Hearty Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe

Creamy garlic butter blends perfectly with bowtie pasta and savory beef in this mouthwatering dish.

Comfort meets convenience through a simple weeknight meal anyone can master.

Melted cheese creates a rich, luxurious coating that hugs each pasta curve.

Hearty ingredients combine to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Quick preparation means you can have dinner ready in under thirty minutes.

Picky eaters and pasta enthusiasts alike will devour this irresistible recipe from the first bite.

Let’s transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that sparks dinner table excitement.

What’s So Good About Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

• Conquer Comfort Food: A hearty dish that combines tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that hugs every bowtie noodle with pure deliciousness.
• Master One-Skillet Magic: Streamline your cooking process by preparing everything in a single pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe to suit different tastes by adjusting spice levels, swapping cheeses, or adding extra vegetables for a personalized meal that keeps everyone happy.
• Impress Without Stress: Create a restaurant-quality dinner that looks and tastes sophisticated but requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.

All The Ingredients For Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

• Bowtie Pasta: A fun and playful pasta shape that catches and holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese that creates a smooth and creamy texture in the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Onion, Garlic: Fresh ingredients that provide a deep and complex base of flavor for the dish.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the savory notes of the beef and pasta.
• Red Pepper Flakes: An optional ingredient that adds a subtle kick of heat.

• Butter, Flour, Milk: Essential ingredients that create a classic roux-based sauce with a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the beef and adding a subtle richness to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright garnish that adds a fresh pop of color and herbal note to the final presentation.

How To Prepare Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Drop in the bowtie pasta and cook until it reaches al dente texture. Drain the pasta in a colander, shaking off excess water. Set aside in a warm spot.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until the meat develops a deep golden-brown color and loses its pink interior. Drain any accumulated fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Enhance the Beef

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sauté the mixture until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Create Garlic Butter Roux

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and cook until it releases its aromatic oils. Sprinkle flour into the butter and whisk continuously, creating a smooth golden roux.

Step 5: Develop Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan

Stir until the cheeses melt completely, creating a luxurious sauce.

Step 6: Combine and Coat

Gently fold the cooked pasta and seasoned beef into the cheese sauce. Toss until every pasta piece is generously coated with the creamy, garlicky goodness.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve the pasta immediately while hot and bubbling, ready to delight hungry diners.

Best Tips For Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that keeps the dish versatile and diet-friendly.
• Enhance the sauce's creaminess by using half-and-half instead of milk, creating a richer texture without overwhelming the garlic butter flavor.
• Control the spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes or omitting them completely for a milder version that suits all taste preferences.
• Prevent pasta from becoming sticky by rinsing it quickly with cold water after draining and tossing with a touch of olive oil to maintain separate, smooth noodles.
• Maximize flavor by using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged varieties, which provides a more robust and authentic taste profile to the dish.

Fun Ways To Change Up Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced bell peppers, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Blast: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh oregano to create a Greek-style pasta dish with Mediterranean flavors.
• Creamy Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant for a meat-free alternative.
• Pesto Cheese Remix: Mix in homemade basil pesto, swap mozzarella for provolone, and sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for an Italian herb-infused variation.

Great Matches With Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

• Crisp Salad Partner: Toss a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta. Fresh arugula, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber add refreshing contrast.
• Wine Harmony Match: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese. These wines complement the beef's robust flavor and cut through the cheese's creaminess.
• Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve crusty, toasted garlic bread alongside the pasta. Its crispy texture and additional garlic notes enhance the dish's existing flavor profile.
• Roasted Vegetable Companion: Prepare simple roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.

Storing Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta The Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Separate sauce and pasta if possible to maintain better texture.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly. Stir well to redistribute cheese sauce.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of milk or butter to prevent sticking. Stir gently and consistently until pasta reaches desired temperature. Cover with lid to help steam and prevent drying out.

FAQs About Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with other shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. Just ensure the pasta is similar in size and texture.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe can be mild or slightly spicy depending on the amount of red pepper flakes you add. You can adjust or omit them based on your heat preference.

• What cheese works best for this recipe?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are ideal, but you can also use cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the components separately and combine them just before serving to maintain the best texture and prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cheesy beef and bowtie pasta dance together in a garlic butter symphony, creating comfort on a plate. Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful meal that draws you into a world of hearty, satisfying flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef

Main Carbohydrate:

• 12 ounces (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium temperature. Brown ground beef, breaking into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
3. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to beef. Sauté for 3 minutes until onions become translucent. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
4. Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until aromatic, approximately 1 minute.
5. Sprinkle flour into melted butter, creating a golden roux. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to prevent burning.
6. Slowly pour milk into the roux, whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens.
7. Reduce heat and incorporate mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese melts completely, creating a velvety sauce.
8. Combine cooked pasta and seasoned beef with cheese sauce. Gently toss until every pasta piece is evenly coated.
9. Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Opt for whole wheat bowtie pasta for added fiber and nutritional value.
• Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of flour and gluten-free pasta.
• Balance the cheese sauce by adding a handful of spinach or mixed vegetables for extra nutrients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 625 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg