Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

There’s something magical about a big, comforting bowl of Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter. The combination of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, garlicky butter sauce, all smothered in melted cheese, makes for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation.

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I first whipped up this recipe on a night when I needed something hearty but didn’t want to spend hours cooking. With just a handful of pantry staples, it came together beautifully, becoming an instant family favorite. The best part? It’s a budget-friendly meal that feels indulgent without being complicated.

This is the perfect dinner for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a cozy, cheesy meal. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this dish!

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

Get ready to add this dish to your regular dinner rotation. It’s not just delicious—it’s packed with everything you want in a quick, satisfying meal.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With minimal prep and a straightforward cooking process, you can have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes. Perfect for those nights when time is tight but you still want a home-cooked meal.

It’s also budget-friendly. Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, pasta, butter, and cheese, this meal won’t break the bank. Plus, it’s a great way to stretch a pound of ground beef into a filling dinner for the whole family.

Let’s talk about flavor. The combination of garlic butter, seasoned beef, and gooey cheese creates a mouthwatering dish that’s rich, savory, and just the right amount of indulgent. Every bite is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness.

Lastly, it’s super versatile. You can swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken, use a different pasta shape, or even toss in some veggies like spinach or bell peppers. This is one of those recipes you can tweak based on what you have in your kitchen.

Now that you’re excited about this dish, let’s break down the ingredients and why they work so well together.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making this meal comforting and delicious.

Bowtie pasta (farfalle) is the perfect choice for this recipe. Its shape holds onto the garlic butter sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is coated in rich, savory flavor. If you don’t have bowtie pasta on hand, penne or rotini make great substitutes.

Ground beef adds a hearty, savory depth to the dish. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works just as well, though you may need to add a little extra butter for richness.

Garlic butter is the star of the sauce, infusing the entire dish with an irresistible aroma and deep, buttery flavor. Freshly minced garlic is best, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work—just adjust to taste.

Cheese is what makes this dish extra comforting. I like using a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for the perfect combination of flavor and meltiness. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for a different twist.

A touch of broth ties everything together. Chicken or beef broth adds an extra layer of depth to the sauce while keeping the dish moist and flavorful. If you don’t have broth, reserved pasta water works as a great substitute.

Before we get cooking, make sure you have a large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta. A good wooden spoon or spatula will also come in handy for stirring everything together.

How To Make This Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. Follow along, and you’ll have a delicious, cheesy pasta dish ready in no time.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water—this will help create the perfect consistency for the sauce later.

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, then remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be golden and aromatic, not browned.

Return the cooked beef to the skillet and pour in the broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for a minute or two, then add the drained pasta. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the garlic butter sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the pasta and gently stir until it melts into a creamy, cheesy coating. Turn off the heat and let the pasta sit for a minute to allow the cheese to fully incorporate into the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired.

This entire process takes about 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a quick and comforting meal.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, you’re in luck—this pasta stores and reheats beautifully.

For refrigeration, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The garlic butter sauce will solidify slightly, but it reheats easily.

For freezing, let the pasta cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.

To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to help loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize.

For a lighter version, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can also use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber and protein.

Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce, or stir in a spoonful of hot sauce before serving.

You can also sneak in some veggies. Spinach, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers make great additions and blend seamlessly into the dish. Just sauté them in the skillet before adding the pasta.

If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese when adding the cheese. This will create an even richer, more indulgent dish.

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Smoked gouda, Parmesan, or even pepper jack can all add unique flavors to the dish.

No matter how you customize it, this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor—a true comfort food classic! Enjoy!

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