Ingredients

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
3 teaspoons olive oil
5-6 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 tablespoons butter
3 cups beef broth
8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preparation:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat 3 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. This usually takes about 6–7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it carefully to avoid a greasy sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Onion

Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic directly into the browned beef. Stir them in well and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic becomes fragrant. The aromatic base you’re building here lays the foundation for the dish’s robust flavor.

Step 3: Season the Beef

Now stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook this mixture for another minute, allowing the spices and sauce to meld with the beef and aromatic vegetables.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Base

Add 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Once melted, pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for 3–4 minutes to concentrate the flavor and give it a richer body.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta Separately

While your sauce simmers, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add salt and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Step 6: Finish the Cream Sauce

Lower the skillet heat to medium. Stir in the half and half (or whole milk) to the simmered broth mixture. Then, gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has fully melted, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Season the sauce with 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste), 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. Let the sauce simmer for another 2–3 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained bowtie pasta to the creamy beef mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the rich, cheesy sauce. Let it cook for another minute to help everything meld.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the pasta to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Cooking Note:

Be careful not to overcook the pasta before combining it with the sauce. The residual heat will continue cooking the noodles a bit as they sit in the skillet.
Always use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded. The latter contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce.
If your sauce thickens too much while sitting, stir in a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen it up again.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 580
Sodium: 640mg
Protein: 27g