Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

There's nothing quite like the combination of tender bowtie pasta, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese, all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. This dish is pure comfort food—hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

this Recipe

I first made this recipe on a whim when I had leftover ground beef and a box of bowtie pasta sitting in my pantry. With just a handful of ingredients, it came together beautifully, and my family couldn't get enough. Now, it's a staple in our dinner rotation!

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with this deliciously simple pasta dish. It's packed with flavor, easy to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

First off, it's incredibly quick and easy. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying meal on the table, making it ideal for those hectic evenings when you need something fast but delicious.

This dish is also budget-friendly. It uses everyday pantry staples like pasta, ground beef, and cheese, so you won’t have to break the bank to enjoy a rich and hearty dinner.

The flavor is out of this world. The combination of garlic butter, seasoned beef, and melted cheese creates a perfectly balanced dish that’s both indulgent and comforting.

Lastly, it's kid-approved. Even picky eaters love this cheesy, beefy pasta, making it an easy win for family dinners.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the ultimate comfort meal.

Bowtie Pasta is the perfect choice for this dish. Its shape helps it hold onto the creamy garlic butter sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. If you don’t have bowtie pasta on hand, penne or rotini will work just as well.

Ground Beef adds a rich, savory depth to the dish. I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted.

Garlic Butter is the heart of this recipe. Freshly minced garlic sautéed in butter creates a fragrant, mouthwatering base that ties all the flavors together. If you're a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two!

Cheese brings everything together with its gooey, melty goodness. A combination of cheddar and mozzarella works beautifully, but you can also use Monterey Jack or even a little Parmesan for extra depth.

A sprinkle of Italian seasoning enhances the flavors, adding a touch of herbs that complement the garlic butter and beef perfectly. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a little kick.

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

Creating this dish is as easy as it gets, and it all comes together in just a few simple steps.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set it aside.

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and continue cooking until browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be golden and aromatic, not browned.

Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss everything together. Add the drained pasta and stir well to coat everything in the garlic butter sauce. If the mixture seems a bit dry, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Sprinkle in the shredded cheese, stirring until it's melted and evenly distributed throughout the pasta. The cheese should coat everything in a deliciously gooey layer, making each bite irresistible.

Remove the skillet from heat and let the pasta sit for a minute or two before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for an extra touch of flavor!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep them fresh.

This pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to restore some of the creaminess before microwaving or warming on the stovetop.

For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative!

Want to add some veggies? Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers would be delicious additions to boost the nutrition and flavor.

Looking for a lighter version? Swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken, and use half-and-half instead of butter for a lower-fat option.

Love extra spice? Stir in red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.

Prefer a different cheese? Try Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for a unique twist on the cheesy goodness.

No bowtie pasta on hand? Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti will work just fine in this recipe.

No matter how you make it, this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!

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