Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a big bowl of Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter. The combination of tender pasta, juicy ground beef, and a rich, garlicky butter sauce makes this dish a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.

I first created this recipe on a night when I needed something quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. With just a handful of pantry staples, I whipped up a dish that had my family scraping their plates clean. Now, it’s a regular part of our dinner rotation, and I can’t wait for you to try it too!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Get ready to add this dish to your list of go-to weeknight meals. It’s not only packed with flavor but also incredibly easy to make.

First, it comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for those busy evenings when you need dinner on the table fast.

Second, the rich garlic butter sauce elevates this dish from simple to sensational. Combined with gooey melted cheese, it creates an irresistible combination of flavors.

It’s also budget-friendly. Using ground beef and common pantry ingredients means you can feed a family without breaking the bank.

Finally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can switch up the protein, swap in different cheeses, or even add veggies to make it your own.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component works together to create a meal that’s rich, creamy, and satisfying.

Let’s start with the pasta. Bowtie pasta (farfalle) is the perfect choice because its shape holds onto the garlic butter and cheese, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. However, you can substitute penne, rotini, or any other pasta you have on hand.

For the beef, I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. If you prefer a leaner option, you can go with 90/10, but adding a bit of butter can help keep it juicy.

The garlic butter sauce is the heart of this recipe. Freshly minced garlic sautéed in butter creates a deep, savory base that coats the pasta beautifully. If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two!

Let’s not forget the cheese. I love using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for the best melt and flavor. The cheddar adds sharpness, while the mozzarella creates that gooey, stretchy texture we all love.

Lastly, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes give this dish just the right amount of depth and a slight kick of heat.

How To Make This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Making this dish is as easy as it is delicious! Here’s how it all comes together.

Start by cooking your bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook until al dente, then drain and set aside. Save about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen up the sauce later.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Cook until fully cooked and no longer pink, then drain any excess grease.

Next, in the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Let the garlic cook for about a minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Then, return the beef to the skillet and mix it with the garlic butter.

Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cooked pasta, cheese, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. The heat will help melt the cheese, creating a rich and creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta.

Once everything is well combined, sprinkle in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Stir well and let the flavors meld together for another minute before serving.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), storing this pasta is easy. Simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to a skillet over medium heat and stir the pasta until warmed through. This helps bring back the creamy consistency.

For longer storage, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to get creative!

Want to make it lighter? Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option while still keeping all the delicious flavors.

For a veggie boost, add in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. These add color, texture, and nutrients to the dish.

Not a fan of cheddar? Try swapping it for Parmesan or Gouda for a different cheesy twist.

If you like a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or stir in a bit of hot sauce.

However you choose to customize it, this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is sure to be a family favorite!

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