When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compare to Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter. This recipe combines tender ground beef, flavorful garlic butter sauce, and bowtie pasta for a dish that’s rich, savory, and irresistibly cheesy. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this hearty meal is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

• Simple Ingredients: You’ll likely have most of these ingredients on hand.
• Rich Flavor: The garlic butter sauce infuses every bite, making the dish deliciously comforting.
• Cheese Lovers’ Dream: The cheese adds that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves.

This recipe is perfect for anyone craving a savory, filling pasta dish with a rich and creamy twist. Plus, the combination of beef and pasta will keep you satisfied and coming back for more.

Key Ingredients for Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

To prepare this mouthwatering dish, you will need a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating the rich, cheesy, and buttery taste that makes this recipe a family favorite.

Ground Beef

The star of the dish, ground beef, provides a hearty and savory base. You can use lean ground beef to keep it healthier, or a fattier blend for a richer flavor. Brown the beef until it’s perfectly cooked and crispy for the best texture.

Bowtie Pasta

Bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, is a fun and hearty pasta shape that holds up well in a rich sauce. The shape also captures more sauce, making each bite extra flavorful.

Garlic Butter

A rich and savory garlic butter sauce ties everything together. The butter enhances the garlic’s aromatic flavors and creates a creamy, silky sauce that coats both the beef and pasta.

Cheese

This recipe is packed with cheese! A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan is ideal, as mozzarella provides a melty texture, while Parmesan adds a sharp, savory bite. Freshly grated cheese is always best for a more authentic flavor.

Heavy Cream

For a creamy sauce that binds all the ingredients together, you’ll need a bit of heavy cream. This gives the dish a rich, velvety texture.

Italian Seasonings

A blend of Italian seasonings like oregano, basil, and thyme adds depth to the flavor profile and complements the garlic butter beautifully.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and brown the beef. It adds a touch of richness without overpowering the dish.

Salt and Pepper

These simple seasonings are essential to bring out the flavors of the beef, garlic, and cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s walk through the process of preparing Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and set it aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and crispy, about 7–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. Season with salt, pepper, and half of your Italian seasoning.

3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant. Then, add the butter and let it melt completely. Once the butter has melted, add the heavy cream and mix well. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens a bit.

4. Combine the Beef and Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened, add the browned ground beef back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.

Now comes the cheesy goodness! Stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

6. Mix in the Pasta

Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet with the cheese and beef mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. You can add more pasta water at this stage if you want a slightly looser sauce.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once the pasta is fully coated and heated through, your Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is ready to serve! Garnish with a little extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like basil or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

While this recipe is easy to follow, here are a few tips to elevate your dish and ensure the best results:

• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a much richer, more aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder. It’s worth the extra effort.
• Grate Your Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can have anti-caking agents that can affect the reliability and texture of the cheese. Freshly grated cheese gives a smoother, creamier texture to the sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Beef: Overcooking ground beef can lead to dry meat. Make sure to cook it until it’s browned and crispy but still juicy.
• Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water can help thin out the sauce and create a creamier consistency. It’s a simple trick that works wonders!

Variations and Customizations: Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to customize it to your taste:

1. Add Vegetables

Consider adding some veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition. Sauté the vegetables with the garlic before adding the beef.

2. Make it Spicy

If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce or add some diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

3. Use Different Pasta Shapes

While bowtie pasta is fun and holds the sauce well, you can swap it out with penne, rigatoni, or any other pasta you prefer.

4. Swap Beef for Other Proteins

If you prefer chicken, turkey, or even sausage, feel free to swap out the beef. Ground turkey is a lighter option, while sausage adds more flavor to the dish.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional values for Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter:

• Calories: 600–700 kcal per serving (depending on portion size)
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 40g
• Fiber: 3g

This dish is high in protein and fat, making it a filling and satisfying meal. If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can lighten it up by using lean ground beef or reducing the cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the beef and garlic butter sauce in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to eat, cook the pasta, heat the beef mixture, and combine them.

Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or provolone. Ensure you choose a cheese that melts smoothly and creates a creamy texture.

Q3: Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this dish freezes well! Allow it to cool thoroughly before placing it in an airtight container for storage. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stove.

Q4: How can I make this dish healthier?

To make it lighter, you can use lean ground turkey instead of beef, reduce the amount of cheese, or opt for whole wheat pasta.

Conclusion: Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is the perfect dish for those who crave a comforting, cheesy pasta meal. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Try it today and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

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• Tuscan Ragu Recipe: Authentic Italian
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• Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe