
When you're craving a rich, comforting meal that’s full of flavor and satisfying, Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is the answer. This recipe combines the best of garlicky richness, melted cheese, and tender beef, all enveloped in a silky, buttery sauce. The bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, holds the sauce perfectly, making every bite a creamy, cheesy delight.
This dish is the ultimate comfort food for those who love a balance of savory and cheesy flavors. The beef is seasoned with just the right amount of spices, while the garlic butter sauce brings a silky richness that’s hard to resist. Add a layer of melted cheese for that extra indulgence, and you’ve got a dish that’s guaranteed to please your family and friends.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing for a special meal, this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter will definitely steal the show. It’s easy to make, yet impressive in flavor, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Beef:
- 500g ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (100g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (10g)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (2g)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (2g)
- ½ teaspoon salt (3g)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1g)
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 300g bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 3 tablespoon butter (45g)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (20g)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100g)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil (1g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water to use in the sauce later.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Season the beef with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. Set the beef aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, add butter and melt it over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the remaining minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese, letting the cheeses melt into the sauce. Continue to stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 5: Combine the Beef, Pasta, and Sauce
- Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet, stirring to combine it with the sauce.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy garlic butter sauce.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the dried basil.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve the Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in bowls.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~600 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fats: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
🔥 Use Lean Ground Beef – If you want a slightly leaner version of this dish, opt for lean ground beef or even ground turkey. It will still work wonderfully and reduce some of the fat content.
🔥 Adjust the Cheese – If you want the dish extra cheesy, feel free to add more mozzarella or Parmesan to the sauce. You can even try adding a bit of cheddar for a different flavor.
🔥 Customize the Vegetables – To sneak in some veggies, try adding spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce. These vegetables will blend in seamlessly and add extra nutrients to the dish.
🔥 Make it Spicy – If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while cooking the beef or add a bit of hot sauce to the creamy sauce.
🔥 Use Fresh Garlic – For the best flavor, fresh garlic is key. Avoid garlic powder, as fresh garlic will infuse the butter and cream with a much more vibrant flavor.
🔥 Leftover Storage – If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Creamy and Cheesy – The combination of Parmesan and mozzarella creates a rich, cheesy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
✔️ One-Pan Wonder – Everything comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
✔️ Flavorful and Filling – The garlic butter sauce and savory beef create a dish that’s both rich and hearty.
✔️ Customizable – You can add any veggies you like, change the cheese for a different flavor, or even make it spicier to fit your tastes.
✔️ Quick and Easy – This dish takes only about 30 minutes to make, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
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