Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

There's nothing quite like a comforting bowl of Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter after a long day. The rich, savory beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a generous coating of garlic butter and melted cheese create an irresistible combination that's both satisfying and easy to make.

I first whipped up this dish on a chilly evening when I was craving something warm, cheesy, and full of flavor. What started as a simple experiment has since become a family favorite, making its way onto our weekly dinner rotation. It's quick, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to leave everyone at the table smiling.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Get ready to fall in love with this simple yet incredibly flavorful pasta dish. Whether you're cooking for a busy family or just need an easy meal after work, this recipe checks all the boxes.

First off, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep work, you can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence!

Not to mention, it's budget-friendly. Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and cheese, you can whip up a hearty meal that won’t break the bank. It's an ideal way to feed a hungry crowd without stretching your grocery bill.

Another reason to love this dish? It’s packed with flavor. The combination of rich, seasoned beef, buttery garlic sauce, and gooey melted cheese makes each bite pure comfort food heaven. Plus, the bowtie pasta holds onto every bit of that delicious sauce.

Lastly, it’s easily customizable. Swap out the protein, add some veggies, or experiment with different cheeses—the possibilities are endless. No matter how you make it, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter comes from its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a key role in making this dish shine.

Ground beef provides the savory, meaty base of the dish. I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the best balance of flavor and tenderness. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken work just as well.

Bowtie pasta (farfalle) is the perfect choice for this recipe. Its fun shape and ridged texture help capture all that delicious garlic butter and cheesy goodness. If you don’t have bowtie pasta, penne or rotini make great substitutes.

Garlic butter sauce is what ties everything together. Using fresh garlic is key—its aromatic, slightly sweet flavor enhances every bite. I like to sauté the garlic in butter and a touch of olive oil for extra richness.

Cheese is what makes this dish irresistible. A combination of cheddar and mozzarella creates the perfect balance of gooey meltiness and bold flavor. For a sharper taste, try adding some parmesan.

Seasonings make all the difference. A blend of Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes elevates the dish and adds just the right amount of kick.

How To Make This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Creating this mouthwatering dish is simpler than you might think. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by cooking your bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook it until al dente, then drain and set aside. Be sure to reserve ½ cup of pasta water, as it helps create a silky sauce later.

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s browned and cooked through, drain any excess grease and transfer the beef to a plate.

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, stirring constantly until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be golden, not brown.

Return the beef to the pan, then add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and a generous handful of shredded cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce coats every bite. If needed, add an extra splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Let everything cook for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then remove from heat. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan, if desired.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn’t always the case!), this dish stores beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, warm the pasta over medium-low heat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

If you want to lighten things up, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. It keeps the dish just as flavorful but slightly leaner.

Looking to add more veggies? Stir in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and color.

For a spicier version, mix in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. A drizzle of hot sauce at the end also adds a nice kick.

You can also experiment with different cheeses. Try using pepper jack for a spicy twist or gouda for a smoky depth of flavor.

And if you need a gluten-free option, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta—the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

No matter how you tweak it, this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and watch it become a new household favorite!

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