Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter: A Comfort Food Classic

There’s something undeniably comforting about a big bowl of cheesy pasta. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, a culinary hug on a plate. This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter takes that classic comfort food to a whole new level. I remember making this for my family on a particularly chilly evening. The aroma of garlic and butter simmering on the stove filled the house, creating an anticipation that was quickly rewarded. The combination of tender bowtie pasta, savory ground beef, and that rich, creamy garlic butter sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese, was an instant hit. Empty bowls and happy smiles all around! It was a reminder of the power of simple ingredients, combined with love and care, to create a truly memorable meal.

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This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks. It’s straightforward, it’s quick, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great way to use up ground beef and create a satisfying and flavorful meal that the whole family will love. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends.

Ingredients and Preparation: The Foundation of Flavor

This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe uses simple ingredients that are readily available at most grocery stores. The key to maximizing flavor is to use high-quality ingredients, especially the cheese and the butter.

For the Pasta and Beef:

• 12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle) – Bowtie pasta is a classic choice for this dish due to its shape, which holds the sauce beautifully. However, you can use other shapes like penne, rotini, shells, or even cavatappi. Consider the texture and shape of the pasta when making your selection. A pasta with ridges or grooves will hold the sauce even better.
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef – Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, or you can use regular ground beef for a richer flavor. You can also substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. If using Italian sausage, you may want to reduce the amount of Italian seasoning.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Olive oil is used for sautéing the beef and vegetables. You can use other oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. Just make sure it has a high enough smoke point for sautéing.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped – Onion adds flavor and sweetness to the beef mixture. You can use white, yellow, or red onion, depending on your preference. Finely chopping the onion ensures that it cooks evenly and blends seamlessly into the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic adds a pungent, savory flavor that is essential to this dish. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as intense.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme, which enhances the flavor of the beef. You can also create your own blend of Italian herbs.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the dish. Adjust the amount to your preference. If you don’t like spicy food, you can omit them altogether.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the beef and the sauce. Use kosher salt for the best results.

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – Unsalted butter is the base of the sauce. Use real butter for the best flavor. You can also use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of salt you add to the sauce later.
• 2 additional cloves garlic, minced – This adds intense garlic flavor to the sauce. Again, use fresh garlic for the best results.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour – All-purpose flour is used to thicken the sauce. It creates a roux, which is a mixture of butter and flour that acts as a thickening agent.
• 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%) – Milk creates a creamy sauce. Whole milk will make a richer sauce, while 2% milk will be slightly lighter. You can also use half-and-half or heavy cream for an even richer sauce. For a dairy-free option, you can use almond milk or other plant-based milk, but the flavor will be different.
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese – Mozzarella cheese adds gooeyness and cheesy flavor to the dish. Use pre-shredded mozzarella for convenience, or shred your own for a fresher flavor.
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese – Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty, and slightly sharp flavor that complements the mozzarella perfectly. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best results.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – Fresh parsley adds freshness and a pop of color to the dish. You can also use other fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano.

Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Plate

This recipe is easy to follow and comes together quickly, making it ideal for a weeknight meal:

1. Cook the Bowtie Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt to the water helps season the pasta. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Al dente pasta will continue to cook a bit more when it’s mixed with the sauce, so it’s important not to overcook it at this stage. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. The reserved pasta water contains starch, which can be used to thicken the sauce later if needed. Drain the pasta using a colander and set it aside.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, until it is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Breaking up the beef ensures even cooking and prevents it from clumping together. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Cooking the onion and garlic before adding the other ingredients helps to develop their flavor. Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Season the beef mixture well at this stage. Remove the beef mixture from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. The roux is the base of the sauce and helps to thicken it. Cooking the roux for a minute or two helps to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add the milk (or other liquid), whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Adding the milk gradually and whisking continuously is crucial for a smooth and creamy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until it begins to thicken, about 3 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it simmers.
4. Combine Everything: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Using low heat prevents the cheese from becoming stringy or clumpy. Add the cooked pasta and beef mixture to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Make sure the pasta and beef are well coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. The starchy pasta water will help to bring the sauce to the perfect consistency.
5. Serve: Transfer the cheesy beef and bowtie pasta to serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. The parsley adds a touch of freshness and color, while the extra Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor.

Beginner Tips and Notes: Your Culinary Companion

Here are some helpful tips and notes for beginner cooks to ensure success with this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe:

• Cooking Pasta Al Dente: Cooking pasta al dente means it’s slightly firm to the bite. This prevents it from becoming mushy when it’s mixed with the sauce. Check the package directions for the recommended cooking time.
• Browning Ground Beef: Breaking up the ground beef while it’s cooking ensures that it browns evenly. Use a spoon or spatula to break up the beef as it cooks.
• Preventing Lumpy Sauce: Whisking the flour into the melted butter before adding the milk prevents the sauce from becoming lumpy. Adding the milk gradually while whisking also helps. If you do get lumps, you can try whisking vigorously or using an immersion blender to smooth out the sauce.
• Adjusting Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it thickens. The pasta water contains starch, which acts as a natural thickening agent. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to thicken the sauce quickly.
• Seasoning: Taste the sauce and the beef mixture throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasonings as needed. Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning.
• Keeping it Warm: If you’re not serving the dish immediately, you can keep it warm in a low oven (200°F or 93°C) while you prepare other parts of the meal. Just be careful not to overcook the pasta.
• Making it Ahead: You can cook the pasta and the beef mixture ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them and combine them with the sauce. The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
• Adding Vegetables: You can add vegetables to this dish, such as peas, broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach. Add the vegetables to the skillet after you remove the beef mixture and cook them until they are tender-crisp.
• Using Different Cheeses: You can experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or provolone. The cheeses you choose will affect the flavor and texture of the sauce.
• Spice it Up: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use a spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

Serving Suggestions: Completing the Meal

This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but here are some suggestions to elevate it and create a more well-rounded dining experience:

• Serve with a side salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the pasta and adds a refreshing element to the meal. Consider a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette.
• Add some crusty bread: Crusty bread, such as garlic bread or a baguette, is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. You can also toast the bread and top it with Parmesan cheese for a delicious appetizer.
• Top with extra Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes: This adds extra flavor and a touch of heat to the dish. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
• Pair with a glass of wine: A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, pairs well with the flavors of this dish. A light-bodied white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, would also be a good choice.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The pasta and sauce may lose some of their creaminess when reheated, but the flavor will still be delicious. Adding a little milk or cream when reheating can help restore some of the creaminess.  

Conclusion : Let’s Get Cooking!

This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, it’s packed with flavor, and it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences, and it’s a great way to use up ingredients you already have on hand. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Experiment with different types of pasta, cheeses, or even add some vegetables to create a unique and delicious meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun in the kitchen!

Now, I’d love to hear from you! Did you try this recipe? What did you think? Did you make any modifications? What ingredients did you use? Share your photos and experiences in the comments below! Your feedback is valuable and helps other readers who are trying the recipe for the first time. Happy cooking! And don’t forget to tag us in your photos on social media – we love to see your culinary creations! We can’t wait to see what delicious variations you come up with! Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is proof that simple ingredients, when combined with care, can create a truly satisfying and memorable meal.