Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta: Cheesy, Easy Dinner

Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an irresistible invitation to an unforgettable culinary experience that promises comfort, flavor, and pure delight. Imagine succulent, tender pieces of beef, slow-simmered in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce, perfectly intertwined with charming bowtie pasta and enveloped in a blanket of molten, gooey cheese. While this delightful concoction may not hail from centuries of ancient culinary tradition, it has rapidly become a beloved contemporary classic, capturing the essence of heartwarming comfort food that transcends cultural boundaries. It’s a testament to the simple joy of combining universally loved ingredients into something truly spectacular.

Why This Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Becomes an Instant Favorite

People absolutely adore this dish for its incredible depth of flavor and satisfying textures. The robust savoriness of the beef pairs exquisitely with the fragrant warmth of the garlic and butter, creating a harmonious symphony on the palate that is both rich and utterly comforting. The bowtie pasta, or ‘farfalle,’ is not just aesthetically pleasing; its unique shape is perfect for catching every last drop of that delectable sauce, ensuring a burst of flavor in every single bite. And, of course, the luxurious, stretchy cheese adds that ultimate touch of creamy indulgence that makes this entire dish profoundly satisfying and utterly craveable. I truly believe that one taste of this exceptional Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta will make it an instant favorite in your recipe rotation, whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a delightful gathering with friends.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for flavor, but 90/10 works too!)
• 1 pound (450g) bowtie pasta (farfalle), my favorite shape for catching all that delicious sauce
• 6 tablespoons (90g) unsalted butter, divided – this is the cornerstone of our garlic butter!
• 8-10 cloves garlic, minced very fine (don’t be shy with the garlic, it’s a star here!)
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (I like the fire-roasted variety for extra depth)
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth, preferably low sodium
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, for that luxurious, creamy texture
• 1 1/2 cups (150g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving – please, no pre-shredded!
• 1 cup (110g) shredded mozzarella cheese, for that perfect gooey stretch
• 1/2 cup (50g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, for an extra layer of cheesy flavor
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for a bright finish
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but I love a little kick!)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for browning the beef

Preparing the Beef and Garlic Butter Sauce

1. First things first, let’s get our ingredients prepped. I always find that having everything ready before I start cooking makes the whole process so much smoother and more enjoyable. Take your ground beef out of the refrigerator so it can come closer to room temperature – this helps it brown more evenly. Mince your garlic very finely; you want it to melt into the sauce, not be chunky. Chop your yellow onion and gather all your herbs and spices. Grate your cheeses and set them aside. This little bit of mise en place makes a huge difference, trust me!
2. Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once shimmering, add your ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned all over and no pink remains. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Browning the beef properly is key here; it develops so much flavor that will infuse into our entire dish. Once browned, carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet. You want to remove most of it, but a little bit of rendered fat can add to the richness.
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add your chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté the onion for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until it softens and becomes translucent. It will pick up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan, adding another layer of flavor.
4. Now for the star of the show: the garlic butter! Push the beef and onions to one side of the skillet. Add 4 tablespoons of the unsalted butter to the empty side of the pan. Let it melt until it’s bubbly. Once melted, add the minced garlic to the butter. Cook the garlic for just about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – burnt garlic turns bitter, and we want sweet, aromatic goodness!
5. Stir the garlic butter mixture into the beef and onions, ensuring everything is well combined. This is where the magic really starts to happen, as the aromas begin to fill your kitchen.
6. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (undrained, because that juice is full of flavor!) and the beef broth. Stir everything together thoroughly. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This slow simmer allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and for the beef to become incredibly tender. I often let it go for 30 minutes if I have the time, stirring occasionally, as it deepens the flavor even more.

