Easy Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter – Comfort Food at Its Best
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a hearty, cheesy pasta dish to bring warmth and comfort to the dinner table. Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is the perfect combination of rich flavors, creamy textures, and satisfying ingredients, making it a must-try recipe for pasta lovers. This dish blends tender ground beef, al dente bowtie pasta (farfalle), and a garlic butter-infused cheese sauce, creating an irresistible meal that’s packed with flavor.
Why This Dish Is the Ultimate Comfort Food
This pasta recipe is the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and indulgent flavors. The ground beef adds a rich, meaty depth, while the garlic butter sauce coats every piece of pasta with a velvety texture. The addition of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese takes the dish to another level of cheesy goodness, making every bite ooey-gooey and delicious.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
One of the highlights of this recipe is how fast and simple it is to make. In just 30 minutes, you can have a satisfying meal on the table with minimal effort. The simple ingredients make it a great go-to recipe for families, picky eaters, or anyone craving a comforting homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchenBest of all, it’s a one-pan dish, so you’ll have less cleanup to worry about!
Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner, a make-ahead meal, or a crowd-pleaser, this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is sure to be a favorite. Keep reading to learn how to make this easy, flavor-packed dish at home!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Easy & Quick: Ready in Under 30 Minutes
This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you can have a flavor-packed meal ready in under 30 minutes. Boil the pasta, cook the beef, make the garlic butter sauce, and mix everything together—that’s it!
Creamy & Cheesy: Loaded with Mozzarella and Parmesan
If you love rich, cheesy pasta, this recipe is for you! The combination of mozzarella and parmesan melts beautifully, creating a creamy, gooey, and irresistible texture. The garlic butter sauce enhances the dish with a buttery, garlicky kick, making every bite burst with flavor.
One-Pan Convenience: Minimal Cleanup
Who doesn’t love a delicious meal with fewer dishes to wash? This recipe is designed to be as simple as possible, using just one pan for the beef and sauce, plus the pot for boiling pasta. It’s a perfect option for busy families, making cleanup quick and hassle-free.
With bold flavors, an easy process, and minimal mess, this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is bound to become a regular on your dinner menu!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter recipe is made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, but each one plays a key role in making this dish rich, creamy, and flavorful.
Main Ingredients
Bowtie pasta (Farfalle): The perfect pasta shape for holding onto the creamy garlic butter sauce.
Ground beef: Adds a hearty, meaty flavor and makes this dish extra satisfying.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the dish with bold, aromatic depth.
Butter: Creates a rich, velvety sauce while complementing the garlic beautifully.
Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its creamy, luxurious texture.
Cheese: A combination of mozzarella and parmesan for the ultimate cheesy goodness.
Seasonings
Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the richness of the ingredients.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat for those who like a little spice.
Garnishes
Fresh parsley: Provides a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor that helps balance the richness of the dish.
Extra parmesan: Because there’s never such a thing as too much cheese—this adds an extra layer of creamy, cheesy goodness!! Sprinkle some on top for an extra cheesy finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta (also called farfalle) and cook it until al dente according to the package instructions—usually about 9-11 minutes. Al dente means the pasta should still have a little firmness when you bite into it, so be sure not to overcook it. Once the pasta is done, drain it in a colander, but be sure to reserve a little pasta water in case you need it later for the sauce. Set the cooked pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Beef
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat..Add the ground beef to the skillet, using a spatula to break it apart as it cooks.. Stir occasionally to ensure the beef cooks evenly and begins to brown. Once the beef is fully cooked and browned (around 7-10 minutes), add in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Continue stirring for another 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, and the garlic releases its aromatic fragrance. If there’s excess grease in the pan, carefully drain it off to keep the dish from being too greasy.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to low and add the butter.. Allow it to melt completely, then stir in Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). The seasoning blend will create a fragrant base for the sauce. Once the butter has melted and the seasonings are well-mixed, pour in heavy cream. Stir the mixture to combine, then allow it to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
4. Combine Everything
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked pasta and the browned beef mixture into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta and beef are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Then, add in the mozzarella and parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it even creamier and richer. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
5. Garnish & Serve
Finally, once everything is well combined and heated through, transfer the pasta to serving plates. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of freshness and color, and add a little extra parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish. Serve the dish warm and enjoy the rich, garlicky, and comforting flavors of your homemade Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter!
Expert Tips for the Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Pasta
Use Fresh Garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds a bold and aromatic flavor that perfectly complements the rich, buttery sauce.For the best flavor, avoid using garlic powder and opt for fresh garlic instead.
Try Different Cheeses – While mozzarella and parmesan are classic choices, you can experiment with cheddar, Gouda, or Gruyère for a deeper, creamier, or slightly smoky flavor.
Make it Spicy – If you enjoy a bit of heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give the dish a subtle, flavorful kick.
Protein Swap – Want to switch things up? Replace ground beef with chicken, Italian sausage, or even shrimp for a different but equally delicious twist.
FAQs
Q:Is it possible to prepare this in advance?
Yes!Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to retain creaminess.
Q:Can I substitute with a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well.
Q: How do I make it healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, lean ground beef, and a lighter cheese option.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbs | 45g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Conclusion
In just 30 minutes, you can create the perfect comforting meal with this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter. Loaded with rich, creamy cheese, savory ground beef, and a garlicky butter sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, the easy preparation and minimal cleanup make it a win every time.
Tips like using fresh garlic, experimenting with different cheeses, adding a touch of spice, or swapping the protein make this recipe incredibly versatile, so you can enjoy it in many ways.
If you’re craving a simple, cheesy pasta dish that’s full of flavor, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your results and tag us on social media with the hashtag #CheesyBeefBowtiePasta!
Here are some beef recipe links from our blog for you to explore:
- How to Cook Beef Bacon: Tips, Tricks, and Delicious Recipe Ideas
- Beef Stroganoff: A Creamy Classic Recipe
- 5 Tips for Making the Perfect Beef Enchiladas Recipe: Easy and Delicious Every Time
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