Creamy Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta

This Creamy Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta is an easy, comforting dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, cream of mushroom soup, and plenty of melted cheese. It is creamy, hearty, and simple enough for a busy weeknight when you want something the whole family can enjoy.

The sauce comes together quickly with pantry staples, and the bowtie pasta holds onto all that cheesy beef flavor. You can use farfalle, penne, rotini, shells, or whatever pasta you already have on hand.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick, inexpensive, and very forgiving. Ground beef makes it filling, condensed mushroom soup creates an instant creamy sauce, and shredded cheddar turns everything extra cheesy.

It is also easy to customize with mushrooms, peas, spinach, bacon, or different cheeses. From start to finish, dinner can be ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
8 ounces bowtie pasta or pasta of choice
1 can cream of mushroom soup, about 10.5 ounces
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Salt, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

Ingredient Notes

Ground beef: Lean ground beef works especially well because it provides plenty of flavor without leaving the finished pasta overly greasy.

Bowtie pasta: Also called farfalle, bowtie pasta holds creamy sauces well. Penne, rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni are easy substitutes.

Cream of mushroom soup: This gives the sauce its creamy base. Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can also be used if preferred.

Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor, while mozzarella makes the sauce extra melty. Freshly shredded cheese generally melts more smoothly than packaged pre-shredded cheese.

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the bowtie pasta and cook until just al dente according to the package directions.
Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and diced onion.
Cook, breaking the beef into crumbles, until browned and no pink remains.
Ground beef should reach at least 160°F.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Add the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and milk.
Stir until the sauce is smooth and evenly combined.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently for three to five minutes.
Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella gradually.
Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
Add the cooked bowtie pasta.
Toss gently until every piece is coated in the cheesy beef sauce.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

How to Get the Creamiest Sauce

Once the cheese is added, keep the heat relatively low. High heat can cause cheese sauces to become oily or grainy.

Add the cheese gradually instead of all at once, stirring after each handful. If the sauce is thicker than you prefer, loosen it with a splash of milk, beef broth, or reserved pasta water.

How to Keep the Pasta from Getting Mushy

Cook the bowtie pasta only until al dente. It will continue to soften slightly when mixed into the hot sauce.

If you know you will have leftovers, you can even drain the pasta about one minute earlier than the package recommends. This helps it maintain a better texture after reheating.

Easy Variations

For mushroom beef pasta, sauté eight ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onion and ground beef.

For cheesy beef and peas, stir one cup of frozen peas into the sauce during the final few minutes.

For spinach pasta, fold in two cups of baby spinach and let it wilt before serving.

For extra-rich pasta, add four ounces of softened cream cheese along with the condensed soup.

For spicy beef pasta, add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or diced jalapeños.

Make It Extra Cheesy

If your family loves lots of cheese, increase the cheddar to 1 1/2 cups and finish each serving with extra shredded cheese.

Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, pepper Jack, or a Mexican-style cheese blend can also be used in place of mozzarella.

What to Serve with Beef Bowtie Pasta

This pasta is filling enough to serve by itself, but simple vegetables make excellent sides. Try steamed broccoli, green beans, roasted carrots, peas, asparagus, or a crisp garden salad.

Garlic bread, breadsticks, or warm dinner rolls are also perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.

Make-Ahead Tips

The ground beef can be browned with the onion and seasonings up to two days ahead. Refrigerate it in an airtight container until you are ready to finish the recipe.

For the best pasta texture, cook the noodles and assemble the sauce shortly before serving rather than mixing everything together far in advance.

Storage and Reheating

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.

The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it chills, so add a splash of milk or beef broth before reheating.

Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave individual portions in short intervals until steaming hot.

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