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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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