Description
One-Pot Beef Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 cups farfalle (bowtie) pasta
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
1 cup marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft.
Add the garlic and ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is no longer pink.
Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and marinara sauce. Stir to combine.
Add the uncooked bowtie pasta and bring everything to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~400 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof one-pot meal. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped and measured. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, for exactly 3 minutes until translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks. Season generously with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is fully browned with no pink remaining. This step builds the foundational flavor.
Now, pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and marinara sauce. Stir thoroughly, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—this is called deglazing and adds depth. Add the uncooked bowtie pasta directly to the sauce and stir to submerge it. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta is done when it is al dente and the sauce has thickened to coat the pasta. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 2 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a touch of freshness, top each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of ricotta. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a lighter option, serve it alongside steamed green beans or roasted broccoli.
How-to Summary
In summary: Brown aromatics and beef, deglaze with liquids, add uncooked pasta, simmer covered until pasta is tender and sauce is thick. The entire process happens in one pot in about 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, but choose short shapes with similar cook times, like penne or rotini. Adjust liquid slightly if needed.
How can I make this dish less greasy? Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) and drain any excess fat after browning the beef before adding the liquids.
Can I add vegetables? Absolutely. Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions, or stir in a handful of spinach at the end until wilted.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Use chicken broth instead of beef broth for the best flavor pairing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pot: Use a pot large enough to allow the ingredients to simmer evenly.
- Not Scraping the Bottom: When adding the liquids, scrape the flavorful browned bits (fond) off the pot bottom.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Start checking for doneness at the 12-minute mark to avoid mushy pasta.
- Using the Wrong Heat: Ensure you bring the pot to a full boil before reducing to a simmer. A weak simmer will result in gummy pasta.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Beef Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate solution for a busy weeknight, delivering maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Its simplicity, combined with the rich, comforting result, makes it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can effortlessly create a satisfying family dinner that feels like a homemade triumph.