Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Looking for a comforting meal that brings bold flavors and cheesy goodness to the table in under an hour? This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a dream come true. Featuring tender pasta, savory seasoned beef, and a rich, garlicky cheese sauce, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.

From its creamy texture to its satisfying mix of flavors, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort food classic: Cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor.
• One-pan option: Use just a pot and a skillet for easy cleanup.
• Versatile: Customize with vegetables, different cheeses, or spice levels.
• Kid-friendly: A sure hit with picky eaters and grown-ups alike.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Pasta and Beef:

• 12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and break it up as it cooks, about 5–7 minutes until browned.
3. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
5. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux.
4. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

1. Lower heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
2. Return beef mixture and pasta to the skillet.
3. Toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.

Step 5: Serve

1. Divide the pasta into bowls.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Add veggies: Mix in steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms.
• Use ground turkey or sausage for a different protein.
• Try other cheeses: Gouda, provolone, or fontina work well.
• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter hits all the right notes—rich, creamy, savory, and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for your family or need a cozy dish for yourself, it delivers warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Keep it in your rotation for easy, flavor-packed dinners you’ll crave again and again.

The Goods

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

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Cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in a garlic butter sauce—easy, creamy, and perfect for comforting weeknight dinners.

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Pasta

Cuisine American

Recipes

For the Pasta and Beef:

• 12 oz 340g bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 lb 450g ground beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup 240ml milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup 100g shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup 50g grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
• Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add ground beef and break it up as it cooks, about 5–7 minutes until browned.
• Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux.
• Slowly add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
• Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

• Lower heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
• Return beef mixture and pasta to the skillet.
• Toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.

Step 5: Serve

• Divide the pasta into bowls.
• Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
• Serve warm and enjoy!