The Best Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe

Sinking your fork into a steaming plate of cheesy beef and bowtie pasta that melts with rich, buttery garlic notes.

This comforting dish promises a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this indulgent and satisfying.

Succulent beef chunks nestle between perfectly cooked pasta shapes, creating irresistible bites of pure deliciousness.

garlic butter infuses each morsel with an incredible depth that transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Home cooks searching for a quick yet impressive dinner will absolutely love this recipe.

You’ll want to keep these ingredients stocked in your kitchen for those moments when comfort food calls.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every single bite.

What Makes Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter So Tasty

• Savor Creamy Comfort: This recipe delivers an irresistible blend of tender pasta, rich beef, and velvety cheese sauce that hugs every bowtie noodle with warm, satisfying flavors.
• Whip Up Quickly: Designed for busy home cooks, this one-skillet meal comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when time is tight.
• Customize Your Kick: The recipe allows flexible heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, ensuring it suits everyone from mild-loving kids to spice-craving adults.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Packed with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, the dish offers multiple cheese textures and depths of flavor that transform a simple pasta meal into a gourmet experience.

Everything You’ll Need For Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

Main Ingredients:

• Bowtie Pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully, perfect for catching all the cheesy goodness. Choose a good quality durum wheat pasta for best texture.

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein base that adds robust flavor to the dish. Look for lean ground beef with 80/20 fat content for best taste and texture.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and sharp cheeses that create a rich, melty sauce. Fresh grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for the garlic sauce. Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.
• Milk: Creates smooth, creamy sauce texture. Whole milk recommended for maximum richness.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth roux.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor foundation that adds depth to the beef mixture. Fresh garlic provides the most intense flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding subtle heat and complexity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall dish seasoning.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and light flavor to the finished dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing beef and vegetables.
• Pasta Cooking Water: Helps adjust sauce consistency if needed.

How To Make Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfection

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring it to a rolling boil. Toss in the bowtie pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender. Scoop out a cup of the pasta water before draining – this liquid gold will come in handy later. Set the pasta aside and get ready for some magic.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until the onions turn soft and glassy. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes for some kick, and season with salt and pepper. Once it’s looking mouth-watering, scoop the beef mixture onto a plate.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter until it’s bubbling. Drop in minced garlic and let it dance around for a minute. Whisk in flour to create a silky base. Slowly pour in milk, whisking like crazy to keep things smooth. Let the sauce simmer and thicken up, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Watch the cheese melt into a dreamy sauce. Reunite the pasta and beef with this creamy mixture, tossing everything together. If it looks too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to loosen things up.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Pile the cheesy beef and bowtie pasta into bowls. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top and add an extra shower of Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy. Your dinner is ready to wow everyone at the table!

Pro Tip: This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the pasta is steaming hot. Grab a fork and dig in!

Smart Tips For Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

• Pasta Perfection Tip: Cook bowtie pasta exactly to al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a delightful texture that catches the cheesy sauce beautifully.
• Beef Browning Hack: Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned and no pink remains for optimal flavor and food safety, breaking meat into small crumbs while cooking.
• Sauce Smoothness Secret: Whisk milk gradually into the roux to prevent lumps, creating a silky, velvety sauce that coats pasta and beef evenly.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Add cheese off direct heat and stir gently to help it melt smoothly without becoming grainy or separating.
• Consistency Control: Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness, creating a perfectly creamy and clingy coating for the pasta and beef.

Saving And Warming Up Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep flavors fresh.
• Microwave Reheating: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Avoid Freezing: This dish contains cream-based sauce and pasta, which can separate and become grainy when frozen, compromising texture and taste.

Great Matches For Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

• Sip and Savor Red Wine Pairing: Enhance the rich, meaty flavors of this cheesy pasta with a bold red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, which cuts through the creamy sauce and complements the beef's robust taste.
• Crisp Green Salad Companion: Balance the heaviness of the dish with a light, zesty side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to refresh the palate between bites.
• Roast Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious cheese sauce and add an extra layer of garlicky goodness that echoes the dish's flavor profile.
• Pair with Bright Citrus Drink: Cleanse your palate with a sparkling lemonade or citrus-infused iced tea, which provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta and helps cut through the heaviness.

Different Ways To Enjoy Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

• Spicy Southwest Kick: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced bell peppers, and swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Garden: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, and fresh chopped basil, using oregano instead of Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Creamy Mushroom Fusion: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the beef, add a splash of white wine during cooking, and include cream cheese alongside the existing cheeses for extra richness.
• Veggie Power Packed: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, mix in roasted zucchini and spinach, and use nutritional yeast for a protein-rich vegetarian version.

Questions About Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

• Why use bowtie pasta for this recipe?

Bowtie pasta (farfalle) has a fun shape that catches sauce perfectly and provides an excellent texture contrast with the beef and creamy cheese sauce.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat work wonderfully in this recipe. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the dish’s delicious essence.

• How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild background heat that’s not overwhelming. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can easily omit them or reduce the amount to suit your taste preference.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The cheesy sauce and familiar pasta shape make this a great meal for children. The flavors are mild and comforting, and kids typically love the combination of beef, cheese, and pasta.

Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter delivers comfort on a plate, combining rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Simple yet satisfying, this dish invites you to savor each creamy, delicious bite with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese:

• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce Components:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge bowtie pasta and cook until tender yet firm, following package guidance. Carefully extract a half-cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
2. Warm olive oil in a generously sized skillet over medium temperature. Introduce ground beef, fragmenting the meat as it sizzles and browns thoroughly, approximately 5-7 minutes. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and soft. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, optional red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Transfer the seasoned beef mixture to a separate plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to melt butter gently. Introduce minced garlic and toast briefly until aromatic. Dust flour into the melted butter, creating a smooth roux and stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes. Slowly stream milk into the mixture, whisking diligently to prevent lumps. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly, roughly 3 minutes.
4. Reduce heat and fold mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses into the sauce until completely melted and silky. Reunite the cooked pasta and beef mixture with the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring every morsel is luxuriously coated. Should the sauce appear too dense, introduce reserved pasta water to achieve ideal consistency.
5. Elegantly distribute the cheesy beef and bowtie pasta into serving dishes. Enhance the presentation by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese as a final flourish.

Notes

• Customize pasta texture by cooking slightly firmer than package instructions for a perfect al dente bite that holds sauce beautifully.
• Drain pasta quickly to prevent overcooking, ensuring a delightful chewy consistency that pairs wonderfully with rich garlic butter sauce.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s robust flavor profile.
• Use whole wheat bowtie pasta to boost nutritional value and add a nutty undertone that complements the cheesy, garlicky sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg