Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate. Picture this: tender beef mingling with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, all coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce that just sings with flavor. It’s hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Plus, it comes together in just about 30 minutes! Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation. It’s that good!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (uncooked)
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 4 tbsp butter (unsalted)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for that gooey goodness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a nice depth of flavor)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
How to Prepare Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in your 8 oz of bowtie pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want it to have a little bite! Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for later!
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 4 tbsp of unsalted butter. Once it’s nice and bubbly, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté that garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant but not browned—burnt garlic isn’t what we’re after!
- Next, crumble in 1 lb of ground beef (lean is best) and season it generously with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Break it up with your spatula so it cooks evenly.
- Once the beef is ready, stir in the drained bowtie pasta and mix everything together, making sure the pasta is well-coated with that delicious garlic butter. If it feels a bit dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Finally, sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is melted and creamy. You might want to taste and adjust the seasoning here—maybe a little more salt or pepper if it needs it.
- And voila! Serve it hot, and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure you nail this cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter like a pro! Here are my top tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente! It’ll continue cooking a bit when you mix it in with the beef and sauce, so you don’t want it mushy before that.
- Use quality beef: Lean ground beef is great for this recipe, but if you can splurge a little, try ground chuck for even more flavor. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Fresh garlic is key: Freshly minced garlic elevates the flavor. If you use pre-minced garlic, just know it won’t have that same zing. Fresh is always best!
- Save the pasta water: That starchy water is a game-changer! It helps emulsify the sauce, making it creamy and helping everything stick together beautifully.
- Taste as you go: Always taste your dish before serving! You might want a little extra salt or pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat—make it yours!
- Experiment with cheeses: While cheddar and Parmesan are fantastic, don’t hesitate to mix it up! Try adding mozzarella for extra stretchiness or a bit of feta for a tangy twist.
- Leftovers are your friend: This dish reheats beautifully! Just add a splash of milk or more butter when warming it up to keep it creamy.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll create a cheesy, flavorful dish that everyone will rave about. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about what’s in this delicious cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter! Here’s a general breakdown of the nutrition per serving, so you know exactly what you’re indulging in:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 35g
This hearty dish is not only satisfying but also packs a protein punch, thanks to the beef and cheese. Just remember, while it’s a comfort food dream, it’s always good to balance it out with some veggies or a fresh salad on the side. Enjoy every bite!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! The beauty of this dish is its versatility, so feel free to play around with flavors and ingredients.
- Add vegetables: Toss in some fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, or even zucchini for a pop of color and added nutrition. Sauté them with the garlic to soften them up before adding the beef.
- Change up the cheese: While cheddar and Parmesan are classic, why not experiment? Try using mozzarella for that gooey, stretchy goodness, or even a sprinkle of feta for a tangy twist. You can mix and match to your heart’s content!
- Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when cooking the beef. It’ll give your dish an extra kick that complements the richness beautifully.
- Switch the pasta: Bowtie pasta is fun, but you can use any pasta shape you love! Penne, rigatoni, or even shells would work wonderfully. Just keep an eye on the cooking times.
- Herbs and seasonings: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten up the dish. Stir in some chopped fresh herbs right before serving for a fresh finish. You could even add Italian seasoning or garlic powder for extra flavor depth.
With these variations, you can make this cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter your own! Each tweak will bring a new flavor profile to the table, keeping it exciting and delicious every time you whip it up!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it for a complete meal! I love to keep things simple yet satisfying, so here are some of my favorite pairings that complement the rich flavors of the pasta dish perfectly.
- Garlic bread: You can’t go wrong with a side of warm, toasty garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up that luscious garlic butter sauce!
- Simple green salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and balance to the meal. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
- Roasted vegetables: Try serving some roasted broccoli or asparagus on the side. The slight char and sweetness from roasting really enhance any meal.
- Steamed green beans: Bright and vibrant, steamed green beans are a great side that adds color and freshness. Maybe toss them with a little lemon juice for zing!
- Wine pairing: If you’re in the mood for a drink, a nice glass of red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot, pairs beautifully with the beef. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a slice of lemon is refreshing and complements the dish well.
With these sides, you’ll have a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress your family or friends. Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite and the delightful company around your table!
FAQ Section
Got questions about cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter? No worries! I’ve got you covered with some common queries and answers to help you out.
Can I store leftovers?
Absolutely! This dish stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up!
How do I reheat it?
Reheating is super easy! Just pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes until warmed through. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of milk or a little extra butter to keep it creamy.
Can I freeze cheesy beef and bowtie pasta?
Yes! You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you want to switch things up, ground turkey or chicken works well as lighter alternatives. You could even use a plant-based ground meat if you’re looking for a vegetarian option!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use gluten-free bowtie pasta, and you’re good to go. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What if I don’t have cheddar or Parmesan cheese?
No problem! You can use any cheese you love. Mozzarella, gouda, or even a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess would work great too!
How can I make it spicy?
If you’re a fan of heat, just add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper when you’re cooking the beef. It’ll give your dish a nice kick!
Hope this clears up any questions you might have had! Enjoy your cooking adventure with this cheesy delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: This dish comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-pot wonder: Everything is cooked in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze. Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal!
- Hearty and satisfying: With tender beef and cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to fill you up and keep you satisfied.
- Flavor-packed: The combination of garlic butter, cheddar, and Parmesan creates a rich and savory flavor that you’ll crave again and again.
- Customizable: With endless variations and add-ins, you can easily make this dish your own. Add your favorite veggies or switch up the cheeses!
- Kid-friendly: It’s cheesy, it’s flavorful, and who can resist those fun bowtie shapes? Kids love it, and so do adults!
- Great for leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep option for lunches or quick dinners.
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter: Comforting Joy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter is a flavorful dish that combines tender beef, bowtie pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and mix well.
- Add cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and combined.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Adjust the cheese types based on preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: cheesy beef and bowtie pasta, garlic butter pasta, beef pasta dish