Cooking the Bowtie Pasta

1. While the beef sauce is simmering, it’s the perfect time to get our bowtie pasta cooking. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Don’t skimp on the salt here; it’s your only chance to season the pasta itself from the inside out. The water should taste like the sea!
2. Add the pound of bowtie pasta to the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. This typically takes about 10-12 minutes. Al dente means “to the tooth” – it should be firm but still have a slight bite to it, not mushy. Nobody likes mushy pasta, especially when it’s going to be mixed into a beautiful sauce!
3. Before draining the pasta, remember to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. This starchy liquid is pure gold for our sauce. It will help to emulsify the sauce, making it extra silky and helping it cling perfectly to every piece of pasta. You might not use all of it, but it’s always good to have on hand.
4. Once cooked to al dente, drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta; rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce adhere to the noodles. Set the drained pasta aside for a moment.

Assembling the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

1. Once your beef sauce has simmered and developed all its wonderful flavors, remove the lid. Give it a good stir. Now, let’s make it wonderfully creamy and cheesy! Reduce the heat to low.
2. Pour in the heavy cream. Stir it into the beef mixture until it’s fully incorporated. The sauce will immediately start to look richer and more luxurious. Allow it to gently warm through for a minute or two, ensuring it doesn’t boil.
3. Now, the best part for cheese lovers! Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the sauce, stirring until it melts and enriches the sauce further. Then, gradually add the shredded mozzarella cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until all the cheeses have melted and are smooth and completely integrated into the sauce. This step requires constant stirring to prevent the cheese from clumping and to create that perfectly smooth, luscious cheese sauce. If the sauce seems a little too thick, add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You’re looking for a velvety, clingy sauce that will coat every single bowtie.
4. Gently add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet with the cheesy beef sauce. Using tongs or two large spoons, toss everything together carefully. Make sure every single piece of pasta is beautifully coated in that rich, savory, and incredibly cheesy garlic butter beef sauce. This is the moment where the “Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta” truly comes together.
5. Let the pasta heat through in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, to ensure all the flavors are cohesive and the pasta is perfectly warm.
6. Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as needed. This is your chance to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a tiny pinch more red pepper flakes if you like. I always find a final taste test to be crucial.
7. Finally, stir in the fresh chopped parsley. The fresh herbs add a lovely pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that brightens the entire dish.
8. Serve your magnificent Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta immediately. Garnish each serving with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a little more fresh parsley, if you like. This dish is hearty, comforting, and absolutely bursting with flavor, making it a perfect meal for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. Enjoy every delicious, cheesy, beefy bite!



Conclusion:

And there you have it! We’ve journeyed through the creation of what I truly believe is one of the most satisfying, comforting, and utterly delicious pasta dishes you’ll ever make. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a warm embrace in a bowl that promises to delight every single taste bud. The rich, savory depth of tender beef, infused with aromatic garlic and luxurious butter, all perfectly coated in a velvety, irresistible cheesy sauce and clinging to those charming bowtie pasta shapes – it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that simply sings. I designed this recipe to be a true showstopper, capable of impressing even the most discerning palates, yet remaining wonderfully approachable for the home cook. It’s the kind of dish that becomes an instant family favorite, perfect for banishing the chill of a cold evening, celebrating a special occasion, or simply elevating an ordinary weeknight into something extraordinary.

The beauty of this Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta lies not just in its incredible taste, but also in its ability to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. I wanted to create a recipe that feels indulgent and complex, but that you can actually whip up without spending hours in the kitchen. That glorious aroma filling your kitchen as it simmers? That’s just a preview of the pure joy awaiting you in every single forkful. It’s hearty, it’s decadent, and it’s unbelievably comforting – a true culinary triumph that I know you’re going to adore.

Now, while this dish is certainly a complete meal on its own, perfectly balanced and utterly satisfying, there are always ways to elevate or customize your dining experience. For a refreshing contrast, I love serving it alongside a light, crisp green salad, perhaps with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A warm, crusty loaf of artisanal bread or some homemade garlic bread is also an absolute must – perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible, creamy, cheesy sauce. And for those who enjoy a beverage pairing, a medium-bodied red wine, such as a Merlot or a smooth Cabernet Sauvignon, would beautifully complement the robust flavors of the beef and garlic, creating a truly sophisticated meal.

