If you’re looking for a quick, cheesy, and comforting pasta dish, this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a must-try! This one-pan meal is packed with juicy ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, a rich garlic butter sauce, and loads of melted cheese. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry family.
With just a handful of simple pantry ingredients, you can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, using just one pan.
✔️ Cheesy & Flavorful – A rich garlic butter sauce and gooey melted cheese.
✔️ Family-Friendly – Perfect for both kids and adults.
✔️ Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Ingredients Needed
For the Pasta & Beef:
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
For the Cheesy Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Kitchen Equipment Required
✔️ Large skillet or pan – To cook the beef and pasta.
✔️ Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring.
✔️ Measuring cups & spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
✔️ Colander – To drain pasta.
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
Follow these easy steps to make this cheesy, garlicky, and delicious pasta dish.
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.
Step 2: Cook the Beef & Garlic Butter
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes), breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Drain excess grease, if needed.
Step 3: Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Sauce
- Reduce heat to low and add beef broth, heavy cream, and 2 tbsp butter to the skillet.
- Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the cheesy garlic butter sauce.
- Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Step 5: Enjoy!
- Serve hot and enjoy this cheesy, garlicky, and comforting pasta dish.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
👉 Use freshly grated cheese – It melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
👉 Don’t overcook the pasta – Keep it al dente for the perfect texture.
👉 Let the sauce thicken – Simmering helps the flavors come together.
👉 Add extra garlic – If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Overcooking the pasta – It will become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
🚫 Not draining excess grease – Too much grease can make the sauce oily.
🚫 Skipping the seasoning – Italian seasoning and paprika enhance the flavor.
🚫 Using cold cheese – Let cheese sit at room temperature before adding it for smoother melting.
Variations & Add-Ons
Want to customize your Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta? Try these delicious variations!
✔️ Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.
✔️ Creamy Tomato Twist – Mix in ½ cup tomato sauce for a richer flavor.
✔️ Veggie Boost – Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
✔️ Extra Cheesy – Use pepper jack or gouda cheese for a unique taste.
Serving & Presentation Ideas
Make your cheesy pasta dish look as good as it tastes!
🍽️ Serve with garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
🧀 Top with extra cheese for a gooey, melty finish.
🌿 Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.
🥗 Pair with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
How to Store and Reheat
To Store:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
- Microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy.
To Freeze:
- Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as instructed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Try penne, rotini, or fusilli for a fun twist.
❓ What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Use half-and-half, whole milk, or evaporated milk for a lighter option.
❓ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, refrigerate, and reheat when ready to serve.
❓ How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is the ultimate quick, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week! With juicy beef, rich garlic butter sauce, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Try this recipe today and let us know how you liked it! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious meal ideas.
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Cheesy Beef & Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a quick, one-pan meal that’s cheesy, garlicky, and packed with flavor! Made with juicy ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, a rich garlic butter sauce, and loads of melted cheese, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
For the Cheesy Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ 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.
2️⃣ Cook the Beef & Garlic Butter
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes), breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Drain excess grease, if needed.
3️⃣ Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Sauce
- Reduce heat to low and add beef broth, heavy cream, and 2 tbsp butter to the skillet.
- Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
4️⃣ Combine & Serve
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the cheesy garlic butter sauce.
- Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
5️⃣ Enjoy!
- Serve hot and enjoy this cheesy, garlicky, and comforting pasta dish.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of extra heavy cream or butter.
- Love spice? Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Want more veggies? Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- For a smoky twist, try using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
