Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter – Easy & Delicious

There is nothing quite like a warm, cheesy bowl of pasta to bring comfort after a long day. This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is one of those dishes that feels like a big hug in food form. The combination of tender bowtie pasta, juicy ground beef, and a rich, buttery garlic sauce makes it incredibly satisfying, and the melty cheese ties everything together beautifully. Best of all, it’s simple to make, requiring only basic ingredients and about 35 minutes of your time.

This dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need something quick but still want big, comforting flavors. The beauty of this Cheesy Beef bowtie pasta is its versatility—you can add veggies, adjust the spice level, or swap out the protein to suit your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to a homemade meal, this recipe is a must-try.

The garlic butter sauce is the star of the show, bringing a rich, savory depth that coats every piece of pasta perfectly. With a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, you get a creamy, gooey texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

So, if you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and satisfying pasta dish, this is it. Let’s dive into why this recipe is worth making and how you can customize it to your taste!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy to Make

This dish comes together in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. The steps are simple, and everything cooks in one pot or pan, so you won’t have to deal with a ton of dishes afterward.

Rich, Buttery, and Cheesy

The garlic butter sauce brings a luxurious richness, and the combination of Parmesan and mozzarella adds just the right amount of cheesiness without being overwhelming.

Perfectly Balanced Flavors

With savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of spice, every bite is bursting with flavor.

Customizable and Family-Friendly

This recipe is easy to adjust to your taste. Want to add veggies? Go for it! Need a spicier kick? Just add some red pepper flakes. It’s also kid-friendly, so even picky eaters will love it.

Great for Meal Prep

This dish stores and reheats well, making it ideal for meal prepping. You can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.

Health Benefits

Good Source of Protein

The ground beef provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. You can also use lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Energy-Packed Carbohydrates

Pasta is a great source of complex carbohydrates, providing the energy you need to power through the day. Bowtie pasta (farfalle) has a wonderful texture that holds onto the sauce beautifully.

Healthy Fats from Olive Oil and Cheese

Using olive oil instead of butter helps incorporate healthy monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health. The cheese adds calcium and essential nutrients.

Garlic’s Health Benefits

Garlic is not only flavorful but also packed with antioxidants. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help support the immune system.

Easy to Make More Nutritious

You can easily make this dish healthier by adding veggies like spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Whole wheat pasta is also a great alternative for added fiber.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4-6

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 540
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg

Ingredients List

The Pasta and Beef:

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

The Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken the sauce)
• 1 cup whole or 2% milk
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm but tender).
3. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain and set the pasta aside.

Cook the Beef Mixture

4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
6. Stir in chopped onion and garlic, cooking for another 3 minutes until the onion is soft.
7. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to season the beef mixture.
8. Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

9. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
10. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
11. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to make a roux (this helps thicken the sauce).
12. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
13. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

Combine Everything

14. Lower the heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
15. Add the cooked pasta and beef mixture, tossing everything together to coat evenly in the sauce.
16. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Serve & Enjoy

17. Transfer the cheesy beef pasta to serving bowls or a platter.
18. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
19. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve

• Pair with a Simple Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: A side of warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
• Make it a Complete Meal: Add steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini for extra nutrients.

Pairing Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with refreshing beverages like lemonade or sparkling water with a splash of citrus. If you prefer something warm, a cup of herbal tea works well.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Place cooled pasta in a sealed container and freeze for 2-3 months.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding a little milk to restore the creamy texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is an easy dish to prepare, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Overcooking or Undercooking the Pasta

Cooking the pasta correctly is key to achieving the perfect texture. If overcooked, the pasta becomes mushy, and if undercooked, it can be too firm and unpleasant to eat. Follow the package instructions and cook until al dente, meaning it should be firm but tender. Also, don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining, as it can help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.

