A savory and satisfying dish, Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter combines tender bowtie pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich garlic butter sauce. This delightful meal is finished with gooey melted cheese, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or any occasion where you crave something hearty and delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this dish in no time.
Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce adds a rich depth of flavor that complements the beef and pasta perfectly.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness, making it a hit at the dinner table.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting different cheeses.
Comforting Dish: It’s a warm, cozy meal that’s ideal for chilly evenings or when you need a little comfort food.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure the cooking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
Colander

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Essential for boiling the pasta evenly to achieve the perfect al dente texture.
Skillet: Used for sautéing the beef and making the garlic butter sauce, allowing for easy mixing of flavors.
Whisk: Helps in creating a smooth sauce by preventing lumps when combining flour with milk.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter:

For the Pasta

12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)

For the Beef Mixture

1 lb (450g) ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 additional cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)

For Serving

1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion is soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Remove beef mixture from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until it begins to thicken, about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Reduce heat to low and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Add cooked pasta and beef mixture to skillet, tossing everything evenly in sauce. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer cheesy beef and bowtie pasta to serving bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Serving Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter can elevate your dining experience. Whether it’s a family meal or a cozy dinner with friends, here are a few creative suggestions to enhance your presentation and enjoyment.

With Fresh Herbs

Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the dish.

Accompanied by Bread

Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Crusty Baguette: A slice of crusty baguette can be perfect for dipping into the rich sauce.

Topped with Cheese

Extra Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over the top just before serving for added richness.
Mozzarella Slices: Place mozzarella slices on top and broil briefly for a gooey finish.

Served with Salad

Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs well with the savory flavors of the pasta.
Garden Salad: A light garden salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

How to Perfect Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Making this dish truly perfect involves a few key techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is always a hit!

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality cheeses will enhance the flavor significantly.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook bowtie pasta until al dente to maintain its texture in the final dish.
Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust the thickness of your garlic butter sauce by adding reserved pasta water as needed.
Season Generously: Taste as you cook, adjusting salt, pepper, and seasonings to balance flavors perfectly.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Pairing side dishes with your Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement this hearty main dish.

Garlic Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted in olive oil, garlic, and herbs adds color and nutrition.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a crisp texture that balances the creamy pasta.
Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of the beef and cheese.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar makes for an easy appetizer or side.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort alongside your cheesy pasta dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to watch for.

Not salting the pasta water: Salting the water enhances the pasta’s flavor. Always add salt before boiling for a better taste.
Overcooking the beef: Cooking ground beef too long can make it tough. Aim for a nice brown color while keeping it tender.
Skipping the reserved pasta water: This starchy water helps adjust sauce consistency. Don’t forget to save some before draining!
Adding cheese too early: Cheese should melt smoothly into the sauce. Add it at low heat after removing from direct heat to prevent clumping.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient varies in strength. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed for the best flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow the dish to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Use parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Reheating Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake until heated through, about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm throughout.
Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! Any pasta shape can work, but bowtie adds a nice touch. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

How can I customize this dish?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. You can also swap cheeses based on your preference!

What if I want a lighter version?

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dish ahead of time and store it as instructed for easy reheating on busy nights.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it allows room for customization based on your pantry staples. Try adding your favorite veggies or using different cheeses for a unique twist! Enjoy this comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

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Author: Tia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Indulge in the comforting goodness of Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter, a dish that marries tender bowtie pasta with seasoned ground beef, all enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce. Topped with gooey melted cheese, this savory meal is perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion that calls for hearty comfort food. With quick preparation and flavorful ingredients, it’s sure to please the entire family.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz bowtie pasta
1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
salt
pepper

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Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in onion and garlic; cook until onions are translucent.
Remove beef mixture from skillet. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté additional garlic. Whisk in flour, then gradually add milk to create a smooth sauce.
Lower heat and stir in cheeses until melted. Add pasta and beef mixture; toss to combine, using reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness if necessary.
Serve warm, garnished with parsley.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American