Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is my weeknight hero when I need dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor. This simple pasta dish combines savory beef, aromatic garlic butter, and tender farfalle in just 30 minutes. I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week, and it’s been my go-to ever since.

The smell of garlic sizzling in butter never fails to make my mouth water. When you toss perfectly cooked bowtie pasta with browned ground beef and that silky garlic butter sauce, something magical happens. This Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef delivers rich, deeply aromatic flavors with minimal effort. Those farfalle bows grab onto every bit of sauce, and the nutty Parmesan adds the perfect finishing touch. It’s comfort food that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Everything You Need for This Pasta

I always use farfalle pasta for this recipe because those bow-tie shapes hold the garlic butter sauce beautifully. Pro tip: don’t rinse your pasta after cooking since that surface starch helps the sauce cling better.

Pasta:

• 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Ground Beef:

• 1 pound ground beef (I prefer 80/20 or 85/15 for best flavor)

Other Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup beef broth
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Pro tip: Using 80/20 ground beef keeps this Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef moist and flavorful. Leaner beef works too, but add an extra drizzle of olive oil to prevent dryness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse. That surface starch helps the pasta grab onto the sauce beautifully.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns translucent and lightly golden at the edges.

Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Watch carefully because garlic burns quickly and turns bitter if it cooks too long. You’ll know it’s ready when the aroma fills your kitchen.

Step 4: Add the ground beef to the skillet with your aromatics. Break it apart with a spatula into small crumbles and cook for 5-6 minutes until completely browned. Let it sit undisturbed for a minute or two to develop those delicious caramelized bits on the bottom of the pan. Drain excess fat if needed, but leave a little bit for flavor.

Step 5: Pour the beef broth into the skillet to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those browned bits stuck to the bottom. This is pure flavor gold for your Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef. Add red pepper flakes if using, along with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until the broth reduces slightly and everything melds together. The sauce should look glossy and coat the beef nicely.

Step 7: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the garlic butter beef sauce. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil if it seems dry.

Step 8: Plate your pasta and immediately sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Add extra cracked black pepper on top for a restaurant-quality finish.

What to Serve with This Pasta

Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef pairs wonderfully with lighter sides that balance the richness.

Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with zesty vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds freshness to your meal.

Sautéed Green Beans: Garlicky green beans complement the pasta beautifully and add vibrant color to your plate.

Garlic Bread: Toasted Italian bread or garlic knots are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Roasted Vegetables: Season vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers provide nutrition and pair wonderfully with the best sides for bowtie pasta.

More Quick and Easy Ground Beef Favorites

This garlic butter bowtie pasta comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights alongside other quick ground beef dinners. For a hands-off approach, the Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole simmers while you handle other tasks. When craving something cheesy and baked, the Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti delivers that same satisfying pasta comfort.

Branch out with bold flavors by trying the Ground Beef Bulgogi for Korean-inspired sweetness, or keep things fun with Smashburger Quesadillas that turn burger night into something extraordinary.

Keeping Your Pasta Fresh

Store cooled Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend letting it cool to room temperature before covering.

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce and keep it glossy. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but stir halfway through and add a bit of liquid.

Pro tip: the flavors actually deepen as this pasta sits, making leftovers fantastic for next-day lunch. You can freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months, though the texture is best when fresh.

Common Questions About This Recipe

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