Zesty Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe

Dive into a comforting classic that combines hearty beef and delightful bowtie pasta in garlic butter sauce.

Creamy, cheesy textures meld perfectly with savory ground beef in this irresistible dish.

Each bite promises a burst of rich flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender pasta swirls capture the robust garlic-infused butter, creating a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

The combination of melted cheese and seasoned beef transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Weeknight meals never looked this delicious or came together so effortlessly.

Prepare to savor every single forkful of this mouthwatering pasta sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 3

What You Need For Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

• Bowtie Pasta: Playful pasta shape that catches sauce perfectly, choose high-quality durum wheat variety for best texture.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid gold that helps bind sauce and enhance overall dish creaminess.

• Ground Beef: Lean cut ensures rich flavor without excessive grease, look for fresh, bright-colored meat.
• Onion: Adds sweet depth and aromatic foundation, select firm bulbs with no soft spots.
• Garlic: Provides robust flavor punch, choose plump cloves with tight, unblemished skin.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs to create Mediterranean warmth, opt for fresh or high-quality dried mix.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and vibrant color, adjust quantity based on spice preference.

• Butter: Creates luxurious base with rich, golden flavor, use unsalted for better control.
• Flour: Thickens sauce and creates silky texture, all-purpose works perfectly.
• Milk: Provides smooth, creamy consistency, whole milk recommended for fuller taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers stretchy, melty goodness, choose fresh for superior melting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty undertones, select aged variety for intense flavor.

• Parsley: Brings fresh, bright finish, choose vibrant green leaves.
• Extra Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping for cheese lovers, freshly grated preferred.

Tools For Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of space and depth.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning beef, sautéing onions, and creating the creamy garlic butter sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients.
• Whisk: Critical for blending flour and milk smoothly without lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Colander: Used for draining cooked pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and parsley.
• Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients.

Steps To Cook Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water in a large pot and cook bowtie pasta until perfectly tender. Save a little cooking water before draining.

• Beef Foundation

Brown ground beef in a skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Add aromatic onions and garlic, creating a flavorful base. Sprinkle in Italian herbs and a hint of spice for extra kick.

• Creamy Garlic Magic

Melt butter and create a silky sauce by gently cooking garlic. Whisk in flour to thicken, then slowly incorporate milk until smooth and velvety. Let the mixture simmer and develop rich flavors.

• Cheese and Combine

Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until they melt into a luxurious sauce. Fold in cooked pasta and seasoned beef, ensuring every piece gets coated with cheesy goodness. If needed, splash in reserved pasta water to reach perfect consistency.

• Final Touch

Dish out the creamy pasta into bowls. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Enjoy your comforting meal straight from the skillet to the table.

Tips To Make Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Even Better

• Pasta Perfection: Cook bowtie pasta just until al dente to prevent mushy texture. Rinse with cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process and keep pasta firm.
• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For vegetarian options, use plant-based meat alternatives or crumbled tofu seasoned with Italian herbs.
• Cheese Lover's Twist: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, fontina, or gouda to create unique flavor profiles. Add a sprinkle of blue cheese for an extra tangy kick.
• Spice It Up: Boost heat levels by adding more red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce. For a smoky flavor, incorporate chipotle powder or smoked paprika into the beef mixture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dish in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency and prevent drying out.

Ways To Serve Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty pasta dish as the star of your family meal, creating a warm and comforting dining experience that brings everyone together.
• Weekend Movie Night Feast: Pair this cheesy beef pasta with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for the perfect casual dinner while enjoying a movie marathon with friends or family.
• Lunch Meal Prep Champion: Package individual portions in meal prep containers for a delicious and satisfying work or school lunch that reheats beautifully and keeps you full throughout the day.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, as it travels well and offers a crowd-friendly option that's sure to impress with its rich, cheesy flavors and hearty beef mixture.

Keep Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Ready To Go

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Optimal Storage Duration: Refrigerate for 3-4 days maximum, keeping the pasta and beef mixture sealed tightly to retain moisture and flavor integrity.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm gently in microwave or skillet, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy sauce consistency and prevent dryness.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Portion into freezer-safe containers, removing excess air, and freeze up to 2 months for convenient future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Savory Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Garlic butter cheesy beef and bowtie pasta brings classic comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients combine for a quick, satisfying meal promising rich flavors you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a half-cup of pasta water before draining and set pasta aside.
2. Beef Sauté: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Brown ground beef, breaking it into crumbles. Add onions and garlic, cooking until onions become translucent. Incorporate Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Transfer seasoned beef to a separate plate.
3. Cheese Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and toast minced garlic briefly. Whisk in flour to form a roux, stirring for 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour milk, whisking to prevent lumps. Simmer sauce until it thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
4. Final Combination: Reduce heat and blend mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses into the sauce until smooth and creamy. Fold in cooked pasta and beef mixture, ensuring complete coating. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
5. Serving Presentation: Plate the cheesy beef and bowtie pasta. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elevated finish.

Notes

• Boost Pasta Texture: Reserve starchy pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency, ensuring a creamy and perfectly coated dish.
• Control Beef Browning: Cook ground beef on medium heat, breaking it into small pieces to achieve even browning and prevent clumping.
• Prevent Sauce Lumps: Whisk milk slowly into the roux and stir continuously to create a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
• Customize Heat Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to match personal spice preferences, making the dish mild or fiery as desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg