If you are craving a dish that combines comforting pasta with rich, savory beef in a delightfully cheesy sauce, then this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender bowtie pasta cooked perfectly al dente, juicy browned ground beef, and an indulgent garlic butter sauce loaded with melty mozzarella and Parmesan, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that will satisfy your soul and your appetite in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and mouthwatering appeal, yet they’re all simple and accessible. From the bowtie pasta’s fun shape that holds onto sauce beautifully, to the luscious garlic butter that forms the base of the dish, every element plays an essential role.
- 12 oz bowtie pasta: Its unique shape cradles the sauce and beef perfectly, making every forkful delicious.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty protein with a rich, savory foundation.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the beef evenly.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Gives a sweet and pungent depth that enhances the beef.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that irresistible garlic aroma and flavor in the butter sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds warmth and complexity.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: The rich base for your garlic butter sauce, silky and indulgent.
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%): Makes the sauce creamy and smooth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that stretchy, cheesy goodness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish to the sauce that ties it all together.
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Begin by boiling the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente, so it retains a slight bite that complements the creamy sauce. Make sure to reserve a little pasta water before draining; this starchy water can help you loosen the sauce later if it feels too thick.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until beautifully browned. Then stir in finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking just until softened and fragrant—this step unlocks incredible flavor that will infuse every bite of your dish.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Add Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste, letting the herbs mingle with the meat and aromatics. This seasoning combination adds a classic Italian touch that complements the cheesiness perfectly. Once ready, transfer the beef mixture out of the skillet to prepare for the sauce.
Step 4: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter and gently sauté the minced garlic until you can smell its heavenly aroma. Next, whisk in flour to form a light roux, then gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly to create a luscious, thickened sauce without lumps. This smooth base is what makes this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses and Combine
Lower the heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until they melt fully into the creamy sauce. Then fold in the cooked bowtie pasta and beef mixture, tossing everything together so each piece of pasta is generously coated in cheesy, garlicky goodness.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Your dish is now ready to be served! Plate it warm and get ready for a comforting and flavor-packed meal that feels like a big, cozy hug.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh basil over the top just before serving. A little extra grated Parmesan can also add that special finishing touch to elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlic bread for dipping, or even roasted vegetables like asparagus or brussels sprouts to balance richness with a hint of earthiness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pasta in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of crispy breadcrumbs for added texture. You could also turn it into a baked casserole by layering the mixture in a dish, topping with cheese, and broiling for a golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully after resting, making leftovers even tastier in some cases!
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months—just cool it completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Microwaving works too—just cover and heat in short intervals to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of bowtie?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is fantastic for holding the sauce, penne, fusilli, or rotini work just as well and will give you great results with this recipe.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Sure! Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms to maintain that hearty texture and enjoy the same cheesy, garlicky flavor.
What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella is key for meltiness, and Parmesan adds sharpness. You can experiment with cheddar, fontina, or even a sprinkle of pecorino for different flavor nuances.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the garlic butter cheese sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta and beef just before serving.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or mix in a drizzle of hot sauce for a fiery kick that complements the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe is an absolute winner when you want a meal that’s both satisfying and soul-comforting. It is straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress anyone at your table. I hope you give it a try soon and fall in love with the magical combination of cheesy goodness and savory beef wrapped in every pasta bow.
Print
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and flavorful Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta dish cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe combines browned ground beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a creamy cheesy sauce enhanced with Italian seasoning and garlic for a satisfying family meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Season Beef Mixture: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Once well combined, remove the beef mixture from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in a small amount of flour (if used; although not listed, assuming from instructions), then gradually add milk while stirring continuously to form a thickened sauce.
- Add Cheese to Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked beef mixture and drained pasta to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta well with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to thin sauce if it becomes too thick.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use whole or 2% milk for creamier sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
