This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a tasty treat! It’s easy to make with lovely bowtie pasta, ground beef, and lots of gooey cheese, all swimming in buttery, garlicky goodness.
Cooking this dish feels like a big hug—it’s warm, cheesy, and super filling. I love serving it with a sprinkle of parsley to make it extra special. Who doesn’t enjoy a little extra flair? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bowtie Pasta: Bowtie pasta, or farfalle, gives a fun shape to the dish. If you don’t have farfalle, you can substitute it with any pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just keep an eye on cooking times.
Ground Beef: I like using ground beef for its flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, crumbled tempeh or lentils work great.
Butter: Unsalted butter is key for cooking garlic without it getting too salty. If you’re watching your sodium, you can swap it for olive oil or a plant-based butter.
Garlic: Fresh garlic really adds a rich flavor. For a shortcut, garlic powder can be used, but you’ll need about 1 teaspoon. Fresh is always better for taste!
Cheese: Cheddar and Parmesan add a wonderful cheesy goodness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try different cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
How Do I Ensure the Meat is Cooked Properly?
Cooking ground beef might seem simple, but getting it just right can be tricky. Here’s how to do it:
- First, break the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks. This ensures even cooking.
- Cook over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes or until it’s nicely browned with no pink remaining.
- Check for doneness by cutting into the meat: it should be brown throughout.
- Don’t forget to drain excess fat to keep the dish from being too greasy!
Taking these steps will give you a perfect meat base for your pasta dish! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
For the Beef Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and around 20 minutes making the flavorful beef sauce and mixing everything together. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for a tasty weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente (cooked but still firm). When done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute or until you can smell its delicious aroma. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Stir it around for about 6-8 minutes, or until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off carefully.
4. Make the Sauce:
Now it’s time to stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring this savory mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes so all the flavors can meld together.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked bowtie pasta right into the skillet. Toss everything together gently so that the pasta is fully coated in the beef sauce. It will look colorful and inviting!
6. Add the Cheese:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all the cheese is melted and blended into the comforting dish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out your Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta into bowls while it’s hot. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top as a lovely garnish. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat as a substitute for ground beef. Just cook them the same way, ensuring they’re browned and cooked through. Adjust the cooking time slightly if your substitute has different cooking requirements.
What If I Don’t Have Bowtie Pasta?
No problem! You can use any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape you choose and cook until al dente.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave it until warmed through or heat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to help retain moisture.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture and pasta separately in advance. Store them in the fridge and combine them with the cheese just before serving. This way, the cheese stays fresh and melts perfectly when you’re ready to eat!
