Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter. This creamy, indulgent pasta dish brings together savory ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, and a rich, garlicky cheese sauce that will make your tastebuds sing. Every bite is packed with layers of flavor—from the Italian-seasoned beef to the buttery garlic roux and melty mozzarella-Parmesan combo. It’s a quick and easy dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for weeknight meals or lazy weekend comfort cooking.

What makes this recipe truly stand out is how it combines everyday pantry staples into something extraordinary. Bowtie pasta provides a fun texture that holds onto the velvety sauce beautifully. The garlic butter base infuses the entire dish with aromatic depth, while the cheeses add the gooey richness we all crave. Plus, you can easily customize it with extras like spinach, mushrooms, or crushed red pepper for a little heat. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish satisfies in every way. It’s hearty, creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Cheese Sauce: A velvety garlic butter sauce infused with mozzarella and Parmesan.
2. Hearty and Satisfying: Ground beef makes it filling enough to be a standalone meal.
3. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Uses kitchen staples you likely already have.
4. Customizable: Add veggies or spice it up to fit your taste.
5. Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes just as good reheated the next day.

Ingredients

• Bowtie pasta
• Ground beef
• Olive oil
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper
• Unsalted butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground.
• Add Vegetables: Try adding spinach, peas, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for color and nutrients.
• Spice it Up: Increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for heat lovers.
• Different Pasta Shapes: Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work well.
• Cheese Swap: Use cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses for a twist in flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned (about 5–7 minutes).

Step 3

Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent (about 3 minutes). Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Remove the beef mixture and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until it begins to thicken (about 3 minutes).

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.

Step 8

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

Step 9

Transfer to serving bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente holds up better in the sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.
• Keep the heat low when adding cheese to avoid clumping.
• Save your pasta water—it’s great for adjusting sauce consistency.
• Stir constantly while making the roux and adding milk to avoid lumps.

How to Serve

Serve this dish hot straight from the skillet, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Pair it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It’s also great as a standalone dish for cozy, satisfying dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?
   Yes! Penne, shells, or rotini are all great alternatives.
2. What’s the best beef to use?
   Lean ground beef (85–90%) is ideal to avoid excess grease.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a suitable version.
4. How can I lighten the recipe?
   Use ground turkey, low-fat milk, or reduce the cheese for a lighter version.
5. Can I prep this ahead of time?
   Yes, make the beef and sauce ahead, and cook pasta fresh before serving.
6. Is the red pepper necessary?
   No, it’s optional. Skip it if you prefer a milder flavor.
7. Can I add more garlic?
   Absolutely—adjust the garlic to your taste preferences.
8. What type of milk should I use?
   Whole milk gives the richest sauce, but 2% works too.
9. Why is my sauce lumpy?
   Make sure to whisk continuously and add milk gradually when making the roux.
10. How do I avoid dry pasta when reheating?
    Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—easy, comforting, flavorful, and totally satisfying. With tender pasta, rich garlicky sauce, and perfectly seasoned beef, this dish delivers cozy vibes and indulgent taste with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this pasta recipe is sure to become a repeat favorite. Try it once, and you’ll keep coming back for more.

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