Customize Your Creation:

One of the things I love most about cooking is the freedom to make a recipe truly your own, and this pasta is incredibly adaptable. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary adventures:

Protein Possibilities:

If you’re looking to switch things up from beef, this recipe is wonderfully versatile. Bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thigh, sautéed until golden, would make a fantastic alternative, offering a slightly lighter flavor profile. For seafood lovers, some plump shrimp, added in the last few minutes of cooking until they turn pink and opaque, would be absolutely divine. Vegetarians can easily make this their own by simply omitting the beef and perhaps adding extra vegetables, or even incorporating some hearty portobello mushrooms for a meaty texture and deep umami flavor.

Veggie Boosts:

Feel free to load up on your favorite vegetables! Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the warm sauce, adding a healthy boost and a pop of color. Sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange would add lovely sweetness), or even blanched broccoli florets can be sautéed with your chosen protein or added towards the end of the cooking process. Peas, corn, or diced tomatoes also integrate seamlessly, adding different textures and a touch of freshness.

Cheese & Creaminess:

While cheddar and mozzarella provide that classic comforting melt, don’t hesitate to experiment with your cheese choices. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over the top before serving adds a sharp, salty kick. For an even creamier, more luxurious sauce, consider stirring in a spoonful of mascarpone or cream cheese at the very end until melted and smooth. A sharp Gruyère or a tangy Fontina could also be incorporated to elevate the cheese profile and add another layer of complexity.

Pasta Alternatives:

If bowtie pasta isn’t your preferred shape, don’t worry! This recipe is incredibly forgiving. Penne, rotini, cavatappi, or even large shells would work just as wonderfully, each offering their unique way of capturing and holding onto that incredible cheesy sauce. The key is to choose a sturdy pasta shape that can stand up to a rich, hearty sauce.

Flavor Enhancements:

For an extra layer of sophistication, a splash of dry white wine (like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio) can be deglazed into the pan after browning the beef, scraping up all those delicious browned bits. A pinch of red pepper flakes will introduce a subtle warmth and a touch of excitement, perfect if you enjoy a little heat. And don’t forget fresh herbs! A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives right before serving will brighten the dish with a lovely herbaceous note and a vibrant splash of color.

I am genuinely so excited for you to try this recipe. It’s more than just following steps; it’s an invitation to create something truly special and memorable in your own kitchen. I pour my heart into developing recipes that bring joy and deliciousness, and this Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is one I’m particularly proud of. So, gather your ingredients, set aside a little time, and prepare to be utterly amazed by the flavors you’re about to unleash. Once you’ve whipped up your own glorious batch of this delightful pasta, please, please share your creations with me! I absolutely adore seeing your culinary adventures. Tag me on social media, leave a comment below with your thoughts, or tell me about any exciting variations or additions you tried. Your feedback, photos, and stories are what inspire me to keep sharing these delicious recipes. Don’t be shy – let’s build a community of enthusiastic home cooks who love good food. I can’t wait to hear how much you loved it!

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Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

An irresistible, easy dinner featuring succulent ground beef slow-simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfectly intertwined with bowtie pasta and enveloped in molten cheese. A beloved contemporary classic capturing the essence of heartwarming comfort food.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
45 Minutes

Total Time
5 Minutes

Servings
6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
• 12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 6 tablespoons (90g) unsalted butter, divided
• 8-10 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups (150g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 1 cup (110g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (110g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Mince garlic, chop onion, gather herbs, spices, and grate cheeses. Have all ingredients ready for smooth cooking.
2. Step 2
   Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef; cook until browned (7-10 mins), then drain excess fat. Reduce heat to medium, add chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft.
3. Step 3
   Push beef and onions aside, add 4 tbsp butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir into beef and onions. Add diced tomatoes (undrained), beef broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes for flavors to meld.
4. Step 4
   While sauce simmers, boil a large pot of heavily salted water. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (10-12 mins). Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta thoroughly. Do not rinse.
5. Step 5
   Remove lid from beef sauce, reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and remaining 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Gradually add mozzarella, cheddar, and 1 cup Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
6. Step 6
   Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat every piece. Heat through for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings. Stir in fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.