Name: Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces bowtie pasta; 1 pound ground beef; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 additional cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together tender bowtie pasta, juicy ground beef, and a creamy garlic butter sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both quick and indulgent, offering a satisfying combination of savory beef, rich cheese, and the subtle heat of Italian seasoning. The garlic butter sauce ties everything together, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or craving a cozy dinner, this pasta dish delivers deliciousness in every bite.

This recipe is ideal for anyone who loves a good, cheesy pasta, but with the added benefit of ground beef and a bit of spice. It’s filling, hearty, and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Sauce

The garlic butter sauce is rich, creamy, and comforting, enveloping the pasta and beef for a satisfying meal.

2. Quick and Easy

This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and fast.

3. Cheesy Goodness

With both mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this dish is packed with cheesy goodness that melts into the pasta beautifully.

4. Customizable Heat

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can adjust the level of heat to suit your preferences.

5. Hearty and Filling

The combination of pasta and ground beef makes this dish hearty and filling, so it’s sure to satisfy even the hungriest appetites.

Ingredients

Bowtie pasta
Ground beef
Olive oil
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Unsalted butter
Flour
Milk
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Variations

Add Vegetables: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to add extra flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
Different Cheeses: Swap out the mozzarella and Parmesan for cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Ground Turkey: For a lighter version, you can replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based ground meat alternatives, dairy-free butter, and non-dairy milk for a vegan-friendly version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Season the Beef

Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the beef mixture from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 5: Add the Milk and Cheese

Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until it begins to thicken, about 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and beef mixture to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 7: Serve

Transfer the cheesy beef and bowtie pasta to serving bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta. The starch in the water helps thicken the sauce and makes it easier to combine everything.
Don’t Overcook the Beef: Be sure to cook the ground beef just until browned to avoid it becoming dry.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic will give the dish a more vibrant flavor than pre-minced garlic.
Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the garnish! A sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan adds flavor and makes the dish look beautiful.

How to Serve

Serve this cheesy beef and bowtie pasta as a main dish on its own, or pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s also perfect for meal prep, as it holds up well in the fridge and can be reheated easily.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
In the Freezer: You can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave the pasta for 1-2 minutes or heat it in a skillet with a splash of milk to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or spaghetti.

2. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Add more red pepper flakes, or you can incorporate diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.

3. How can I make this dish healthier?

You can use lean ground turkey instead of ground beef and opt for whole wheat pasta for a healthier version.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the pasta and beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat and add the sauce when you’re ready to serve.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! You can substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan with cheddar, gouda, or any other cheese of your choice.

6. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat it when needed.

7. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Use plant-based ground meat alternatives and vegan cheese to make a vegetarian version of this recipe.

8. Can I use non-dairy milk in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy milk of your choice.

9. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, add a bit more flour to the roux or use more reserved pasta water to thicken it.

10. What can I serve with this dish?

This cheesy pasta pairs wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is the perfect comfort food that combines all the right flavors in one dish. With creamy, cheesy goodness and savory ground beef, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy your hunger and your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a filling meal for the whole family, this dish delivers in both flavor and convenience. Make it once, and it’ll quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation!