If you’re looking for a comforting, quick, and flavorful dinner, look no further than Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter. This dish combines tender beef, al dente bowtie pasta, and a rich, garlicky butter sauce, all topped with plenty of melted cheese. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal or when you want to treat your family to something delicious, this recipe will surely become a household favorite. Whether you’re cooking for two or a group, the comforting nature of this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Comforting: With its rich, cheesy, and garlicky flavor, this pasta dish is a comfort food classic that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Quick and Easy: It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of beef, pasta, garlic butter, and cheese is universally loved, making this recipe perfect for families and gatherings.
Versatile: You can customize this dish by adding veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, or even swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Ingredients for Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
Before we dive into the instructions, here’s everything you need to make this creamy, cheesy delight:
12 oz bowtie pasta (or any pasta shape you prefer)
1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or chicken)
3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (more for topping)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package directions in a large pot of salted water. Once the pasta is al dente, drain and set aside. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later, in case you need to thin the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the cream has slightly thickened, add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 5: Combine Beef, Pasta, and Sauce
Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Stir to combine, making sure the beef is evenly coated in the sauce.
Next, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 6: Add Mozzarella and Finish the Dish
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the skillet from heat.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top of the cheesy beef and bowtie pasta for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately, and enjoy the delicious, cheesy comfort!
Check out: Best Slow Cooker Chicken Korma Recipe
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic really makes a difference in the flavor of the sauce. Avoid pre-minced garlic, as it can taste less fresh.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: To achieve that perfect al dente texture, make sure to cook the pasta just until it’s firm to the bite. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
Add Veggies: For an added boost of nutrition, toss in some sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms when you add the beef to the sauce.
Make It Spicy: If you love a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the flavor.
Substitute the Meat: You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is fun and holds the sauce well, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it ahead of time. Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the creaminess.
Q: Can I freeze this recipe? A: Yes! You can freeze Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then heat it up on the stove, adding a little extra cream or milk to keep it creamy.
Q: How do I make this dish vegetarian? A: You can easily make this dish vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables. The creamy, cheesy sauce will still be just as delicious!
Q: Can I add more cheese? A: Absolutely! If you love cheese, feel free to add more mozzarella or Parmesan on top or mix it in with the pasta and beef for extra cheesiness.
Why This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re serving a weeknight dinner or making a dish for a family gathering, this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is guaranteed to impress. The combination of flavors is perfectly balanced, with the richness of the butter, the savory beef, and the melty cheese creating a hearty, comforting meal. Plus, it’s easy to make and comes together in less than 30 minutes!
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a fantastic addition to any dinner rotation. It’s the ultimate comfort food, offering that perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors that everyone will love. You can customize it to fit your preferences and dietary needs, making it a versatile and go-to recipe in your kitchen. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and treat your family to a meal that they’ll ask for time and time again.
Bon appétit!
Read more: Best 1st Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
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Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a creamy, indulgent dish that’s packed with savory beef, garlic butter, and melted cheese. The tender bowtie pasta is tossed with a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce and topped with loads of cheese, making it a perfect comfort food meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Pasta:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Set the beef aside.
In the same skillet, add 4 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the heavy cream, and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Add the cooked beef and bowtie pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is coated with the sauce.
Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in an additional ¼ cup of cream or cream cheese.
- Add some spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a green salad to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
Keywords: Cheesy Beef Pasta, Garlic Butter Pasta, Comfort Food, Bowtie Pasta, Beef Pasta