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Cheesy Bowtie Beef Dish

Featured in Dinner Ideas That Actually Work.

35-minute creamy bowtie pasta dish with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and garlicky butter sauce. Great for busy nights.
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Clare Recipes
Updated on Fri, 25 Apr 2025 20:05:28 GMT
Creamy Bowtie Pasta with Beef and Cheese Pin it
Creamy Bowtie Pasta with Beef and Cheese | recipesclare.com

Buttery garlic pasta with ground beef and farfalle blends bite-sized bow pasta, flavorful meat, and a creamy garlic sauce into one amazing meal. This soul-warming dish perfectly balances easy cooking with mouth-watering taste, turning everyday ingredients into a standout dinner that gets everyone rushing to grab a seat with genuine excitement.

We stumbled on this dish during one super busy week, and it's now our favorite comfort food. I can't help but smile when I see my kids' excited faces as they smell the buttery garlic sauce cooking - it turns regular weeknight dinners into something special.

Essential Ingredient Guide

  • Farfalle Pasta: Go for sturdy bowtie pasta that won't fall apart when cooked, they're perfect little pockets for catching sauce
  • Ground Beef: An 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio gives you the tastiest results without swimming in grease
  • Fresh Garlic: Skip the jarred stuff and grab whole, firm garlic bulbs for much better flavor
  • Butter: European-style with higher fat makes your sauce extra rich and delicious
  • Cheese Mix: Sharp cheddar paired with mozzarella gives you bold flavor plus that gorgeous melt

Simple Cooking Steps

Getting Started:
Fill a big pot with water, add plenty of salt, and bring it to a full boil. Cook your bowties until they're just firm to the bite, keeping their cute shape and texture.
Meat Magic:
Cook your ground beef in a large pan, breaking it into small, even pieces while getting nice brown spots. This step builds amazing flavor for the whole dish.
Butter Transformation:
Make your magic sauce by slowly cooking freshly chopped garlic in melted butter until it smells amazing and turns light gold - just don't let it get too dark.
Putting It Together:
Mix your cooked pasta with the seasoned beef, then pour in that fragrant garlic butter. Add cheese bit by bit, letting it melt into a smooth sauce that brings everything together.
Last Touches:
Taste and add salt or pepper if needed, making sure all flavors shine through. Let everything sit for a minute before serving so the sauce can get nice and thick.
Buttery Garlic Pasta with Ground Beef and Bowties Pin it
Buttery Garlic Pasta with Ground Beef and Bowties | recipesclare.com

When I first started cooking this, I found out the hard way that when you add things matters a lot. My neighbor from Italy taught me that adding a bit of the starchy pasta water makes the sauce super smooth, just like they do in fancy restaurants.

Great Side Dishes

Make your meal even better with a fresh Caesar salad or some toasted ciabatta bread rubbed with garlic. For a nutritious boost, add some roasted broccoli that can soak up extra sauce in all those little florets. Adults might enjoy a medium-bodied red wine alongside their pasta.

Fun Changes To Try

Switch things up by tossing in some cooked mushrooms for deeper flavor, or add fresh spinach that wilts perfectly into the warm sauce. If you like heat, throw in some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños. You can also swap the beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey to create totally different taste experiences.

Saving Leftovers

Store any extra pasta in a sealed container where it'll stay good for up to three days in your fridge. When warming it up, add a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture. If you're into meal planning, divide it into single portions before putting it away.

After making this dish countless times, I've realized how these simple ingredients create such amazing flavors together. Whether it's just a regular family dinner or you're cooking for friends, this cheesy beef and bowtie pasta always brings comfort and happiness with every bite. There's something so rewarding about watching everyone at the table twirling pasta through that creamy sauce - it makes all the little cooking details totally worth it.

Closeup view of Buttery Garlic Pasta with Ground Beef Pin it
Closeup view of Buttery Garlic Pasta with Ground Beef | recipesclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap out the bowties for another type of pasta?
Sure, use any medium-sized pasta like penne or rotini that holds the sauce nicely.
→ How do I stop the sauce from thickening too much?
Save extra pasta water when draining and mix it in slowly to thin the sauce if needed.
→ Is this dish okay to prep in advance?
Absolutely, refrigerate for up to 3 days. Warm it on the stove with a bit of milk to bring back the creamy texture.
→ What veggies would go well with this?
Try tossing in peas, mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for more flavor and nutrients.
→ Can I replace the beef with turkey?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute. Be sure to season it well since it’s milder in flavor.

Cheesy Bowtie Beef Dish

A rich and hearty pasta packed with cheesy garlic butter sauce, tender beef, and bowtie pasta. Done in about 35 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Pasta and Beef Mixture

01 1 pound (450g) ground beef
02 12 ounces (340g) farfalle (bowtie pasta)
03 2 cloves of garlic, minced
04 1 small onion, diced finely
05 Salt and pepper to your preference
06 ½ teaspoon of optional crushed red pepper flakes
07 2 tablespoons of olive oil
08 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning

→ Garlic Butter Sauce

09 3 tablespoons of butter (unsalted)
10 1 tablespoon of plain flour
11 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
12 ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
13 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
14 1 cup (240ml) of either whole milk or 2%
15 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley for topping

Instructions

Step 01

Set a large pot with salted water on the stovetop and bring it to a boil. Toss in the bowtie pasta and cook it following the timing on the package for al dente pasta. Save ½ cup of the water before you strain the pasta and place it aside.

Step 02

Warm olive oil over medium heat in a big pan. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns for 5-7 minutes. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, red chili flakes if you like spice, and some salt and pepper. Take the beef mix out of the pan and set it to the side.

Step 03

Using the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook until it smells amazing, about 1 minute. Slowly sprinkle in the flour, stirring for 1-2 minutes until it comes together as a paste (called a roux). Gradually pour in the milk and keep whisking so it stays smooth. Let it gently bubble for around 3 minutes until just slightly thickened.

Step 04

Lower the heat. Stir the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese into the sauce, letting them melt until silky. Add the pasta and beef back into the skillet, tossing everything in the sauce to coat evenly. Pour in a splash of that reserved pasta water if the mixture needs more liquid.

Step 05

Spoon the cheesy pasta mix into your favorite bowls. Sprinkle over fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan if you like.

Notes

  1. Mix in veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers for a flavor and nutrition boost.
  2. Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Heat them up on the stovetop with a splash of milk to make them creamy again.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big cooking pot
  • Large pan
  • Whisk
  • Strainer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy
  • Made with wheat/gluten