Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter. This dish combines tender, flavorful ground beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a rich, garlicky butter sauce that is creamy and indulgent. With the added richness of melted cheese and the savory taste of garlic, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make, hearty, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a meal for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce coats the pasta and beef with an irresistible savory richness, while the melted cheese adds a creamy texture that elevates the dish.
• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for a busy weeknight when you want something filling but don’t have a lot of time.
• One-Pot Meal: Everything is cooked in one pot, from the pasta to the beef and sauce, making cleanup a breeze.
• Customizable: You can add your favorite veggies or adjust the type of cheese to your liking. It’s a flexible recipe that can be made to suit different tastes.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of pasta, beef, and cheese is a hit with all ages, making this an ideal family meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• Ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
• Bowtie pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
• Olive oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
• Onion (optional, for added flavor)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season the beef with salt and pepper and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If desired, add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté with the beef for extra flavor. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
   • Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the cream simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn.
4. Add the Cheese:
   • Once the cream has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine the Beef and Pasta:
   • Add the cooked beef back into the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Then, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, making sure the pasta is fully coated in the creamy garlic butter sauce. If the sauce needs a little more liquid, add a bit more reserved pasta water until you achieve a smooth consistency.
6. Serve:
   • Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Variations

• Add Vegetables: To increase the nutritional value and add some color to the dish, consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas.
• Use Different Cheese: Feel free to swap the mozzarella or Parmesan with other cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, or Asiago for a different flavor profile. A mixture of cheeses can also add depth to the dish.
• Spicy Option: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or even a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the beef while it cooks.
• Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a lighter protein, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to suit the milder flavor of these meats.
• Add Bacon: For an extra layer of flavor, sauté some chopped bacon along with the ground beef. The bacon adds a smoky, salty element that complements the richness of the cheese sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Serving Size: 4 servings

Storage/Reheating

• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help restore the creamy consistency. You can also reheat it in the microwave, adding a little extra cream or water to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the bowtie pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken would be great alternatives for a lighter version of this dish. Just be sure to season the meat well to add flavor.

3. How do I make this dish spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce, or stir in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper while cooking the beef.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the beef and pasta ahead of time and store them separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine them with the garlic butter sauce and cheese.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

While freezing this dish is not recommended due to the creamy sauce (which may separate upon thawing), you can freeze the beef and pasta separately. Reheat the beef and pasta before combining with fresh sauce.

6. Can I use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or milk as a lighter alternative, though the sauce may not be as rich and creamy. For a thicker consistency, you can add a little flour or cornstarch to the sauce.

7. Can I add more cheese to this dish?

Definitely! If you love cheese, feel free to add more Parmesan, mozzarella, or any other cheese you prefer. Just sprinkle some on top before serving for an extra cheesy finish.

8. What can I serve with this dish?

This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a more filling dinner.

9. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the beef and replacing it with mushrooms, tofu, or a plant-based meat substitute. The garlic butter sauce and cheese will still provide plenty of flavor.

10. How do I keep the pasta from sticking together after draining?

To prevent the pasta from sticking, toss it with a little olive oil or butter after draining. This will help keep the pasta separate while you prepare the sauce.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender beef, garlicky butter sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying—ideal for busy nights when you crave something indulgent without spending too much time in the kitchen. Try it out, and enjoy a hearty, cheesy meal that everyone will love!

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