Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a delightful dish that brings together the comfort of pasta with the savory flavors of beef and a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe guarantees gooey melted cheese in every bite. It’s easy to prepare, making it a go-to choice for busy families seeking both flavor and satisfaction.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic butter, seasoned beef, and cheeses creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
- Family-Friendly: With its creamy sauce and tender pasta, this meal is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
- Comforting Dish: Ideal for chilly nights or when you need a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter, having the right tools will ensure an enjoyable cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta efficiently without overcrowding.
- Skillet: Perfect for sautéing ingredients and making sauces for a deep flavor.
- Whisk: Helps to mix ingredients smoothly, especially when creating sauces.
Ingredients
A savory and satisfying dish that combines tender bowtie pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Finished with gooey melted cheese, this dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
For the Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
For the Beef Mixture
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 additional cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
For the Cheese Topping
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
– Add the chopped onion and garlic.
– Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
– Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
– Remove the beef mixture from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
– Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
– Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
– Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
– Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until it begins to thicken, about 3 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Reduce heat to low. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
– Add cooked pasta and beef mixture to skillet.
– Toss everything evenly in sauce.
– If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer cheesy beef and bowtie pasta into serving bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
Serving Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is all about enhancing the dish’s rich flavors while providing a delightful experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Basil Leaves: Swap parsley for basil for an aromatic twist.
Add Extra Cheese
- Shredded Mozzarella: Top with more mozzarella for an extra cheesy finish.
- Grated Parmesan: A light dusting of Parmesan enhances the savory notes of the dish.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for dipping into the garlic butter sauce.
- French Baguette: Use slices of a fresh baguette to soak up every bit of flavor.
Serve with a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the richness of the pasta.
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad provides a refreshing balance to the meal.
How to Perfect Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
Perfecting your Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is easy with a few essential tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh ingredients enhance flavor, so choose high-quality pasta, beef, and cheese.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow your garlic butter sauce to simmer gently for optimal flavor development.
- Adjust Thickness as Needed: If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water gradually until it reaches your desired consistency.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
To complement your Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter, consider serving it with these tasty side dishes. Each option offers a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with this comforting main course.
- Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil and garlic add healthy crunch.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a vibrant color and nutritional balance.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing contrast.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity to balance the creamy pasta dish.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer extra comfort alongside this hearty meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter makes for a delightful summertime side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the bowtie pasta too long can make it mushy. Always follow package instructions and taste for al dente texture.
- Not seasoning properly: Forgetting to season the beef mixture can lead to blandness. Be sure to add salt and pepper generously as you cook.
- Skipping the roux: Failing to make a proper roux can result in a lumpy sauce. Whisk the flour with butter until smooth before adding milk.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent melting smoothly. Opt for freshly shredded cheese for a creamier sauce.
- Rushing the sauce: Cooking the garlic butter sauce too quickly can burn the garlic. Keep it on medium heat and watch closely while sautéing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
- Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! While bowtie pasta is delicious, you can substitute with penne, fusilli, or any pasta you prefer.
What kind of cheese is best?
For this recipe, mozzarella and Parmesan work wonderfully together. Feel free to experiment with cheddar or gouda for added flavor!
How do I make it healthier?
To create a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef and whole wheat pasta instead of regular bowtie pasta.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything ahead of time and store it separately until you’re ready to combine and heat.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is not only incredibly delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out cheeses. Give this comforting dish a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce. This dish is not only quick to prepare—taking just 35 minutes—but also delivers a satisfying flavor experience that will please both kids and adults alike. With gooey melted cheese in every bite, it’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners or special occasions. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (2 minced for beef mixture, 2 for sauce)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the ground beef, then add onion and garlic until softened. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté remaining garlic. Whisk in flour, then gradually add milk to create a sauce.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until smooth. Combine with cooked pasta and beef mixture; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
