Tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta come together in this hearty dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor. The slow-simmered beef absorbs the savory goodness of the sauce, making every bite melt in your mouth. The bowtie pasta, with its delicate ridges, holds onto the delicious sauce, ensuring each forkful is packed with taste.

This dish is a perfect weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests with minimal effort. It’s simple to prepare, yet tastes like it’s been cooking all day. Garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan, this beef bowtie pasta is bound to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta

1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1½ cups beef broth
2 cups uncooked bowtie pasta
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces, seasoning them with salt and black pepper. Sear the beef until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and incorporate any flavorful bits left from the beef.

Step 4: Simmer the Beef

Return the seared beef to the skillet, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. If the sauce reduces too much, add a splash of water or broth as needed.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While the beef is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Once the beef is tender, add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious beef bowtie pasta!

Storage Instructions

To store leftovers, allow the beef bowtie pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent the sauce from drying out. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

For longer storage, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 480
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 680mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! While stew meat works well, you can also use sirloin, chuck roast, or even ground beef for a quicker version.

2. What can I substitute for beef broth?

If you don’t have beef broth, use chicken broth or vegetable broth, though the flavor will be slightly different. You can also dissolve a beef bouillon cube in hot water.

3. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Sear the beef first, then transfer everything (except the pasta) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add cooked pasta at the end.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for extra heat.

5. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well in place of bowtie pasta. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

6. How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook the pasta al dente and mix it with the sauce just before serving to prevent overcooking.

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini would make great additions. Simply sauté them with the onions.

8. Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes! This beef bowtie pasta stores well and reheats easily, making it a great option for meal prepping. Store portions in individual containers for quick meals during the week.