Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is a comforting, satisfying dish that brings together simple ingredients in the most flavorful way. Tender farfalle pasta is coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, then combined with savory ground beef and finished with melted cheese for a meal that feels indulgent yet familiar. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or anytime you want a hearty meal that comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor.
What makes this pasta especially appealing is its balance. The butter adds richness without heaviness, the garlic provides depth and aroma, and the ground beef contributes a savory, satisfying bite. Bowtie pasta holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring that every forkful delivers the same comforting experience. This is the kind of recipe that becomes part of a regular rotation because it is reliable, adaptable, and universally loved.
Why This Pasta Recipe Works So Well
This dish succeeds because every component has a clear purpose. Bowtie pasta, with its pinched center and ruffled edges, is ideal for holding onto butter, cheese, and small bits of ground beef. Unlike smoother pasta shapes, farfalle captures the sauce in its folds, creating a consistent texture throughout the dish.
Garlic butter acts as the foundation of the sauce, offering richness while allowing the beef and cheese to shine. Instead of relying on cream or tomato-based sauces, this recipe keeps things simple and lets the natural flavors work together. The ground beef adds heartiness and protein, making the dish filling enough to serve as a complete meal on its own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the strengths of Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is that it relies on everyday pantry and refrigerator staples. There are no hard-to-find ingredients, and everything can be customized based on personal preference.
Ingredients (US + Metric)
- Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: 12 oz (340 g)
- Ground beef (80–85% lean): 1 lb (450 g)
- Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons (56 g)
- Garlic cloves, minced: 5 cloves
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ¾ teaspoon, or to taste
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (110 g)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (45 g)
- Fresh parsley, chopped: 2 tablespoons
- Optional red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon
How to Make Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef
Step 1: Cooking the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. The pasta should be tender but still slightly firm in the center, as it will continue cooking briefly when combined with the sauce. Before draining, reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water can be used later to help bind the sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Browning the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Allow the beef to brown fully, developing caramelized edges for maximum flavor. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Once cooked through, drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a small amount in the skillet to enhance the sauce.
Step 3: Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter directly to the skillet with the cooked beef. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly and cook just until fragrant, about 30 to 45 seconds. It is important not to let the garlic brown, as burnt garlic can turn bitter and overpower the dish.
Add the Italian seasoning, remaining salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the butter and beef mixture.
Step 4: Combining Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently until the bowties are evenly coated in the garlic butter sauce. If the mixture looks dry, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce becomes glossy and cohesive.
Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the pasta. Toss gently until the cheese melts and clings to the pasta and beef, creating a rich, cohesive dish. Remove from heat and finish with freshly chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes.
Flavor, Texture, and Aroma
This pasta delivers on every sensory level. The garlic butter sauce is aromatic and rich, coating each piece of pasta without feeling greasy. The ground beef adds depth and savory flavor, while the melted cheese brings creaminess and mild saltiness. Fresh parsley brightens the dish, balancing the richness and adding a subtle herbal note.
The texture is equally satisfying. The bowtie pasta remains tender yet structured, the beef is juicy, and the cheese melts smoothly without becoming heavy or clumpy.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is highly adaptable and can be modified to suit different tastes or dietary needs.
For a lighter version, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used instead of beef. Italian sausage adds extra seasoning and spice for a more robust flavor profile. Vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers can be added to increase nutrition and texture.
For a creamier version, a small amount of heavy cream or cream cheese can be stirred in after the pasta is added. For extra heat, red pepper flakes or chili oil work well without overpowering the dish.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips
Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef stores well and is ideal for leftovers. Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days.
When reheating, add a splash of water or a small pat of butter to help revive the sauce. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave using medium power to avoid drying out the pasta.
Freezing is also possible, although the texture of the pasta may soften slightly upon thawing. Freeze in airtight containers for up to two months and reheat slowly.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is filling enough to serve on its own, but it pairs well with simple sides. A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement the richness without overwhelming the meal. For a casual gathering, serve it family-style and allow guests to add extra cheese or seasoning as desired.
Is This a Main Dish or an Appetizer?
Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is best served as a main course. The combination of pasta, beef, butter, and cheese makes it hearty and satisfying enough to stand alone as a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is the definition of dependable comfort food. It is quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and delivers consistent, satisfying results every time. Whether you are cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a reliable dinner option, this recipe checks every box.
It is rich without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated, and flexible enough to adapt to different tastes. Once you make it, it is likely to become one of those recipes you return to again and again.
