There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter to satisfy your cravings after a long day. The combination of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, buttery garlic sauce makes this dish an instant favorite for busy weeknights.

I first made this recipe when I was looking for something easy yet comforting to cook for my family. With just a handful of pantry staples and a single pan, this meal comes together in no time. Now, it’s a go-to whenever we need something quick, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Get ready to fall in love with this easy and flavorful dish. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal for the whole family, this recipe delivers every time.
First, it’s incredibly simple to make. With just a few basic ingredients and one pan, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
It’s budget-friendly, too. Ground beef, bowtie pasta, and cheese are all affordable staples, making this a meal that won’t break the bank.
The garlic butter sauce takes things to the next level. Instead of a heavy cream sauce, this dish features a rich and flavorful buttery base infused with garlic, creating the perfect balance of richness and depth.
Best of all, this dish is highly customizable. Whether you want to swap out the protein, add veggies, or mix in different cheeses, the possibilities are endless.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in bringing out the best taste and texture.
Bowtie pasta is perfect for holding onto the cheesy garlic butter sauce. Its shape allows for the flavors to coat every bite, ensuring you get a burst of flavor in every forkful.
For the ground beef, I recommend using 80/20 beef for the perfect balance of juiciness and flavor. Leaner beef works too, but you may need to add a little extra butter for richness.
Garlic butter is the star of the sauce. Freshly minced garlic sautéed in butter creates an aromatic base that makes this dish incredibly rich and savory.
A combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese ensures the perfect melty, gooey texture. Cheddar brings a sharp, tangy flavor, while mozzarella adds creaminess and stretch.
You won’t need much in terms of special equipment—just a large skillet or sauté pan to bring everything together quickly.
How To Make This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Creating this flavorful pasta dish is as easy as it gets. Follow these steps for a delicious, foolproof dinner.
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water to help create the sauce later.
Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Let it brown until no pink remains, then drain excess fat if necessary.
Next, reduce the heat and add butter and minced garlic directly to the pan with the beef. Stir continuously for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant—this is where all the flavor builds up.
Slowly add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the mixture looks a little dry, stir in some reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Finally, sprinkle in cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring gently until melted and fully incorporated. Once the cheese is gooey and coats the pasta evenly, remove from heat and serve immediately.
This entire dish takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Storage Options
Leftovers store beautifully, making this dish a great option for meal prep.
Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The garlic butter sauce helps keep the pasta moist and flavorful.
For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce. Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
This dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or what you have on hand.
Want to add veggies? Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes while cooking the garlic butter for extra texture and nutrition.
Swap the protein by using ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
For a spicier kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle some hot sauce before serving.
If you're looking for a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta and swap the butter for olive oil while reducing the cheese slightly.
No matter how you make it, this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!
PrintCheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe
This cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter is a comforting, easy-to-make dish packed with rich flavors. Featuring tender ground beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a creamy, garlicky butter sauce, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pasta, Dinner
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the cooked pasta, shredded cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use different cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda for a unique twist.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
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