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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.

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)

 


Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.