This creamy cheesy beef bowtie pasta is a simple, comforting, and ultra-rich one-pan meal made with just a few pantry staples. It combines savory ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese into a thick, cheesy, satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
The sauce is what makes this dish stand out. The cream of mushroom soup creates an instant creamy base without needing heavy cream or complicated steps. As it simmers with the beef and pasta, it becomes thick, savory, and coats every bowtie noodle perfectly. The cheddar cheese melts into the sauce, adding sharpness and extra creaminess.
This recipe is budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and highly filling. It’s the kind of meal that comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like classic comfort food you’d want on repeat. You can also easily stretch it to feed a family or save leftovers for the next day.
Because it uses minimal ingredients, it’s also very flexible—great for adding vegetables, extra cheese, or spices depending on what you have in the kitchen. It’s a reliable go-to recipe when you want something warm, cheesy, and satisfying without much effort.
Ingredients
Serves 4–5
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2–3 cups water (or beef broth)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the beef
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat.
- Drain excess grease.
2. Add liquid and pasta
- Add:
- cream of mushroom soup
- water or broth
- salt, pepper, garlic powder
- Stir until combined.
- Add uncooked bowtie pasta.
3. Simmer
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
4. Add cheese
- Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
5. Serve
- Let rest 2–3 minutes to thicken before serving.
Nutrient Facts (approx. per serving)
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Tips for Best Results
- Stir occasionally so pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- Add a splash more liquid if sauce thickens too fast.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
- Let it sit before serving—it thickens naturally.
Variations
Extra Cheesy Version
Add mozzarella or Monterey Jack for more stretch.
Bacon Mushroom Pasta
Add cooked bacon and extra sautéed mushrooms.
Spicy Version
Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Veggie Boost
Stir in spinach, peas, or broccoli near the end.
