Hearty, creamy, and loaded with flavor, this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is the ultimate comfort food. Tender bowtie pasta is tossed with savory ground beef, rich garlic butter, and melty cheese for a satisfying one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Every bite is rich, cheesy, and packed with garlicky goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍝 Hearty and filling — perfect for family dinners
🧄 Loaded with garlic butter flavor
🧀 Melty cheese in every bite
🥩 Savory ground beef adds richness and protein
🕒 Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or pasta water
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat if needed and set beef aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the beef to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and pour in beef broth or pasta water. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Sprinkle in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and creamy. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, garlicky goodness!
Variations
- Swap beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey
- Use cream cheese or heavy cream for an even richer texture
- Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor
- Top with breadcrumbs and broil for a baked pasta version
Perfect For:
- Family weeknight dinners
- Meal prep or leftovers
- Quick comfort food cravings
- Potlucks and casual gatherings
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a quick, satisfying dinner the whole family will love. It combines the rich, comforting flavors of garlic butter and melted cheese with hearty ground beef and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly — a true dinner win.