This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is comfort food at its best! With tender beef, fun bowtie-shaped pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce, every bite is a delight.
You can’t go wrong with cheese and pasta! I love how quick this dish comes together—perfect for when you need dinner fast and tasty. Plus, the garlic butter makes everything better! 🧄❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): This pasta shape makes for a fun texture in the dish! If you don’t have farfalle, any other short pasta like penne or rotini works well too.
Ground Beef: I love using lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can switch it up with turkey or chicken for a lighter meal, or even try plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian alternative.
Garlic Butter: If you can’t find garlic butter, using regular butter with minced garlic is a great substitute. Fresh garlic packs a lot of flavor! You can also use olive oil if you prefer a lighter taste.
Cheese: I recommend cheddar for that classic flavor! However, feel free to mix it up with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of your favorites for a unique twist.
Tomato Sauce: If you’re out of tomato sauce, you can use diced tomatoes or even tomato paste with a bit of water. This helps keep the dish moist while adding a new layer of flavor.
How Can I Ensure the Beef is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking the ground beef is an essential step to getting the right flavor and texture in your dish. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by heating your skillet over medium heat. Add garlic butter (or regular butter with garlic).
- Once melted (and fragrant if using plain butter), add the ground beef. Make sure to break it up using a spatula while it cooks.
- Cook for about 7-10 minutes, or until the beef is completely browned. Look for a nice brown color, which adds flavor!
- If there’s excess fat, simply drain it, so your dish doesn’t end up greasy.
For extra flavor, consider seasoning the meat with a pinch of salt and pepper while it cooks.
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 tablespoons garlic butter (or 4 tablespoons butter + 2-3 cloves minced garlic)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes cooking the pasta and another 20 minutes prepping the beef and sauce, making it a quick and comforting family meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside for later.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and melt the garlic butter over medium heat. If you’re using plain butter, add the minced garlic and let it sauté for about 1 minute until it smells wonderful and fragrant. This will give your dish a delicious garlic flavor!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it up with a spatula until it’s nice and browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. If you see any excess fat, feel free to drain that away to keep your dish light.
4. Mix in the Sauce:
Now it’s time to add the tomato sauce and beef broth to the skillet. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to your taste. Bring this mix to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes so all those flavors can meld together.
5. Combine with Pasta:
Once your sauce has thickened a bit, add the cooked bowtie pasta right into the skillet. Gently stir everything together to make sure the pasta is well-coated in that flavorful beef and tomato sauce.
6. Add the Cheese:
Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle in the shredded cheese. Stir it in until it melts beautifully and combines with the pasta and sauce, creating a gooey, cheesy finish that’s oh-so-delicious!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta into bowls while hot. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a nice color and a fresh touch. Dig in and savor every cheesy bite!
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, ensuring it’s fully cooked through.
What if I Don’t Have Garlic Butter on Hand?
No worries! You can easily make your own by combining regular butter with minced garlic. Use 4 tablespoons of butter and add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant before adding the ground beef. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder if you want a stronger flavor.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and beef mixture ahead of time! Cook everything as directed, then let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring in a splash of broth if the sauce feels too thick.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
