There’s nothing quite like the rich and savory taste of garlic butter, especially when it’s paired with ground beef and creamy cheese. If you’re looking for a quick, comforting meal that will please even the pickiest eaters, Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta should be on your radar. I remember the first time I made this dish for my family everyone, from the kids to the adults, couldn’t stop reaching for more. The savory beef and the creamy, cheesy sauce created a perfect balance that made it an instant favorite.
This recipe is the kind of meal that brings comfort on hectic days, and it’s easy enough for even beginner cooks to master. The combination of garlic, butter, and cheese is a winning trio that never fails to satisfy, while the bowtie pasta adds a fun, bite-sized touch. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for your family or you’re hosting friends over for a cozy gathering, this dish will undoubtedly impress and fill everyone up.
In less than 30 minutes, you can have a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The best part? You likely already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. Let’s dive into why this recipe will become your new favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re short on time. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a flavorful meal in less than 30 minutes.
- Rich & Savory: The combination of garlic butter, creamy cheeses, and ground beef creates a deliciously rich sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Kid-Friendly: With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters, making it a great option for family dinners.
- One-Pot Wonder: The pasta, beef, and sauce all come together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, add vegetables, or even swap the ground beef for another protein of your choice.
From the first bite to the last, Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta will keep you coming back for more. It’s simple, satisfying, and loaded with flavor what’s not to love?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this comforting dish:
- 1 lb bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the pasta.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the ground beef.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set aside.
Step 3: Make the garlic butter sauce.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Add the cream and cheese.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine pasta, beef, and sauce.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta and browned beef to the skillet.
- Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Final Step 6: Garnish and serve.
- Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Variations
There are plenty of ways to put your own twist on this Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta recipe. Here are a few creative ideas to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:
- Add Vegetables:
Want to sneak in some veggies? Sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the garlic for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also mix in some steamed broccoli or peas at the end. - Use a Different Protein:
Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile. If you prefer plant-based options, try using a meat substitute like lentils or plant-based ground meat. - Spicy Kick:
Add a little heat by incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce. You could also use spicy sausage in place of the ground beef for a bolder flavor. - Make It Lighter:
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or even milk in place of heavy cream. You can also swap out the butter for olive oil for a healthier fat option. If you prefer gluten-free pasta, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. - Swap the Cheese:
While cheddar and Parmesan are a winning combo, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Mozzarella will add extra stretchiness, while cream cheese will make the sauce even creamier.
These variations give you the freedom to get creative while still keeping the essence of the dish intact. Enjoy mixing things up and making this recipe your own!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta
When it comes to serving Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta, the possibilities are endless. This dish is hearty and flavorful on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can really elevate the meal. Here are some serving suggestions to make your dinner even more memorable:
- Pair with a Side Salad:
A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the cheesy pasta. You could go with a classic Caesar salad, a simple mixed greens salad, or even a Mediterranean salad with olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese. The crunch and lightness of the salad will complement the creamy pasta. - Serve with Garlic Bread or Crusty Loaf:
Why not go all in with more garlic flavor? Serve this pasta alongside some garlic bread or a crusty loaf of bread. The crispy texture of the bread pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce, and you’ll be able to mop up every last bit of that cheesy goodness. - Roasted Vegetables:
Roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts are a great way to add a healthy touch to the meal. The savory roasted flavors add a nice contrast to the creamy pasta, making it even more satisfying.
This dish is versatile enough to pair with whatever you like, but these ideas will help you create a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Recipe Tips
The beauty of Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta lies in its simplicity, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you perfect this dish and make it even more delicious:
- Use Fresh Garlic:
Freshly minced garlic is the key to achieving that aromatic, savory flavor in the sauce. Avoid using pre-minced garlic from a jar, as it lacks the punch and depth of flavor that fresh garlic offers. - Don’t Overcook the Pasta:
Be sure to cook your bowtie pasta until it’s al dente. Overcooking the pasta will result in a mushy texture that won’t hold up well in the sauce. Once you drain the pasta, be sure to save a little bit of the pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later if needed. - Customize the Cheese:
The cheese blend is one of the highlights of this dish, but you don’t have to stick to just cheddar and Parmesan. Try adding mozzarella for a gooey, melty texture, or experiment with Gruyère or Gouda for a more sophisticated flavor. Cheese is one of the easiest ways to tailor this dish to your liking. - Make it Ahead of Time:
If you’re meal prepping, you can easily make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Simply reheat on the stovetop with a little extra cream or pasta water to bring it back to life. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights when you want to have a comforting meal ready to go. - Don’t Skip the Garnish:
While it’s optional, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the dish. It also adds a lovely pop of color, making the dish more visually appealing.
Cooking Notes
Before you start cooking, here are some helpful tips and common mistakes to avoid when making Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta:
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Skillet:
A heavy skillet ensures even heat distribution and helps prevent the garlic from burning when sautéing. Non-stick or cast iron skillets work well for this recipe. - Avoid Overcrowding the Beef:
When browning the ground beef, avoid overcrowding the pan. If there’s too much beef in the pan at once, it’ll steam instead of browning, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish. Brown the beef in batches if necessary. - Adjust the Sauce Consistency:
If the sauce becomes too thick, don’t hesitate to add a bit of the reserved pasta water. The starch from the pasta water will help thicken the sauce and bring everything together. - Keep an Eye on the Garlic:
Garlic burns quickly, and once it’s burned, it turns bitter and ruins the flavor of the dish. Sauté it just until it’s fragrant 1-2 minutes before adding the cream and cheeses.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g (Saturated Fat: 15g)
- Carbs: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping out the ground beef for plant-based alternatives, like lentils, crumbled tofu, or meatless crumbles. You can also increase the amount of vegetables to add more texture and flavor.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for bowtie pasta, feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer penne, fusilli, or spaghetti would all work great in this dish.
3. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheating leftovers is simple! Just add the pasta to a skillet with a little bit of cream or pasta water to bring the sauce back to life. You can also microwave it, but I recommend adding a small splash of liquid to prevent the pasta from drying out.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then heat it up on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of liquid as needed to achieve the right consistency.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Of course! Just swap out the bowtie pasta for gluten-free pasta. There are many great gluten-free pasta options available that will work well with this creamy sauce.
Conclusion
There’s something truly comforting about a plate of Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta it’s the perfect blend of savory beef, rich garlic butter, and creamy cheese, all wrapped around a hearty serving of pasta. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy weeknight or serving it at a family gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of simple ingredients creates a comforting, filling meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
This recipe is versatile and can easily be adjusted to suit your preferences, from changing up the type of cheese to adding extra vegetables or protein. It’s a great option for meal prepping, too, ensuring that you always have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to go in no time.
The beauty of Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta lies in its simplicity it’s a quick and easy dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. From the first bite, you’ll experience the deep flavors of garlic and butter, with the creaminess of the cheese making every mouthful irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
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Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this comforting dish:
- 1 lb bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the pasta.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the ground beef.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set aside.
Step 3: Make the garlic butter sauce.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Add the cream and cheese.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine pasta, beef, and sauce.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta and browned beef to the skillet.
- Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Garnish and serve.
- Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Skillet:
A heavy skillet ensures even heat distribution and helps prevent the garlic from burning when sautéing. Non-stick or cast iron skillets work well for this recipe. - Avoid Overcrowding the Beef:
When browning the ground beef, avoid overcrowding the pan. If there’s too much beef in the pan at once, it’ll steam instead of browning, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish. Brown the beef in batches if necessary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 540
- Sodium: 750
- Protein: 28