Description
Bowtie Pasta with Beef & Butternu#familydinners
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1 lb ground beef
2 cups butternut squash, cubed
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper. Remove any excess grease and set the beef aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the cubed butternut squash and cook for another 5 minutes.
Simmer the Sauce: Add the marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Add the cooked beef back to the skillet. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the butternut squash is tender.
Combine: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the sauce.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 420 kcal per serving
#ComfortFood #PastaNight #FallRecipes #OnePotMeals #FamilyDinners
Step-by-Step Guide
For best results, follow this detailed sequence. First, prep all ingredients: cube the squash, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure your seasonings. When browning the beef, ensure you break it into small crumbles for even distribution. After removing the beef, do not skip sautéing the onion and garlic in the residual fat—this builds foundational flavor. When adding the squash, let it get a slight sear for 2-3 minutes before adding liquids. The key step is the covered simmer; keep the heat low to medium-low to gently cook the squash through without burning the sauce. Finally, combine the pasta and sauce off the heat to prevent overcooking.
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 with grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese alongside the parsley. Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. To make it a more elegant dinner, serve it in shallow bowls with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
How-to Summary
In summary, this is a one-skillet pasta dish where you cook components sequentially. Boil and drain the pasta separately. Brown and set aside the seasoned ground beef. Sauté onion, garlic, and squash in the same pan. Combine beef back with marinara, broth, and seasonings, then simmer covered until squash is tender. Toss with the cooked pasta and garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells works well. Adjust cooking time according to package directions.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian? Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
My butternut squash is still hard. What happened? The squash cubes may have been too large. Ensure they are cut into 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking. If needed, extend the simmering time by 5-10 minutes with the lid on.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the recipe but keep the pasta and sauce separate. Reheat the sauce gently, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it, then combine with the pasta.
What can I use instead of smoked paprika? Regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne for heat are good substitutes, though you’ll lose the smoky note.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Browning the beef in batches prevents steaming and ensures proper browning for better flavor.
- Underseasoning the Beef: Season the ground beef generously with salt and pepper during the initial browning stage.
- Neglecting to Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, save about 1/2 cup of the starchy water. You can use it to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Cutting Squash Too Large: Uneven, large pieces will not cook through in the given simmering time, resulting in a crunchy texture.
Conclusion
This Bowtie Pasta with Beef & Butternut Squash is the perfect weeknight solution, combining comforting flavors, hearty nutrition, and simple cleanup. The sweet squash and savory beef create a balanced, family-friendly dish that feels special without requiring complex techniques. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently create a delicious, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!