Creamy Beef and Bow Tie Pasta Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 4 servings. Adjust the quantities as needed, but cooking times and steps will remain unchanged.

• 6 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
• 1/2 white onion, finely diced
• 1 (1.5 ounce) packet beef Stroganoff sauce seasoning (such as McCormick)
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta, stirring occasionally, for about 12 minutes until it is just tender yet firm to the bite. Drain thoroughly.
2. In the same pot, add the ground beef and diced onion. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and crumbled, about 7 minutes. Use a spatula to break up any large chunks. Drain the grease from the mixture.
3. In a small bowl, combine the sauce packet, water, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir the mixture well and add it to the beef and onion mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add garlic powder, black pepper, and the cream of mushroom soup to the beef mixture. Stir until everything is well combined, then stir in the sour cream. Remove the pot from the heat.
5. Taste the sauce, and if needed, add the remaining 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Gently fold in the cooked pasta, stirring to combine the pasta with the sauce.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Each serving contains:

• Calories: 498
• Total Fat: 26g (34% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 11g (53% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 121mg (40% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 720mg (31% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 26g (9% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (6% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 37g (75% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 3mg (3% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 141mg (11% Daily Value)
• Iron: 4mg (24% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 672mg (14% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note: Nutrient information is based on available data and may not include all ingredients. For those with dietary restrictions, consult a healthcare professional before preparing this recipe.

The Story Behind Creamy Beef and Bow Tie Pasta

Creamy Beef and Bow Tie Pasta is a comforting dish that traces its roots to American adaptations of classic European recipes. It is heavily inspired by Russian beef Stroganoff, which originally consisted of sauted beef in a creamy sauce. Over time, American cooks transformed the dish by using ground beef instead of steak chunks and pairing it with easily accessible pasta varieties, such as bow tie (farfalle), making it a convenient weeknight meal that balances rich flavors with simplicity.

Regional Variations

Across the United States, regional adaptations of this dish reflect local tastes and ingredient availability. In the Midwest, recipes often incorporate more cream and mushroom soup, creating a thicker, heartier sauce suitable for colder climates. In the South, Worcestershire sauce and black pepper may be accentuated to add depth, while some coastal regions might incorporate seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to lighten the dish. Regardless of the variation, the hallmark remains a creamy, savory sauce enveloping tender pasta and beef.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

While it shares similarities with traditional beef Stroganoff, this version stands out for its use of ground beef and farfalle pasta instead of beef strips and egg noodles. The creaminess is enhanced by combining mushroom soup with sour cream, offering a smoother texture compared to the tangier sour cream-only sauces in classic recipes. Unlike casseroles that bake the pasta and meat together, this recipe is cooked on the stovetop, allowing for quicker preparation and a fresher taste.

Where Its Commonly Served

Creamy Beef and Bow Tie Pasta is often enjoyed as a home-cooked weeknight dinner. It is popular in casual family gatherings, potlucks, and lunchboxes due to its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors. Some bistros and American diners may also serve it as part of a comfort-food menu, usually accompanied by a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.

Interesting Facts

• The bow tie pasta shape, known as farfalle, is Italian for butterflies, which adds a playful touch to the dishs presentation.
• Substituting ground beef for steak not only reduces cooking time but also makes the recipe more budget-friendly without compromising flavor.
• This dish exemplifies mid-20th century American ingenuity, where convenience ingredients like canned mushroom soup became staples in home cooking.
• While originally inspired by Russian cuisine, its creamy and mild flavor profile has helped it become a distinctly American comfort food.
• The combination of creamy sauce and tender pasta ensures that the dish can be easily adapted for leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld.

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