Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is the perfect comfort food for busy evenings when you want something hearty, flavorful, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Tender bowtie pasta is tossed with savory ground beef, rich garlic butter sauce, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley for a simple yet delicious dinner the whole family will enjoy. This recipe delivers a cozy homemade taste with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta recipe is quick enough for weeknights yet comforting enough to feel like a special meal. The combination of buttery garlic sauce and seasoned beef creates a rich, savory flavor that coats every bite of pasta perfectly. Bowtie pasta adds a fun texture and holds onto the sauce beautifully.
You’ll also love how versatile this recipe is. It can easily be customized with vegetables, different cheeses, or extra seasonings. Plus, the ingredients are simple pantry staples that are easy to find and budget-friendly.
Another reason this dish stands out is how filling and satisfying it is. The protein-packed ground beef paired with tender pasta creates a balanced meal that works for both adults and kids.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
1 lb ground beef
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside without rinsing.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic because it can turn bitter quickly.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula while cooking. Continue cooking for about 5 to 6 minutes until the beef is fully browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour in the beef broth and stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes so the flavors combine.
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet for extra richness and a true garlic butter flavor. Stir until melted completely.
Transfer the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix gently. The cheese will melt into the sauce and create a creamy texture.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: Approximately 500 calories per serving
Variations
You can easily customize this recipe based on your preferences or what you have available in your kitchen.
For a creamier version, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end of cooking.
Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
Swap the ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option while still keeping plenty of flavor.
If you enjoy spicy dishes, increase the red pepper flakes or add a little Cajun seasoning for extra heat.
Mozzarella cheese or shredded cheddar can also be added for a cheesier finish.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop as the pasta sits, making leftovers especially tasty.
To freeze, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months.
For reheating, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.
You can also microwave individual portions for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with penne, rotini, fusilli, or spaghetti depending on your preference.
Why is butter important in this recipe?
Butter creates the rich garlic butter sauce that gives the dish its signature flavor and silky texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the recipe a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to reheat.
What type of ground beef works best?
Ground beef with an 80/20 or 85/15 fat ratio provides the best balance of flavor and tenderness.
How do I keep the pasta from drying out?
Adding a splash of broth or water while reheating helps keep the pasta moist and flavorful.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely. Add extra red pepper flakes or spicy seasoning to increase the heat level.
Is Parmesan cheese necessary?
Parmesan adds a salty and nutty flavor, but you can substitute it with mozzarella or cheddar if preferred.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, spinach, mushrooms, peas, and bell peppers all work very well in this pasta recipe.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this pasta freezes well for up to 2 months when stored properly in airtight containers.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A simple salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pair perfectly with this hearty pasta dish.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is a comforting and satisfying meal that combines simple ingredients into one flavorful dish. The rich garlic butter sauce, savory beef, tender pasta, and Parmesan cheese create a dinner that feels both cozy and delicious. Whether you make it for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual family gathering, this easy recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite at the table.
Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is a rich and comforting pasta dinner made with tender farfalle pasta, savory seasoned ground beef, buttery garlic sauce, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley for an easy and satisfying family meal.
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
1 lb ground beef
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes while scraping any browned bits from the skillet.
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and stir until melted.
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the garlic butter sauce.
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir gently until melted and creamy.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creamy texture.
Add heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes make excellent vegetable additions.
Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version.
Add extra broth while reheating to keep the pasta moist.
Serve with garlic bread or salad for a complete meal.
