Savory Bow Tie Pasta with Smoky Ground Beef Sauce
This budget-friendly bow tie pasta recipe combines the heartiness of lean ground beef with the rich flavors of fire-smoked peppers, smoked diced tomatoes, and a fragrant blend of seasonings. It’s a perfect weekday dinner that is both easy to make and delicious.
Ingredients Overview
Bow Tie Pasta: The fun shape of bow tie pasta not only looks appealing but also holds the sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef provides a hearty base for the sauce, adding protein and depth.
Ragu Sauce: This classic pasta sauce is an affordable and convenient way to add rich tomato flavor.
Fire-Smoked Peppers: These peppers infuse a smoky, slightly spicy flavor into the dish, elevating it from a simple pasta meal to a gourmet experience.
Smoked Diced Tomatoes: These add a depth of flavor and a subtle smokiness that complements the peppers and ground beef.
Onions and Garlic Seasoning: Essential aromatics that build the flavor foundation for the sauce.
Seasonings: Pepper, a little salt, and paprika round out the seasoning, adding a touch of heat and complexity.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Onions: Finely chop one medium onion.
- Fire-Smoked Peppers: Dice the peppers if they are not pre-diced.
- Ground Beef: Ensure the beef is thawed and ready to cook.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Boiling: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heating: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Sautéing: Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add a teaspoon of garlic seasoning and sauté for another minute.
Step 4: Cook the Ground Beef
- Browning: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Season with a little salt and pepper.
Step 5: Add the Peppers and Tomatoes
- Combining: Stir in the diced fire-smoked peppers and smoked diced tomatoes. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 6: Add the Sauce and Seasonings
- Sauce: Pour in the Ragu sauce and stir to combine. Add a teaspoon of paprika, and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Simmering: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Mix with Pasta
- Combining: Add the cooked bow tie pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Helpful Tips for a Seamless Cooking Experience
Tip 1: Pasta Water
- Starch: Save a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Adding a splash to the sauce can help achieve a silky consistency.
Tip 2: Layering Flavors
- Onions and Garlic: Sauté the onions until they are golden brown for a deeper, sweeter flavor. Add garlic seasoning towards the end to prevent it from burning.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth to keep the sauce from drying out. Alternatively, microwave on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Dice them and sauté them with the onions until they break down and create a sauce-like consistency.
Is there a substitute for fire-smoked peppers? If you can’t find fire-smoked peppers, use roasted red peppers or add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor.
What other pasta shapes work with this recipe? Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are great alternatives that also hold the sauce well.
Culinary Secrets for Perfection
Secret 1: Slow Simmering Allowing the sauce to simmer slowly ensures that all the flavors meld together, creating a rich and cohesive sauce.
Secret 2: Pasta Cooking Cook the pasta just until al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce, ensuring it remains firm and not mushy.
Enjoy creating this delightful and budget-friendly pasta dish, perfect for a cozy dinner at home
