the beef:
- While your pasta cooks, brown the meat and break it into pieces as it cooks. After it's done, pour off any extra fat.
- Build flavors:
- Toss those onions and garlic in with your meat until they turn soft and release their aroma.
- Make it creamy:
- Add your broth and let it simmer before pouring in cream and seasonings. You'll see that sauce transform right before your eyes.
- Bring it all together:
- Mix in your pasta, sprinkle cheese, and let everything get warm and gooey.
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My Kitchen Secrets
I've made this so many times I've got all the tricks down pat. Always go for lean beef or you'll end up with too much grease. Don't cook your pasta all the way since it'll finish in the sauce. Try mixing different cheeses—sometimes I throw in some Parmesan or Gruyère for extra punch. Want to add veggies? You can easily slip in some spinach, mushrooms, or peppers.
Perfect Pairings
We always enjoy this with a simple green salad on the side to cut through that richness. Some warm garlic bread works great for scooping up leftover sauce—you won't want to miss a drop. I'll often roast some broccoli or asparagus alongside for a complete dinner that makes everyone happy.
Saving Some For Later
This dish stays good in the fridge for about four days and actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to mix. When you warm it up, add a little cream or broth to keep it from drying out. You can even stick portions in the freezer for busy nights—just let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
Time-Saving Tips
Need to make weeknight cooking faster? I sometimes cook extra beef during meal prep—it makes this dish come together in no time. Chop onions and garlic ahead and keep them ready to go. You can even turn this into a true one-pot meal by cooking the pasta first, then using that same pan for everything else.
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More Than Just Dinner
This beef and bowtie pasta has become what we reach for when we need comfort food. It's my go-to when someone's feeling down, when we're celebrating, or just craving something warm and filling without much hassle. The way it fills our home with amazing smells, how everyone crowds into the kitchen asking when food will be ready—these are the little moments that make cooking worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I throw in veggies?
Totally! Broccoli, spinach, or peas are all good choices for an extra boost.
- → Which cheese should I choose?
Mozzarella and cheddar are both amazing. Mix them or use what you like best.
- → How long do leftovers last?
Pop it in a sealed container in the fridge, and it'll stay good for about 3 days. Heat it up gently.
- → How can I make it spicy?
Toss in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
- → Can I swap the pasta shape?
You can! Short kinds like penne or rotini would work just as well.
Conclusion
This creamy and cheesy pasta blends bowties with savory ground beef in a single pot. Fast, easy cleanup, and ready in 30 minutes.