Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting combination of cheesy beef and bowtie pasta coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. The aroma of sizzling garlic and browned beef fills the kitchen, creating an irresistible invitation to the dinner table.

I first made this dish on a chilly evening when I needed something quick, hearty, and satisfying. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, this recipe has become a staple in my home. Now, it’s my go-to for busy weeknights or when I need an easy meal that delivers big on flavor.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with a meal that checks all the boxes: easy, cheesy, and downright delicious.

First, it's incredibly quick and easy to make. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have a hearty dinner on the table without the hassle of complicated prep.

Second, it's budget-friendly. Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, pasta, cheese, and garlic, this dish proves that you don’t need expensive ingredients to create a flavorful meal.

Best of all, it’s a family favorite. Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, cheesy goodness combined with the savory beef and garlic butter sauce.

It’s also versatile. You can swap the beef for ground turkey, use a different pasta shape, or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for an extra nutritional boost.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter lies in its simple, yet well-balanced ingredients.

Bowtie pasta (Farfalle) provides the perfect base for this dish. Its ridged, bow-like shape holds onto the cheesy sauce beautifully, making every bite rich and flavorful. You can substitute it with penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni if needed.

Ground beef brings a hearty, savory depth to the dish. I recommend using 85/15 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and tenderness. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works just as well.

Garlic butter sauce is the true star of the show. Freshly minced garlic sautéed in butter creates a mouthwatering aroma and infuses the entire dish with rich, garlicky goodness. If you're a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two!

Cheese blend takes this dish to the next level. I use a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for the perfect combination of gooey texture and bold flavor. Parmesan can also be added for an extra umami kick.

For an extra creamy touch, a splash of heavy cream can be stirred in at the end. It helps the cheese melt smoothly and adds a luscious, velvety finish to the pasta.

How To Make This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Making this dish is as easy as it is delicious! Here’s how you can create this comforting meal step by step.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water to help with the sauce later.

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic can become bitter if overcooked.

Return the beef to the skillet and stir in the cooked pasta. Slowly sprinkle in the cheese blend, stirring continuously to help it melt evenly. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen up the sauce.

Finally, season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and coats the pasta beautifully.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), storing this pasta is easy.

For refrigeration, transfer the cooled pasta into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it just as tasty when reheated.

To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

For reheating, add a splash of milk or water to the pasta and warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is super flexible, allowing you to make delicious variations based on what you have on hand.

For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. It still delivers great flavor with fewer calories.

Want to add more veggies? Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers when sautéing the garlic. They add color, nutrients, and extra texture to the dish.

Make it extra creamy by stirring in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream when adding the cheese blend. It creates a luxurious, velvety texture that coats the pasta beautifully.

For a spicy twist, toss in chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. It adds a little heat that pairs beautifully with the cheesy, garlicky flavors.

Experiment with different cheeses! Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or Gouda for a smoky, creamy touch. The possibilities are endless!

No matter how you customize it, this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. So grab your ingredients and get cooking—you won’t regret it!

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