If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that will wow the crowd and leave you with minimal cleanup, look no further than Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef. This dish checks every box: a rich and savory ground beef sauce, golden strands of farfalle (bowtie pasta), a garlicky butter finish, plus a flurry of Parmesan and fresh parsley to tie everything together. Every bite bursts with comfort and vibrant flavor, making it a family favorite you’ll come back to all year round.

Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is short but mighty. Each item brings an essential note—some for silkiness, others for depth of flavor, and some for their irresistible fresh finish. Here’s why every single one counts:

Bowtie (Farfalle) Pasta: The playful shape holds up beautifully with the hearty sauce and soaks in the garlic butter for maximum flavor in every forkful.
Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for a balance of meaty flavor without excess grease; it’s the anchor of this dish.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps both the beef and aromatics cook evenly while lending a hint of fruity undertone.
Small Onion, Finely Diced: Essential for sweetness and depth, onion starts the foundation for layers of flavor.
Garlic Cloves, Minced: The show-stopper in this recipe—garlic infuses the oil with its unmistakable aroma, boosting the savory goodness.
Beef Broth: Deglazes the pan, adds moisture, and delivers extra flavor that ties everything together, making the sauce even silkier.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): A pinch adds subtle warmth without overpowering the savory profile; skip or adjust to your heat preference.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: For topping—adds nuttiness and a melty finish to complement the garlic butter.
Salt and Black Pepper: Unbeatable for seasoning—make sure to taste and adjust to your liking for the best results.
Fresh Parsley, Chopped: Literally the cherry on top—brings color and a burst of herbaceous brightness to each plate.

How to Make Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the bowtie pasta. Cooking it just until al dente is key—the pasta should have a pleasant bite and won’t go mushy when tossed with the sauce. Once cooked, drain it thoroughly and set aside so you can focus on building those bold, buttery flavors.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Pour the olive oil into a large skillet set over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your diced onion, letting it soften and release its sweet notes for 2 to 3 minutes. Next comes the minced garlic, stirred in for another quick 30 seconds—just until you catch that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen. This is where the magic of Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef truly begins!

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Time to add the star ingredient! Crumble the ground beef into your sautéed onions and garlic, and use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Let it brown evenly for about 5 to 6 minutes; draining excess fat at this stage keeps the final dish from feeling heavy and allows those deep, beefy flavors to concentrate.

Step 4: Add Broth and Seasoning

Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any of those flavorful brown bits from the bottom. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes if you’d like a hint of heat, then season generously with salt and black pepper. Let everything simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens just a touch.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Add the drained bowtie pasta right into your skillet, tossing gently so every piece is coated in the luscious garlic butter and ground beef sauce. If it looks a little dry, a drizzle of extra olive oil will add beautiful shine and keep everything silky and inviting. Make sure every pasta bowtie gets in on the action!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Divide the Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef among plates, then finish each with a shower of grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A little extra cracked black pepper takes the flavor over the top. Dinner is ready and absolutely irresistible!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

Garnishes

Nothing elevates a bowl of Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef like the right garnishes. Give each plate a hefty dusting of Parmesan and a generous handful of fresh parsley—both add color, aroma, and the perfect finishing touch. For a fancier vibe, try a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few shavings of extra-hard cheese just before serving.

Side Dishes

To make this meal a true celebration, pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables for contrast. A loaf of warm, crusty bread or classic garlic bread doesn’t hurt either—perfect for mopping up all the extra garlic butter sauce left behind.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party spin, serve in individual pasta bowls and top each portion tableside for an interactive twist. Or, bring the whole skillet straight to the table for a casual, family-style experience. Mini ramekins make for fun appetizer portions at larger gatherings—try topping with a dollop of ricotta for an unexpected creamy bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence!), let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerated, Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef will stay fresh for up to three days while retaining much of its original flavor and texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers. It freezes surprisingly well, although the pasta will soften a bit. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Keep in mind: fresh parsley is best added after reheating so it stays bright and lively.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of beef broth or water to the pasta and warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring until everything is hot and saucy again. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too—stir halfway for even heating and to make sure the garlic butter flavor stays front-and-center.

FAQs

Can I substitute another type of pasta instead of farfalle?

Absolutely! While farfalle’s fun shape works magic with the sauce, penne, rotini, or even spaghetti will work beautifully if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and enjoy the same great flavors.

Is there a way to make Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef a bit lighter?

You can easily lighten things up by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or even a plant-based substitute. Just be sure to taste and adjust seasonings, since leaner meats may need a bit more salt or extra herbs for oomph.

What can I use instead of beef broth?

If you’re out of beef broth, chicken or vegetable broth will work in a pinch. Even a splash of pasta cooking water can work, especially if you want the garlic and parmesan flavors to shine through even more.

Is the red pepper flakes necessary?

No, the red pepper flakes are totally optional. They add just a gentle kick without making the dish spicy, so you can adjust or skip them based on your taste and your audience—this is a kid-friendly crowd-pleaser either way!

Can I prep any components in advance for easier weeknight cooking?

Yes! Chop the onion and garlic, even cook the pasta ahead of time and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, you’ll breeze through the recipe and have Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef on the table in record time.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough good things about this one-pan wonder. If you love food that’s big on flavor and short on fuss, Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef deserves a spot in your dinner rotation. Give it a try and let each bite remind you just how comforting and special a simple meal can be!