Description
This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Meat Sauce is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Let simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine and Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pasta with half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Add half of the cooked meat sauce to the pasta, mixing well.
- Transfer to a baking dish and spread remaining meat sauce on top.
- Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup