Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
The Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a delightful dish that brings together tender bowtie pasta, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and a luscious garlic butter sauce. This recipe is ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering comfort and flavor in every bite. The gooey melted cheese on top elevates the dish, making it a crowd favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic butter and melted cheese creates a savory sauce that will satisfy any palate.
- Versatile Dish: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness and fun shape of bowtie pasta.
- One-Pot Wonder: With minimal cleanup required, you can enjoy more time with family and friends.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this cheesy beef and bowtie pasta dish efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Mixing spoon
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the bowtie pasta evenly without sticking together.
- Skillet: Ideal for browning the beef and creating the garlic butter sauce in one pan.
- Whisk: Helps to ensure a smooth consistency when mixing in the flour and milk.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee the flavors are just right.
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 Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 additional cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
For 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:
1. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes while breaking it apart until browned.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is soft, roughly 3 minutes.
3. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Remove from skillet once cooked.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet:
1. Melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Whisk in flour; cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
4. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Reduce heat to low:
1. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted.
2. Toss in cooked pasta and beef mixture; coat everything evenly in sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to adjust thickness.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer your cheesy beef and bowtie pasta to serving bowls:
– Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy your comforting bowl of Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter!
How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
Serving Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter can elevate your dinner experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this dish:
Family Style
- Set the table with a large serving bowl of cheesy beef and bowtie pasta. Let everyone help themselves, making it feel warm and inviting.
Individual Bowls
- Serve in individual bowls for a more personal touch. Top each bowl with extra cheese or fresh parsley for added flavor.
Pair with Garlic Bread
- Offer slices of warm garlic bread on the side. This complements the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
Add a Salad
- A light salad can balance the richness of the dish. Consider a simple green salad with vinaigrette.
Wine Pairing
- Serve with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, that complements the beef flavors.
Kids’ Plate
- Make a fun kids’ plate by shaping the pasta into fun designs or adding colorful veggies to appeal to younger diners.
How to Perfect Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
Perfecting your Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is all about technique and ingredients. Here are some tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs enhance flavor significantly compared to dried versions.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the bowtie pasta until al dente ensures it retains its texture when mixed with the sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- Let Cheese Melt Slowly: Adding cheese gradually over low heat helps create a smooth sauce without clumps.
- Save Some Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water can help adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for varied flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
Pairing side dishes with your Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter enhances your meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for mopping up sauce.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy Caesar dressing adds freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized provide great texture contrasts.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition without overpowering flavors.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar for a refreshing side.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw offers a nice contrast to the creamy pasta dish, enhancing meal variety.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned well make for a hearty accompaniment.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate after rich pasta dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter, it’s easy to make a few mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking bowtie pasta too long can result in mushy noodles. Always follow the package instructions and taste for doneness.
- Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season the beef mixture properly can lead to blandness. Make sure to use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance flavors.
- Skipping the roux: Not making a roux before adding milk can lead to a lumpy sauce. Be sure to whisk flour into melted butter before gradually incorporating milk.
- Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese may not melt well and can affect texture. Opt for good-quality mozzarella and Parmesan for the best results.
- Not reserving pasta water: Forgetting to keep some pasta cooking water can hinder sauce consistency. Always save a bit of the water to adjust thickness if needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best flavor and safety.
Freezing Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
- Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags and consume within 2-3 months.
Reheating Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover lightly, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes until hot.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water and stir until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter.
How can I customize Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter?
You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Alternatively, swap ground beef for turkey or meat alternatives for different flavors.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything except combining the ingredients. Store them separately, then mix right before serving.
What type of pasta works best?
While bowtie pasta is perfect, you can also use penne or fusilli if that’s what you have on hand. The key is finding a shape that holds sauce well.
Is there a vegetarian version of Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta?
Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms sautéed with garlic for a hearty vegetarian option.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is an incredibly satisfying dish that brings comfort food to your table. With its creamy sauce and gooey cheese, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins for even more delicious variations!
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a comforting dish that effortlessly combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, and a creamy garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, this recipe provides satisfaction in every bite. Topped with gooey melted cheese and fresh parsley, it transforms into a delightful meal that everyone at the table will love. With its quick preparation and simple ingredients, you’ll have a hearty dinner ready in no time!
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, cooking until browned (5-7 minutes). Stir in onion and garlic for another 3 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add milk while whisking until smooth.
- Reduce heat to low; stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted. Combine cooked pasta and beef mixture with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with parsley and extra cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
