The aroma of sizzling garlic butter meets the richness of melty cheese and seasoned beef in this dreamy, indulgent pasta dish. Every bite of the tender bowtie pasta is cloaked in velvety sauce and sprinkled with herbs, bringing comfort food to gourmet levels.
Whether it’s a hectic weeknight or a cozy weekend in, this recipe delivers flavor, ease, and satisfaction. It’s simple enough for beginner cooks, but delicious enough to become a go-to favorite in your recipe box. Add some crusty bread and a side salad for a full meal that feels both comforting and complete.
Full Recipes:
Ingredients:
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12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
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1 lb (450g) ground beef
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
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1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
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1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente, reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned.
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Stir in onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Sauté until onion softens. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Remove beef mixture and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt butter and add remaining 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute.
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Whisk in flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk and simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes.
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Reduce heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
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Return beef and pasta to the skillet. Toss until evenly coated. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 620 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter: A Cozy Classic with a Modern Twist
Comfort food has a unique way of weaving its magic soothing our moods, evoking fond memories, and bringing people together around the table. Among the many beloved dishes that qualify as comfort cuisine, Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter has quickly carved out a spot as a go-to meal for busy households and enthusiastic food lovers alike. This hearty, savory, and irresistibly creamy dish is everything we crave on a hectic weeknight or when the weather calls for something warm and satisfying.
This article dives into the deeper appeal of this popular recipe, from its flavor profile and kitchen versatility to customization ideas, nutritional pointers, and ideal serving suggestions. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook looking for new inspiration, this pasta dish offers something for everyone.
A Celebration of Simple, Satisfying Flavors
At its core, this dish is built on a foundation of simplicity done right. It’s the combination of savory seasoned ground beef, tender farfalle (commonly known as bowtie pasta), and a rich garlic butter sauce finished with melted cheese that makes every bite indulgent without being overwhelming.
The beef brings a hearty, meaty depth that anchors the dish and adds satisfying texture. The garlic butter sauce adds aromatic warmth, lifting the flavors while coating every bite in velvety comfort. And of course, the cheese whether it’s mozzarella, Parmesan, or a delicious blend binds everything together in gooey goodness. The shape of the bowtie pasta isn’t just for aesthetics either; it catches the sauce and cheese in its folds, creating a perfect flavor delivery system in each bite.
These familiar, pantry friendly ingredients make the dish accessible and budget friendly. But the results are anything but ordinary.
Why Bowtie Pasta?
Pasta lovers know that the shape of pasta plays an important role in how a dish tastes and feels. Bowtie pasta (or farfalle) has ridges and folds that hold onto sauce exceptionally well. It’s visually playful, which makes the dish feel a bit more special, even if it comes together in under 30 minutes. Its slightly chewy texture also contrasts nicely with the softness of the cheese and the richness of the meat.
If you’re cooking for children or picky eaters, bowtie pasta is often a crowd-pleaser because of its fun appearance and smooth texture. It’s also easy to portion, cook, and incorporate into leftovers, making it a practical choice for home cooks.
Family-Friendly, Weeknight-Ready
This recipe ticks all the boxes for weeknight meals: quick, minimal prep, comforting, and most importantly delicious. Because it’s all cooked in a skillet and pot, cleanup is easy, and the process can often be completed in 30–35 minutes.
But what truly makes this dish a standout in a weeknight rotation is its flexibility. You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge, then simply reheat it and combine it with freshly cooked pasta and cheese. This makes meal prepping not just feasible but also flavorful. Leftovers store well and reheat beautifully, especially with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy texture.
Make It Your Own – Variations and Add-Ins
What’s wonderful about a dish like this is that it’s endlessly adaptable. Here are just a few ways you can customize the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:
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Swap the Protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives can stand in for the beef if you’re looking for a leaner or vegetarian option.
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Add Vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini are excellent additions. You can sauté them with the beef or stir them into the sauce before serving.
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Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce can give this cozy dish a little heat for those who like things spicy.
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Switch the Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but you can also try smoked gouda, fontina, or a sharp white cheddar for different flavor profiles.
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Try Different Pastas: If you’re out of bowties, penne, fusilli, or rigatoni also work well.
Each change creates a slightly different spin on the original, but the soul of the dish a creamy, cheesy, garlic-forward pasta dinner remains intact.
Nutritional Tips and Lightening It Up
While this dish is undeniably indulgent, there are a few ways to make it a bit lighter if that suits your goals:
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Use lean ground meat or meat alternatives.
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Opt for low-fat cheese or reduce the amount slightly while adding more vegetables.
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Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta for added fiber and protein.
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Swap out some of the butter for olive oil to reduce saturated fat.
That said, one of the biggest benefits of this meal is that it’s truly satisfying. A moderate portion goes a long way in making you feel full and content, which can help with mindful eating.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta dish is wonderfully self-contained, but a few thoughtful additions can turn it into a complete meal:
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Garlic Bread: Double down on the garlic theme with buttery garlic bread on the side perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
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Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish and adds freshness.
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Roasted Vegetables: For a heartier plate, serve with roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts.
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Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or a Chianti pairs beautifully with the savory meat and cheese elements.
A Modern Classic for the Digital Age
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is more than just a weeknight dinner it’s the kind of recipe that fits beautifully into today’s home cooking renaissance. It’s quick without sacrificing flavor, easy without being bland, and rich without feeling fussy.
In a digital world full of viral food trends and overly complex recipes, it’s refreshing to find a dish that brings comfort in every bite while still respecting your time, budget, and energy. The ingredients are common, the prep is minimal, and the results are impressive.
This is also a highly “Instagrammable” recipe melted cheese stretching off a spoon, golden garlic butter glistening on pasta, steam rising off a bowl making it great content for food bloggers and content creators.
Conclusion
There’s a reason Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter has become a fast favorite in so many homes. It’s easy to make, easy to love, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re serving a hungry family, prepping for the week ahead, or just looking for a satisfying bowl of pasta after a long day, this dish delivers.
With its nostalgic comfort and modern convenience, it stands as a reminder that the best meals aren’t always the most complicated they’re the ones made with heart, shared with love, and remembered long after the plates are cleared.