Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

If you’re craving a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal, this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is the perfect choice! Made with tender ground beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce, this dish is creamy, savory, and packed with flavor.

This recipe is great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings because it’s quick to prepare and loved by both kids and adults. The combination of melted cheese, seasoned beef, and buttery garlic sauce makes it a comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
✔ Cheesy & Creamy – A rich and gooey texture that’s absolutely delicious.
✔ Family-Friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike.
✔ One-Pan Convenience – Less cleanup and easy cooking.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Reheats well and makes excellent leftovers.

Ingredients for Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

For the Pasta and Beef:

• 8 oz (225g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup (120ml) beef broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

✔ Large Skillet or Pan – For cooking the beef and sauce.
✔ Large Pot – To boil the pasta.
✔ Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring ingredients.
✔ Measuring Cups and Spoons – To ensure precise ingredient portions.
✔ Colander – For draining the pasta.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until browned.
3. Stir in the chopped onion and cook for another 2 minutes until softened.
4. Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and cook for 1 minute.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet.
2. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the empty space, then stir in garlic powder and heavy cream.
3. Add beef broth and let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet.
2. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the cheesy garlic butter sauce.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
2. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.

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Tips for the Best Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

✔ Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
✔ Cook Pasta Al Dente – Slightly firm pasta holds up better in the sauce.
✔ Reserve Pasta Water – Helps adjust the sauce consistency.
✔ Let the Beef Brown – Browning the beef adds rich, deep flavor.
✔ Don’t Overheat the Sauce – Cook on low heat to keep it creamy and prevent curdling.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Use a Different Cheese – Try mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
• Swap the Protein – Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat instead of beef.
• Make It Spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Add More Veggies – Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
• Use a Different Pasta – Works well with penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a Skillet: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
• Reheat in Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Avoid Freezing: The creamy sauce may separate when thawed.

Serving Suggestions

✔ Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the extra cheesy sauce.
✔ Fresh Green Salad – A light side balances the richness of the dish.
✔ Steamed Vegetables – Such as broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini for added nutrition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overcooking the Pasta – Soft pasta absorbs too much sauce and becomes mushy.
❌ Using Low-Quality Cheese – Freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances the flavor.
❌ Not Seasoning the Meat – Adding spices while cooking gives the beef a deep, savory taste.
❌ Skipping the Pasta Water – Helps create a silky, well-coated sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work just as well in this recipe.

What’s the best way to make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer longer or add more cheddar cheese.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare everything and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy, creamy pasta with tender ground beef.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a comforting, rich, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prep, it’s an easy-to-make dish that delivers bold flavors in every bite. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality pasta dish at home!

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