There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter—tender pasta coated in a rich, garlicky sauce, savory ground beef, and melted cheese that pulls with every bite. This easy cheesy beef pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or whenever you need a quick, satisfying meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
In this post, you’ll get a step-by-step guide to making this pasta with garlic butter sauce and beef, along with pro tips, variations, and answers to common questions. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less, perfect for busy nights.
✅ Ultra-Cheesy & Creamy – A luscious garlic butter sauce with melted cheese in every bite.
✅ Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will devour this dish.
✅ Customizable – Swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.
✅ Comfort Food at Its Best – Warm, hearty, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients for Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) bowtie pasta (farfalle) – or any sturdy pasta shape
- 1 tbsp salt – for pasta water
For the Beef & Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio recommended) – for best flavor
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter – high-quality butter makes a difference
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – fresh garlic is key for maximum flavor
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for depth)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup (240ml) beef broth – adds richness
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream – for creaminess
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese – melts beautifully
- ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese – avoid pre-shredded for best texture
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet or deep pan (for beef and sauce)
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Grater (if using block cheese)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente (1-2 minutes less than package instructions).
- Drain and set aside (do not rinse—starch helps the sauce cling).
2. Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Cook until browned (no pink remains), about 5-6 minutes.
- Drain excess fat if needed (leave ~1 tbsp for flavor).
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter and let it melt.
- Stir in minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Deglaze & Simmer
- Pour in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits (flavor gold!).
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add Cheese & Pasta
- Lower heat, then stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted.
- Toss in the cooked bowtie pasta, coating evenly.
- Season with salt & pepper to taste.
6. Serve & Garnish
- Top with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley (optional).
- Enjoy immediately while hot and gooey!
Pro Tips for Success
🔹 Don’t Overcook the Pasta – It will soften further in the sauce.
🔹 Use Fresh Garlic – Powder won’t give the same depth of flavor.
🔹 Shred Your Own Cheese – Pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that affect meltability.
🔹 Deglaze the Pan – Those browned bits add incredible flavor.
🔹 Adjust Seasoning at the End – Taste before serving and add salt/pepper if needed.
Variations & Substitutions
- Protein Swap – Try ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
- Veggie Boost – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or peas.
- Pasta Options – Penne, rotini, or rigatoni work well.
- Cheese Variations – Add cheddar, provolone, or Gruyère.
- Spicy Kick – Extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
🍞 Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
🥗 Simple Green Salad – A fresh contrast to the rich pasta.
🥦 Steamed Broccoli – Adds a healthy veggie side.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Microwave with a splash of broth or warm in a skillet over low heat.
- Freezer: Not recommended (dairy can separate upon thawing).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish, then reheat gently with extra broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Can I freeze cheesy beef and bowtie pasta?
Freezing isn’t ideal—cheese sauces may become grainy when thawed.
What type of beef is best?
85/15 ground beef—enough fat for flavor without excess grease.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly shredded melts better, but pre-shredded works in a pinch.
Is this gluten-free adaptable?
Yes! Use GF pasta and ensure broth/seasonings are GF.
Final Thoughts
This cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter is a guaranteed hit—creamy, flavorful, and ready in no time. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping, this easy cheesy beef pasta recipe delivers every time.
Did you make this recipe? Let us know in the comments below! ⬇️ And don’t forget to share your creations on social media—tag us for a feature!
Printable Recipe Card (Summary)
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients: (See full list above)
Instructions: (See step-by-step guide above)
Notes:
- For extra richness, stir in a tbsp of cream cheese.
- Leftovers taste great the next day—just reheat gently.
Enjoy your cheesy, beefy, garlicky pasta perfection! 🍝🔥