If you’re looking for a delicious, easy, and comforting dinner, look no further than Cheesy Beef & Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter. This dish combines tender bowtie pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce, all topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a family gathering, this pasta dish is sure to become a new favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish.
✅ One-Pan Wonder – Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
✅ Kid-Friendly & Family-Approved – The cheesy, creamy goodness makes this a meal everyone will love.
✅ Budget-Friendly – Uses simple pantry ingredients to create a restaurant-quality dish.
✅ Customizable – Add veggies, swap proteins, or spice it up to make it your own!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta & Beef:
- 12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Bowtie Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water (this will help loosen the sauce later if needed).
- Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onions are soft and translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Mix in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Remove the beef mixture from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, forming a roux.
- Slowly add milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens (about 3 minutes).
4. Combine Everything
- Reduce heat to low and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and beef mixture, tossing everything together until well-coated in the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
5. Serve & Garnish
- Transfer the Cheesy Beef & Bowtie Pasta to serving bowls.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Beef & Bowtie Pasta
🔹 Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make sauces grainy. Grate your own for the creamiest texture!
🔹 Reserve Pasta Water – Adding a splash of pasta water helps create a silky, well-emulsified sauce.
🔹 Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Since it will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce, keep it slightly firm.
🔹 Customize It! – Add mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Custom Variations & Add-Ins
🥦 Vegetable Boost – Stir in broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
🐔 Swap Proteins – Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of beef.
🌶 Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
🍅 Tomato Twist – Stir in a few spoonfuls of tomato paste for a tangy depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this cheesy, garlicky pasta with:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks – Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
- Side Salad – A fresh garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Roasted Vegetables – Try roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
🧊 Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
❄️ Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything except the cheese sauce, then store separately. Reheat and combine when ready to serve.
2. Can I make this without dairy?
Yes! Use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Try penne, rotini, or rigatoni if you don’t have bowtie pasta.
4. What’s the best way to add more protein?
Add extra ground beef or stir in cooked shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
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🧀 Cheesy Beef & Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter – Pure Comfort in Every Bite! 🍝✨
Description
Nothing says comfort food like a big bowl of cheesy, garlicky pasta! 😍 This Cheesy Beef & Bowtie Pasta combines tender farfalle, juicy seasoned beef, and a creamy garlic butter sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s easy, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Beef:
✔ 12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
✔ 1 lb (450g) ground beef
✔ 2 tbsp olive oil
✔ 1 small onion, finely chopped
✔ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✔ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
✔ ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
✔ Salt & pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
✔ 3 tbsp unsalted butter
✔ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✔ 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
✔ 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
✔ 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
✔ ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
✔ 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
🔸 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente, then drain & set aside (reserve ½ cup pasta water).
2️⃣ Cook the Beef Mixture:
🔸 Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, cook until browned (5-7 min).
🔸 Stir in onion & garlic, cook until soft (3 min).
🔸 Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt & pepper. Remove from skillet & set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
🔸 In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 min.
🔸 Whisk in flour, cook for 1-2 min to form a roux.
🔸 Slowly whisk in milk, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook until thickened (3 min).
4️⃣ Combine Everything:
🔸 Reduce heat to low, stir in mozzarella & Parmesan until smooth.
🔸 Toss in cooked pasta & beef mixture, coating evenly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
🔸 Transfer to bowls, garnish with parsley & extra Parmesan. Serve warm & enjoy! 😋
Notes
✔ Want a lighter version? Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken.
✔ Make it veggie-packed! Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
✔ Storing leftovers? Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days & reheat with a splash of milk.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef & Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is the ultimate comfort food that brings together savory beef, rich garlic butter sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Whether you’re making this for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.