Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

Name: Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta, dry; 1 lb ground beef; 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 (for topping); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

This Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is a cozy, weeknight-friendly dish that balances savory beef with silky garlic butter and the playful bite of farfalle. Each forkful offers tender ground beef, slight chew from the bowtie pasta, and a fragrant garlic aroma that fills the kitchen while it simmers. The texture is comforting, with the pasta catching little pockets of sauce around its pinched centers, and the grated Parmesan on top adds a salty, nutty finish. This recipe works well when you want a filling family dinner in about 30 minutes, a simple meal to bring to a potluck, or a trusty go-to for busy evenings. If you enjoy garlic-butter pasta variations, you might like a chicken bowtie take on this same idea for another weeknight option: a cheesy garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta.

Ingredients

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta, dry. Use farfalle for its shape, which holds bits of beef and sauce well.
See a similar bowtie pasta idea.
1 lb ground beef. Use your preferred lean-to-fat ratio; fattier beef will be richer, leaner beef will be lighter.
2 tbsp olive oil. Helps soften the onion and prevents the beef from sticking while adding subtle flavor.
1 small onion, finely diced. Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
3 garlic cloves, minced. Brings the main garlic flavor and aroma to the dish.
1/2 cup beef broth. Adds moisture and savory depth to combine the beef with the pasta.
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick). Use or omit depending on how spicy you like it.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping). Adds a salty, nutty finish when sprinkled on each serving.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Season at the end so flavors stay balanced.
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish). Brightens the plate and adds a fresh finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Tip: Reserve a splash of pasta cooking water if you want to loosen the mixture later.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid browning.
Add the minced garlic and 1 pound ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking the beef into pieces, until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Stir in 1/2 cup beef broth and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld and the broth reduces slightly.
Combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture in the skillet, mixing well so the pasta is coated and distributed evenly with the beef. If you reserved pasta water, add a tablespoon or two to adjust consistency.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Serve topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy immediately while warm. For another hands-on version using the same bowtie comfort-food approach, see this easy creamy garlic-butter bowtie recipe: easy creamy garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes.
Cook Time: 20 minutes.
Total Time: 30 minutes.
Servings: 4 generous portions.
Calories: Approximately 730 kcal per serving.

For more variations on garlic butter bowtie pasta and plating ideas, you might find inspiration in this garlic butter bowtie collection: garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta notes.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips

Use medium heat when cooking the onion and beef so you develop flavor without burning the garlic.
Drain excess fat from the beef if you prefer a lighter dish.
Grate fresh Parmesan rather than using pre-shredded for the best melting and flavor.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of beef broth to keep it moist.
Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations using only ingredients from this recipe

Spicier: Increase the red pepper flakes slightly to taste.
Cheesier: Stir half of the grated Parmesan into the pasta just after combining, then sprinkle the rest on top.
Herb-forward: Fold chopped parsley into the pasta just before serving for more fresh herb flavor.
Slightly saucier: Add an extra 1/4 cup beef broth when stirring in the pasta to create a looser sauce.

For another related savory bowtie idea to try later, check this garlic butter bowtie variation: another garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta version.

Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

FAQ

How long will this pasta keep in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta will work, but farfalle holds the beef and sauce nicely.
Do I need to drain the ground beef?
Drain excess fat if there is a lot, especially if you used fattier beef.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, cook everything, cool, and store in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of broth.
Is the red pepper flakes ingredient required?
No, it is optional and only for added heat if you like a kick.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stove over low heat with a little beef broth to restore moisture.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is a dependable, satisfying meal that comes together quickly and fills the house with a wonderful garlic and beef aroma. If you want a creamy twist or inspiration from other cooks, see the creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie take on a similar theme at Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta – Crazy Busy Mama, or compare notes with another comforting version at Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Recipe Life. Try the recipe, make it your own with the simple variations above, and share how it turned out for a cozy family meal.