Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting combination of cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter to turn an ordinary evening into a cozy, satisfying meal. The rich aroma of garlic sizzling in butter, the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef, and the perfectly cooked pasta all come together under a blanket of melted cheese. Every bite is pure comfort food bliss.

this Recipe

I first made this dish on a whim, looking for a way to use up leftover pasta and some ground beef from taco night. One bite in, and I knew I had stumbled upon something special. Now, it's a go-to in our house—quick, easy, and always a hit with the whole family. Plus, it's made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have on hand.

If you’re craving a meal that’s both effortless and packed with flavor, let’s dive into why this recipe belongs in your weekly rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

Get ready to fall in love with this easy, cheesy pasta dish that’s perfect for busy nights. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a comforting weekend dinner, this recipe delivers.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy. You can have this dish on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when time is short but you still want something homemade.

It’s also budget-friendly. With just a few pantry staples—ground beef, pasta, cheese, butter, and garlic—you can feed a whole family without breaking the bank. No fancy ingredients, just simple, delicious comfort food.

This dish is a crowd-pleaser. The creamy, cheesy sauce, combined with the hearty beef and garlicky butter, makes it a favorite for both kids and adults. Even the picky eaters in your house will ask for seconds.

And if you love versatile meals, this one’s for you. You can switch up the protein, adjust the cheese, or add veggies to suit your taste. It’s the kind of recipe that adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this dish shine.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish comes from its simple yet flavorful ingredients, each playing a key role in creating that perfect bite.

Bowtie pasta (farfalle) is the perfect choice for this recipe. Its unique shape holds onto the garlicky butter sauce and cheesy goodness, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. If you don’t have bowties, penne or rotini work well as substitutes.

Ground beef brings a hearty, savory depth to the dish. I recommend using 85/15 ground beef, which has enough fat to keep the meat tender and flavorful without being too greasy. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can also work.

Garlic and butter are what take this pasta from good to amazing. Freshly minced garlic sautéed in butter creates an irresistible aroma and rich flavor that coats every piece of pasta. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two!

Cheese is where the magic happens. A mix of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan melts beautifully into the pasta, creating a creamy, cheesy coating. If you want extra richness, a handful of cheddar or Monterey Jack makes a great addition.

For this recipe, you don’t need any special equipment—just a large skillet for cooking the beef and garlic butter sauce, plus a pot for boiling the pasta. Now, let’s get cooking!

How To Make This Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

Making this dish is as easy as it is delicious. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a cheesy, comforting meal ready in no time.

Start by boiling the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted water. Cook it until al dente, following the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water—this will help create a silky sauce later.

While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spatula, letting it cook until fully browned and slightly crispy at the edges. Drain any excess grease, then season the beef with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning for extra depth.

In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic over medium heat. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.

Next, toss the drained pasta into the skillet, coating it thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce. Add the cooked ground beef back to the pan, stirring to combine everything. If the mixture seems a bit dry, pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to help everything blend together.

Finally, sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until the cheese melts into a gooey, creamy coating. Remove from heat and let the pasta sit for a minute to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley or red pepper flakes for a little extra flair.

In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a cheesy, garlicky, and utterly satisfying meal ready to be devoured.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn’t always the case with this dish!), storing them properly ensures you can enjoy this meal again later.

For the fridge, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together even more overnight, making it just as tasty the next day.

To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

For reheating, add a splash of water or milk to loosen up the sauce, then warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. This helps maintain the creamy texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have in your kitchen.

For a protein swap, try using ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken. Each brings a different flavor profile while keeping the dish hearty.

If you love extra veggies, stir in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes when adding the garlic butter. This boosts both flavor and nutrition without much extra effort.

For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne to the beef while cooking. A drizzle of sriracha at the end also takes this dish up a notch.

If you need a gluten-free option, swap the bowtie pasta for your favorite gluten-free brand. Chickpea or lentil pasta works well and adds a little extra protein, too.

And for a lighter version, use half the butter and cheese, and swap in a lean protein like ground chicken. You’ll still get that delicious flavor, just with a bit less richness.

This recipe is a winner no matter how you customize it, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Enjoy!

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