Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

There's something truly comforting about a bowl of cheesy pasta, especially when it's coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal—hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

I first made this dish when I needed to use up some leftover ground beef, and it quickly became a family favorite. The combination of tender bowtie pasta, savory beef, and a buttery garlic sauce with gooey melted cheese makes it an instant classic.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Get ready to fall in love with a pasta dish that's as easy to make as it is delicious.

First, it's a one-pan wonder, meaning fewer dishes to wash at the end of the night. With everything cooking together, you get maximum flavor without the mess.

Second, it's quick and convenient. You can have this dish on the table in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights.

It's also kid-approved and family-friendly. The creamy, cheesy sauce and tender pasta make it a hit with even the pickiest eaters.

And let’s not forget about the bold garlic butter flavor. The rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic takes this dish to the next level, making it taste like something straight from a restaurant.

Ingredients Notes

This dish relies on a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients that come together to create magic in every bite.

Bowtie pasta (farfalle) is the perfect choice for this recipe. Its shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. If you don’t have bowties on hand, penne or rotini make great substitutes.

Ground beef adds a hearty, savory element to the dish. I recommend using 85/15 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and tenderness. If you prefer leaner meat, you can swap in ground turkey or chicken.

Garlic butter is what makes this dish so irresistible. Using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder ensures a deeper, more aromatic flavor. If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two!

Cheese brings everything together in a creamy, melty hug. Cheddar and mozzarella are my top picks, but you can experiment with gouda, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan for extra depth.

Chicken or beef broth adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor. Using broth instead of water when cooking pasta or making sauce gives the dish an extra boost of richness.

A large skillet and a pasta pot are all you need for this recipe, keeping cleanup simple and stress-free.

How To Make This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Making this dish is as simple as cooking the pasta, browning the beef, and bringing everything together in a rich, cheesy garlic butter sauce.

Start by cooking the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining—this will help create a silky sauce later.

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and transfer the beef to a plate.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Return the cooked beef to the skillet and pour in ½ cup of broth. Let it simmer for a minute, then add the drained pasta and stir everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Sprinkle in the shredded cheese and stir until melted and gooey. Let it sit for a minute before serving so the cheese has time to coat everything in a rich, velvety sauce.

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be just as delicious!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, store them properly to keep them tasting great.

Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to the pasta and warm it in a skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent the cheese from separating. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring between each interval.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize!

Want a lighter version? Swap ground beef for ground turkey or use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.

If you're a veggie lover, toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.

For a spicy kick, mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an extra punch of heat.

Prefer a creamier texture? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese when adding the cheese. This makes the sauce even more luxurious.

If you're a garlic fanatic, roast some garlic cloves in the oven and mash them into the butter before adding it to the pan. Roasted garlic adds a deep, caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cheese.

No matter how you tweak it, this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It's quick, easy, and bursting with flavor—everything a great dinner should be!

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