Name: Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta; 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, for heat); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

If you’re on the prowl for quick, crowd-pleasing comfort food, you’re about to meet your new weeknight ace: Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef. This dish is a glorious mashup of savory beef, silky garlic butter, and al dente pasta all tied together (literally!) in adorable farfalle bows. It’s rich, deeply aromatic, and perfectly punctuated with nutty Parmesan and pops of fresh parsley. Whether you’re feeding a family or just need an easy win after a long day, this recipe checks every delicious box.

Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is in its simplicity. Every ingredient earns its spot here, helping layer flavor, texture, and color for a dish that feels way more special than the sum of its parts.

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: These playful little “bows” hold sauce beautifully and make your plate look extra inviting.
Ground beef: Choose 80/20 or 85/15 for flavor and tenderness; it’s the heartiness that anchors the dish.
Olive oil: A classic base for sautéeing and adding subtle richness to each bite.
Onion: The aromatic backbone—soft and sweet, it sets up all the savory flavors to come.
Garlic: Three cloves bring that unmistakable warm aroma and irresistible depth.
Beef broth: Adds body and helps all the flavors meld into a luscious sauce.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat, if you like a gentle kick beyond the buttery goodness.
Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and just what every pasta dish needs to finish strong.
Salt and black pepper: For well-rounded flavor at every stage—taste as you go!
Fresh parsley: A fresh herbaceous brightness that enlivens each serving.

How to Make Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by getting your bowtie pasta going in a big pot of salted boiling water. Salt is key—this is your only shot to infuse the actual noodles with flavor from within! Cook until just al dente according to the package (they’ll keep cooking in the pan later), then drain and set aside. Don’t rinse; the surface starch helps the pasta grab onto the luscious garlic-butter and beef sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Next, in a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium. Toss in your finely diced onion and let it soften, turning lightly golden at the edges. This slow softening builds sweetness, which balances the richness of the beef. Right before the onions finish, add minced garlic and let that sizzle for 30 seconds—just until fragrant. Keep stirring to prevent any burning and to fully wake up the flavors!

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add your ground beef straight into the skillet with the aromatics. Break it apart as it cooks, aiming for small crumbles so every bite gets some beefy love. Let it brown fully—getting that delicious fond (caramelized bits) on the bottom of the pan is pure flavor gold. Drain off extra fat carefully to keep things from getting greasy, but don’t be too aggressive; a little bit keeps the sauce silky.

Step 4: Add Broth and Seasoning

Time to amp up the flavor! Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those browned bits. Give it a stir with a spatula to combine. Add your red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy, plus salt and black pepper to taste. Let this all gently simmer together for a few minutes, so the broth reduces and everything melds together into a savory, aromatic sauce.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Slide your drained bowtie pasta into the skillet and toss everything to coat. The hot pasta drinks up all the buttery broth and beef, turning every bow into a tiny, flavor-packed pouch. A sneaky extra drizzle of olive oil at this point won’t hurt—brings gloss and a bit more moisture, so nothing dries out.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Dish it up right from the skillet or transfer to a serving platter. Finish with a shower of grated Parmesan and a scattering of fresh parsley. The cheese melts into the hot pasta, while parsley adds freshness and beautiful color. Don’t forget some cracked black pepper to give it a final bite of brightness!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

Garnishes

There’s something magical about finishing Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef with a proper flurry of Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley—try adding a thread of lemon zest or a drizzle of garlic oil if you want to really impress. Red pepper flakes also make each plate pop if you love a faint, spicy tingle.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but for a full meal, pair it with a simple green salad tossed in zesty vinaigrette or some garlicky sautéed green beans. A slice of toasted Italian bread or garlic knots is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce. Rustic, unfussy veggies balance all that savory, buttery beef goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try spooning the pasta into small ramekins for individual servings, or serve family-style in a big, wide bowl for everyone to dig in. You can even finish each portion at the table with a tableside Parmesan shower and a parsley flourish—everyone loves a bit of drama with their comfort food!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare with something this good!), let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef will stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it a great next-day lunch.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish! Spoon cooled pasta into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out excess air. Label with the date, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce and keep everything glossy. Microwaving works in a pinch, but stir halfway through and check that it’s heated evenly so nothing dries out or gets rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While farfalle’s little bows really do suit this recipe, penne, rotini, or even spaghetti will work. Just follow the same instructions and be sure not to overcook.

What’s the best ground beef to use for Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef?

I recommend using 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for the best combination of flavor and tenderness. Leaner beef will work too, but you might want to add an extra drizzle of olive oil for moisture.

Can I make it vegetarian?

You sure can! Swap in your favorite plant-based ground “meat” or even crumbled sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Use veggie broth instead of beef broth to maintain the flavor balance.

Is it possible to double the recipe?

Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and use a large skillet or Dutch oven—you’ll actually find Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef perfect for feeding a crowd.

How can I add more veggies to the dish?

Great idea! Stir in fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, or halved cherry tomatoes along with the ground beef or right after adding the broth. They’ll cook quickly and add lovely color and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about a bowl of Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef—it delivers big on comfort, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite. Whether for a simple family dinner or to treat yourself after a long day, it never disappoints. Give it a try and see why it just might become your new go-to pasta favorite!