When tender bowtie pasta meets rich, savory ground beef enveloped in a silky garlic butter sauce, you know you’re in for a treat. This Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Beef is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or laid-back weekend lunches. With just ten minutes of prep and twenty-five minutes of cooking time, this beginner-friendly recipe comes together in about thirty-five minutes, making it a fantastic go-to when you crave something hearty yet quick. Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of flavors: the creaminess of melted butter, the gentle heat of minced garlic, and the deep umami of well-seasoned beef. Topped with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, this dish feels both indulgent and homey, clocking in at around 600 calories per serving.
As someone who loves gathering around the table with family or friends, I can’t help but share little anecdotes about my own kitchen adventures. One evening, I found myself fretting over a dinner plan that would satisfy a spice-loving teenager and my comfort-food-obsessed partner. Enter this magical bowl of Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Beef. The way the garlic sizzles gently in the butter while the beef browns just right transports you to a cozy bistro in your own kitchen. Every time I sprinkle on that fresh parsley and watch the Parmesan ribbons melt into the pasta, I feel like I’m at a celebration right at home. And the best part? Whether you’re packing it into a lunchbox for tomorrow’s midday pick-me-up or plating it up for a casual dinner gathering, it holds up beautifully, offering satisfying simplicity. Stick around, because I’ve broken down the full process from ingredients to storage tips, ensuring you can recreate this dish again and again.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN GARLIC BUTTER BOWTIE PASTA WITH BEEF
Before we dive into the cooking steps, let’s take a closer look at the building blocks of this dish. Each ingredient brings its own character, from the hearty ground beef to the nutty Parmesan, and understanding their roles will help you appreciate and master the recipe.
- Bowtie pasta
This playful, pinched-center shape holds onto sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is coated in garlic butter. Its al dente texture adds a pleasing chew that balances the tender beef.
- Ground beef
Provides rich, meaty flavor and protein. Browning it until it’s deeply caramelized adds a layer of savory complexity that melds perfectly with the butter and garlic.
- Unsalted butter
Creates a lush, velvety base for the sauce. Using unsalted butter gives you full control over seasoning, letting the garlic and beef shine through.
- Garlic
Minced cloves infuse the butter with aromatic warmth. Cooking it gently until just fragrant ensures you get that wonderful garlicky punch without any bitterness.
- Salt
Enhances all the flavors, brightening both the pasta and the beef. A little goes a long way, so we add it at key stages for balanced seasoning.
- Black pepper
Adds a subtle kick and complexity. Freshly ground pepper brings out the savory notes in the beef and keeps the sauce lively.
- Red pepper flakes
Optional, but they introduce a touch of heat that plays nicely against the rich butter and beef, giving the dish a little extra character.
- Fresh parsley
Chopped and sprinkled at the end, parsley offers a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a pop of color that lifts the entire plate.
- Parmesan cheese
Finely grated Parmesan melts into the pasta, adding salty, nutty depth and a luxurious finish that binds the ingredients together.
- Beef broth
Helps deglaze the pan and build a silky sauce. Its subtle umami boosts the meatiness of the dish without overpowering the garlic.
- Olive oil
Used to brown the ground beef. A drizzle at the start ensures even cooking and prevents sticking without adding competing flavors.
HOW TO MAKE GARLIC BUTTER BOWTIE PASTA WITH BEEF
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to bring everything together in a few simple steps. Follow along below to cook the pasta perfectly, craft a rich garlic butter sauce, and combine it all into a satisfying, flavor-packed meal.
1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Generously season the water with salt, then add the bowtie pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water. Set both the drained pasta and reserved water aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the ground beef in an even layer. Use a spoon or spatula to break up the meat as it cooks, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat, then transfer the cooked beef to a bowl and set aside.
3. Return the skillet to medium heat and add the butter. Once the butter has melted and starts to foam around the edges, add the minced garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant and just begins to turn golden, about 1–2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid any burning.
