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 can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or beef broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

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: ~450 kcal
Protein: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~50g
Fat: ~15g
Saturated Fat: ~5g
Fiber: ~4g
Sugar: ~7g
Sodium: ~600mg

(Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on portion size and ingredient brands.)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! Instead of stew meat, you can use sirloin, chuck roast, or even ground beef for a quicker version.

2. How do I make this dish spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or chopped chili peppers to the sauce for more heat.

3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Sear the beef first, then transfer all ingredients (except pasta) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Cook the pasta separately and mix it in before serving.

4. What can I use instead of bowtie pasta?

Penne, rotini, or fusilli work well as substitutes since they hold onto the sauce nicely.

5. Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

6. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach make great additions for extra flavor and nutrition.

7. What’s the best way to reheat frozen pasta?

For best results, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a skillet with a bit of broth or water to refresh the sauce.

8. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce and beef can be made a day in advance and stored separately. When ready to serve, cook fresh pasta and mix everything together.