If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re going to love this Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe. It combines tender farfalle pasta with rich, savory ground beef and a luscious garlic butter sauce that clings to every bow-shaped piece. Finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to impress anyone you serve it to.

Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one is chosen to build layers of delicious taste and texture, from the tender pasta to the flavorful beef and aromatic garlic. Here’s what you’ll need:

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta: The perfect shape to catch the garlicky sauce and beef bits.
1 lb ground beef: A hearty, savory base that brings rich depth to the dish.
2 tbsp olive oil: For cooking the beef and adding silky moisture throughout.
1 small onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and texture to layer the flavor.
3 garlic cloves, minced: The star aromatics that infuse the dish with irresistible fragrance.
1/2 cup beef broth: Adds moisture and a little savory punch to meld everything together.
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): A hint of heat that livens up the overall taste.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty richness and a salty finish as a topping.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing every element.
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes and color.

How to Make Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling the bowtie pasta in plenty of salted water according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This step ensures your noodles have just the right bite to complement the sauce and beef. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to keep warm.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the finely diced onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until it becomes translucent, releasing its natural sweetness. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds more, until you can’t help but inhale the fragrant garlic bubbling in the pan.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to your skillet with the aromatics. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, stirring occasionally until it’s evenly browned—usually around 5 to 6 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish light but flavorful.

Step 4: Add Broth and Seasoning

Once the beef is browned, stir in the beef broth along with red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Let everything simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly and intensify the flavors.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Pour the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet and toss it gently with the beef and garlic sauce until every bowtie is luxuriously coated. If the mixture looks a bit dry, drizzle a touch more olive oil to give it that glossy, inviting finish.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Plate up the pasta and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. For an added touch of seasoning, crack a little more black pepper on top before serving. The combination of hot pasta, melted cheese, and fresh herbs is simply irresistible!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a pop of color and a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness of the dish. For an extra level of indulgence, you can add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a dash of crushed red pepper for some heat and crunch.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, something lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, are also wonderful companions. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread rounds out the meal perfectly and helps mop up any remaining sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe in individual shallow bowls topped with a small sprig of parsley and a Parmesan crisp. Or try layering the pasta in a casserole dish with extra cheese and bake for a bubbly, golden crust that brings a whole new dimension to the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually mellow and deepen overnight, making your next meal even more delicious. Leftover pasta is best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

This Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe freezes well if you want to make it ahead of time. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to revive the sauce’s texture. Avoid overcooking so the pasta stays tender but not mushy. Alternatively, reheating in the microwave with a loose cover also works well.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is perfect for this dish because it holds sauce well, you can swap it for penne, rotini, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef for plant-based meat crumbles or cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it flavorful but vegetarian-friendly.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?

Definitely. You can cook the pasta and beef mixture a day ahead and reheat it gently when you’re ready to serve. Just add fresh parsley and Parmesan right before plating to keep things fresh.

How can I adjust the spice level?

If you like a little heat, keep the red pepper flakes as is or increase slightly. For a milder taste, simply omit the flakes and rely on savory seasoning from the broth and beef.

Will this recipe work with lean ground beef?

Yes, lean ground beef works just fine and will result in a leaner dish overall. You may want to add a bit more olive oil when cooking to keep the beef from drying out.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe is one of those dishes that always feels like a special treat but comes together with surprising ease. Its comforting flavors and crowd-pleasing appeal make it perfect for any night when you want something hearty and homemade without complication. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dinner!

Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 14 reviews

Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is a quick and comforting weeknight meal combining savory browned beef, fragrant garlic butter, and perfectly cooked al dente bowtie pasta. Enhanced with sautéed onions, garlic, and a subtle hint of red pepper flakes, this dish is finished with nutty Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a flavorful and satisfying dinner.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Sautéing and Boiling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Meat and Aromatics

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Seasonings

2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Finishing Touches

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil the bowtie pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until fully browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from being greasy.
Add broth and seasoning: Stir in the beef broth, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the broth has slightly reduced and flavors meld.
Combine with pasta: Add the cooked bowtie pasta directly into the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss everything together well to ensure the pasta is fully coated with the flavorful sauce. Drizzle a little more olive oil if needed for gloss and moisture.
Finish and serve: Plate the pasta and generously sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Add extra cracked black pepper on top for an extra kick before serving.

Notes

Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to maintain a pleasant texture when combined with the sauce.
Red pepper flakes are optional; omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of butter when tossing the pasta with the beef mixture.
Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and melt quality.