4. Pour in the beef broth, then sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and intensify in flavor.
5. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and toss to coat each piece in the garlic butter sauce. Make sure the meat is evenly heated through.
6. Add the cooked bowtie pasta directly into the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, if using, and taste. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, mixing gently until the cheese melts into the sauce and the herbs are evenly distributed.
9. Divide the pasta among serving bowls or plates. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley, and serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR GARLIC BUTTER BOWTIE PASTA WITH BEEF
After all that cooking magic, you’ll want to present this dish in a way that highlights its comfort-food charm. Sharing a home-cooked meal is as much about the experience as it is about the taste, so consider these serving ideas to elevate your Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Beef into a memorable dining moment.
- Fresh green salad
Pair this rich pasta with a crisp salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. A light lemon vinaigrette offers a bright contrast that balances the buttery sauce.
- Garlic bread on the side
Serve slices of toasted baguette slathered with garlic butter and sprinkled with parsley. The crunchy, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables
Add color and nutrients by serving lightly seasoned broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. The freshness of the veggies keeps the meal feeling well-rounded and satisfying.
- A glass of red wine
Complement the savory beef and buttery sauce with a medium-bodied red like Merlot or Chianti. The wine’s fruitiness and acidity cut through the richness for a harmonious pairing.
HOW TO STORE GARLIC BUTTER BOWTIE PASTA WITH BEEF
Whether you’ve got generous leftovers or want to meal-prep for a busy week, proper storage will keep your pasta tasting fresh and flavorful. Here are some tips and methods to maintain both texture and taste for up to three days (or longer, if you choose to freeze).
- Refrigeration in airtight containers
Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a sealable, airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This method preserves the sauce’s creaminess without letting the pasta become mushy.
- Freezing for longer storage
Portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently warm on the stovetop.
- Reheating on the stovetop
Add the pasta back to a skillet over medium heat and pour in a splash of beef broth or water. Cover and warm, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This technique revives the sauce’s original consistency.
- Separate sauce and pasta
For the best texture, consider storing the pasta and the garlic butter beef mixture in separate containers. Reheat them individually, then combine just before serving. This prevents the pasta from soaking up too much sauce over time.
CONCLUSION
What a delicious journey it’s been, exploring how simple pantry staples can transform into a soul-warming bowl of Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Beef! We started with understanding the key ingredients—like tender bowtie pasta, savory ground beef, rich butter, and aromatic garlic—then walked through an easy, step-by-step method that any beginner cook can follow. From boiling pasta to al dente perfection, browning beef for maximum flavor, and crafting that luscious garlic butter sauce, each stage adds a layer of complexity that melds into one harmonious dish. We even covered creative serving ideas—such as pairing with a crisp green salad or a robust red wine—and smart storage methods to keep leftovers tasting fresh for days, or even months if you opt to freeze.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later use, whether you’re sticking it on your fridge or tucking it into a binder of favorite recipes. You can also find a FAQ below to answer any burning questions that might pop up as you cook. If you try this recipe, don’t hesitate to leave your comments, questions, or feedback—let me know if you added any of your own twists, how it turned out for your family, or if you need a hand troubleshooting any step. Your kitchen stories inspire me, and I’m always here to help make your cooking adventures as fun and flavorful as possible!
Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Beef
Description
Experience a comforting, flavorful dish where tender bowtie pasta meets savory ground beef and aromatic garlic butter, topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Once cooked to al dente, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set pasta aside.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the beef with a spoon while cooking. Drain excess fat and remove beef from the skillet, setting it aside.
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In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Pour in beef broth, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine. Let this cook for about 2-3 minutes to slightly reduce.
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Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
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Add cooked pasta to the same skillet, gently tossing until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency.
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Stir in red pepper flakes if desired, and adjust seasonings to taste.
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Remove skillet from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, mixing gently to combine.
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Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and parsley, if desired.
Note
- For a richer flavor, try using a mixture of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- This dish pairs nicely with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
- This recipe can be made with alternative pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, to suit your taste preferences.
