When it comes to weeknight dinners, nothing beats a dish that is both hearty and easy to prepare. Enter Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter—a meal that combines tender bowtie pasta, flavorful ground beef, and a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce.
Topped with gooey melted cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for your loved ones or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the epitome of comfort food. The bowtie pasta, with its fun shape and perfect texture, pairs beautifully with the savory beef and creamy garlic butter sauce. The addition of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese takes it to the next level, creating a luscious, cheesy coating that clings to every piece of pasta. Plus, it’s quick to make—ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish—making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients that make this dish so irresistible:
- Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): The star of the show! Its unique shape holds onto the sauce beautifully.
- Ground Beef: Adds a rich, savory flavor. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Garlic and Onion: These aromatics lay the foundation for a flavorful dish.
- Italian Seasoning and Red Pepper Flakes: For depth and a hint of spice (optional).
- Butter, Flour, and Milk: The base of the creamy garlic butter sauce.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: The ultimate cheesy duo for a smooth, melty finish.
- Fresh Parsley: A pop of color and freshness for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water—this starchy liquid can be used later to adjust the sauce consistency. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is browned, add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat), then season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the beef mixture from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Using the same skillet (no need to wash it—hello, fewer dishes!), melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking it for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook until it thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
Combine Everything
Reduce the heat to low and stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and beef mixture back into the skillet, tossing everything together so that each piece of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Serve and Enjoy
Transfer this cheesy, savory goodness into serving bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately while it’s warm and melty.
Tips for Success
- Customize It: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.
- Make It Lighter: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, or use low-fat milk if you’re looking to cut down on calories.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of savory beef, tender pasta, and creamy garlic butter sauce strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and satisfying. The cheeses melt into the sauce, creating a velvety texture that clings to every bite. The Italian seasoning adds depth while the red pepper flakes provide just a hint of heat for those who enjoy a little kick.
This recipe is not only delicious but also highly versatile. You can easily adapt it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Plus, with minimal prep time and simple ingredients, it’s an approachable dish even for beginner cooks.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is more than just a meal—it’s an experience of comfort and joy on a plate. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish is guaranteed to bring smiles to your table. So grab your apron and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
PrintCheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
A savory and satisfying weeknight dinner, this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter combines al dente pasta, seasoned beef, and a creamy, garlicky cheese sauce. It’s comfort food made easy and perfect for the whole family.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Ingredients
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. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Remove beef mixture from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
5. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
6. Simmer sauce until it thickens, about 3 minutes.
7. Reduce heat to low and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
8. Add cooked pasta and beef to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
9. Transfer to serving bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
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