2. Using Low-Quality Cheese

Cheese is a major component of this dish, so using pre-shredded cheese from a bag may result in a sauce that doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly grated cheese melts better because it lacks the anti-caking agents found in pre-packaged cheese. Opt for high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan to get the best texture and flavor.

3. Not Browning the Beef Properly

Browning the ground beef adds depth to the flavor. If you rush this step and don’t allow the beef to properly caramelize, you’ll miss out on extra richness. Cook the beef over medium heat until it develops a golden-brown color before adding other ingredients.

4. Skipping the Roux

The garlic butter sauce relies on a roux (a mixture of butter and flour) to thicken properly. If you skip this step or don’t cook the flour long enough, the sauce might turn out too thin or have a raw flour taste. Make sure to whisk the flour in the butter for at least 1-2 minutes before adding milk.

5. Adding Cheese Too Quickly

If you add the cheese while the sauce is too hot, it can separate and become grainy instead of smooth and creamy. Reduce the heat before stirring in the cheese, and add it gradually, stirring constantly until it melts completely.

6. Not Seasoning Enough

Seasoning is crucial for a flavorful dish. Taste the sauce before combining everything, and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed. Remember that cheese adds saltiness, so be mindful of how much salt you add.

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

If you want to take this dish to the next level, try these expert tips:

1. Use Fresh Garlic for Maximum Flavor

While garlic powder works in a pinch, fresh garlic adds a much richer and more aromatic taste. Sautéing the garlic in butter before adding other ingredients deepens the flavor and enhances the overall dish.

2. Add a Little Pasta Water to the Sauce

The starchy water left over from cooking the pasta is liquid gold when it comes to achieving a silky, well-coated sauce. If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up while keeping the flavors intact.

3. Experiment with Different Cheese Combinations

While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, you can mix things up with different cheeses. Try cheddar for extra sharpness, Gouda for a smoky touch, or cream cheese for extra creaminess.

4. Roast Your Own Garlic for a Deeper Flavor

For an extra rich, slightly sweet garlic flavor, try roasting the garlic before adding it to the butter sauce. Simply cut the top off a garlic bulb, drizzle it with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and roast at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes. The soft, caramelized cloves can then be mashed and stirred into the sauce.

5. Make It a Complete One-Pot Meal

If you want fewer dishes to wash, you can cook the pasta and sauce in the same pan by adding extra broth or water to help cook the pasta directly in the sauce. This method allows the pasta to absorb all the flavors as it cooks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While bowtie pasta (farfalle) works beautifully, you can swap it out for penne, fusilli, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it holds up well in the sauce.

2. Can I substitute the ground beef?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground “meat” for a vegetarian option. If using ground turkey or chicken, add a little extra seasoning since they have a milder flavor than beef.

3. What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a mild cheddar. Each will bring a slightly different taste, but they all work well in a creamy pasta dish.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! To make it ahead of time, cook everything as instructed, but store the sauce separately from the pasta to prevent it from becoming too thick or sticky. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly warmed pasta.

5. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta and replace the all-purpose flour in the sauce with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.

6. How can I add more vegetables?

You can mix in spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or peas. Sauté them with the beef mixture or stir them in at the end for added color and nutrition.

7. What can I do if my sauce is too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a little extra milk or reserved pasta water to bring it back to the perfect consistency.

Conclusion & Call to Action

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal, this Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is the perfect choice. It’s rich, creamy, full of bold flavors, and easy to customize. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping meals for the week, or just treating yourself, this dish is a guaranteed winner.

The combination of tender pasta, seasoned beef, and a luscious garlic butter sauce makes this dish irresistible. Plus, it’s great for leftovers and reheats beautifully. What’s not to love?

Now that you have the recipe, it’s time to try it out! Cook up a batch, and let us know how it turns out. Share your thoughts, modifications, or even a photo of your dish in the comments. If you loved this Cheesy Beef bowtie pasta recipe, be sure to share it with friends and family so they can enjoy it too!

Happy cooking, and enjoy your Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter!

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