Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a rich, indulgent dish that combines tender beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a buttery garlic sauce, all topped with melty cheese. This comforting meal is quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to treat yourself to something special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe for its irresistible combination of savory beef, creamy garlic butter sauce, and gooey melted cheese. The addition of bowtie pasta adds a fun and unique twist, making each bite satisfying and hearty. The garlic butter sauce brings a rich depth of flavor that complements the beef perfectly. This dish is an easy way to enjoy a cheesy, comforting meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Beef and Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Bring 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.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the butter to the skillet with the beef and let it melt, stirring to combine.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to the skillet, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Total time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
- For extra spice, include a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the garlic butter sauce.
- Swap out mozzarella cheese for cheddar or gouda for a different cheese flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or heat on the stove over low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like. Penne, rigatoni, or rotini would work well in this dish.
2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. The flavor may be slightly lighter, but it will still be delicious.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply combine them and reheat.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, use dairy-free butter and substitute the cheese with dairy-free alternatives.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little extra liquid to ensure the sauce remains creamy.
6. How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken. You can also add a bit more cheese to help thicken the sauce.
7. Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked ground beef to save time. Just skip the step of cooking the beef and add it directly to the skillet with the garlic butter.
8. Can I use store-bought pasta sauce instead of making the garlic butter sauce?
While homemade garlic butter sauce adds great flavor, you can use store-bought pasta sauce as a shortcut. Just add garlic and butter to the sauce to enhance the flavor.
9. What can I serve with this dish?
This cheesy beef and bowtie pasta pairs perfectly with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
10. Can I adjust the amount of garlic in the recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste. Add more if you’re a garlic lover, or reduce it if you prefer a milder flavor.
Conclusion
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is the ultimate comfort food. With tender beef, creamy garlic butter sauce, and melted cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your weeknight dinner rotation. Don’t forget to top it with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Print
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish made with tender ground beef, buttery garlic sauce, and melty cheese. Served over fun and flavorful bowtie pasta, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family meal. With simple ingredients and a short cooking time, this cheesy pasta will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Beef and Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Bring 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.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Add the butter to the skillet with the beef, stirring to combine and allow it to melt.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to the skillet, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to boost flavor and nutrition.
- For extra heat, include cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the garlic butter sauce.
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