Looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to make? Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is the perfect recipe to satisfy your cravings. With savory ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, and a creamy, cheesy garlic butter sauce, this dish will become a family favorite in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines a few simple ingredients to create a satisfying, hearty meal. The rich garlic butter sauce coats every piece of bowtie pasta and enhances the flavors of the beef. The addition of cheese takes it to the next level, adding a creamy texture and irresistible taste.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or prepping a meal for a special occasion, this recipe is both delicious and versatile. It’s easy to customize by adding veggies or adjusting the seasonings to your preference.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bowtie Pasta – A fun and versatile pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
Ground Beef – The star protein of the dish, providing savory richness.
Garlic Butter – A simple but flavorful base that makes the pasta extra creamy and aromatic.
Shredded Cheese – Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both for that melty, cheesy goodness.
Olive Oil – To cook the beef and add a bit of richness.
Seasonings – Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for that perfect balance of flavors.

How to Make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water to enhance the pasta’s flavor. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the pasta is cooking, heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add a generous amount of butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. The garlic butter will form the base of your creamy sauce.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Beef

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss everything together, making sure each piece of pasta is well coated. Then, stir in the browned ground beef, mixing everything until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the pasta and beef mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is creamy and cheesy.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to suit your taste. Serve your Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter hot, and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness!

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Add Vegetables: For a more balanced meal, consider adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the mix.
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a depth of flavor that pre-minced garlic can’t replicate.
Choose the Right Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses for added flavor. Parmesan, mozzarella, or a sharp cheddar work wonderfully.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a little heat.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Weeknights

One of the best things about Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is how easy it is to make. With just a few basic ingredients and under 30 minutes, you can have a delicious, cheesy meal on the table in no time. It’s the ultimate comfort food that requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it ideal for busy evenings or when you’re craving something indulgent.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
If you’re serving it for a larger group, consider doubling the recipe or serving it alongside a vegetable like roasted broccoli or green beans for added nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a must-try recipe that combines the perfect balance of savory beef, tender pasta, and creamy garlic butter sauce. The melty cheese ties everything together for a truly satisfying meal that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Give it a try, and it will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Serving and Storage Tips for Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Serving Tips

Pair with a Side Salad: For a well-rounded meal, serve your Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter with a crisp, fresh side salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works beautifully to balance the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread: Enhance the comfort food experience by serving with garlic bread or a slice of crusty bread. This will help mop up any leftover garlic butter sauce.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil, parsley, or grated Parmesan cheese on top can add a burst of freshness and a pop of color to the dish. It’s also a great way to enhance the flavor profile.
Make it a One-Pot Meal: For an easy all-in-one meal, you can serve this pasta with some roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers on the side or mixed right in with the pasta for added nutrition.

Storage Tips

Refrigerating Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, place the cooled pasta and beef in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to cover it well to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: When reheating leftovers, you can warm the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it looks a little dry, add a splash of milk or extra butter to bring back the creamy texture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Portioning for Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! Divide the pasta into individual portions, and store each portion in a separate airtight container. This way, you can easily grab and go for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter both fresh and as tasty leftovers!

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes! While bowtie pasta is ideal for this dish, you can easily swap it for other pasta types like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions for the best results.

2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just be sure to season it well with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices to enhance the flavor.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them with the garlic butter and cheese when you’re ready to serve. This will help keep the pasta from becoming too soggy.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some diced jalapeños to the garlic butter sauce. Adjust the spice level according to your taste preference!

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

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A savory and satisfying dish that combines tender bowtie pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Finished with gooey melted cheese, this dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Author: xqppw
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta and Beef:

12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1 lb (450g) ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 additional cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Bowtie Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Remove the beef mixture from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until it begins to thicken, about 3 minutes.
Combine Everything:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta and beef mixture to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Serve:
- Transfer the cheesy beef and bowtie pasta to serving bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop with a splash of milk.