Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef: 7-Minute Bliss

If there’s one dish that checks all the boxes—quick, comforting, and totally crave-worthy—it’s Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef. This recipe is a weeknight dream come true for anyone juggling work, kids, or just life in general (so… all of us). It’s the kind of dinner that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and brings everyone running to the table before you’ve even called them.

What makes this pasta special? That combination of buttery garlic, hearty ground beef, and the cutest pasta shape ever—bowties! (Or farfalle, if we’re feeling fancy.) Every bite is rich, savory, and just a little indulgent—without a ton of effort. Because honestly, who has time for that on a Tuesday night?

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

This dish is comfort food made easy. The garlic butter sauce gives it a velvety base, the ground beef adds hearty flavor, and the bowtie pasta? It’s just fun.

Here’s why this recipe might just become your new go-to:

  • It’s quick and simple. You’ll have it on the table in about 30 minutes—perfect for those nights when you’d rather do anything but babysit a stove.
  • One-pan magic. Fewer dishes, more flavor. That’s the rule around here.
  • Family-friendly. Even picky eaters will find something to love (especially when there’s cheese involved).
  • Leftovers that reheat beautifully. Because tomorrow-you deserves an easy lunch win.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into your Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef:

  • Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: These playful little “bows” hold sauce beautifully and make your plate look extra inviting.
  • Ground beef: Go for 80/20 or 85/15—it’s tender, juicy, and adds rich flavor.
  • Olive oil: For that subtle, comforting base flavor.
  • Onion: The unsung hero of every great sauce.
  • Garlic: Three cloves bring that signature aroma and depth.
  • Beef broth: Adds body and lets the flavors cozy up together.
  • Red pepper flakes (optional): For a tiny kick of warmth if you’re into that sort of thing.
  • Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and essential.
  • Salt and black pepper: To season each step and make the flavors pop.
  • Fresh parsley: A bright, fresh finishing touch.

Refer to the recipe card below for precise ingredient measurements, complete nutritional details, and step-by-step instructions.

How to Make Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Get your bowties swimming in a big pot of salted boiling water. (Seriously—don’t skimp on the salt. It’s your one shot to season those noodles from the inside out!) Cook until just al dente—they’ll keep cooking in the sauce later. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse them! The surface starch helps that luscious garlic-butter sauce cling to every curve.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, warm up some olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and let it soften until golden and fragrant. Right before it’s done, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. This is where your kitchen starts to smell heavenly.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pan and break it apart as it cooks. You want small crumbles—so every bite is a perfect balance of meat and sauce. Once it’s browned and slightly crispy, drain off any extra fat (but leave just a bit for flavor).

Step 4: Add Broth and Seasoning

Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those caramelized bits from the bottom. Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Let it all simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors meld into one glorious, savory sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked bowtie pasta right into the skillet and toss to coat every piece in that rich, buttery mixture. If it looks a bit thick, splash in a little extra broth or olive oil.

Step 6: Finish Strong

Sprinkle in grated Parmesan and toss again so it melts into the sauce. Finish with fresh parsley and a twist of cracked black pepper. Serve straight from the skillet, family-style—because who has time for extra dishes?

Mounia’s Cozy Kitchen Tip

If your sauce looks a little too thick, don’t panic—it’s just extra comfort waiting to happen. Add a splash of pasta water or broth to loosen it up.

And here’s a little secret: This pasta tastes even better the next day. The flavors mingle overnight, making your leftovers downright irresistible.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef was born on one of those weeks when life felt like a marathon—emails, errands, and a fridge that looked depressingly empty. But a quick raid turned up a box of pasta, some ground beef, and a bulb of garlic. Twenty-five minutes later, dinner was ready, my house smelled amazing, and I felt like I’d won the day. That’s the kind of low-stress, high-reward cooking I live for.

Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef sprinkled with Parmesan, parsley, and red pepper flakes in a ceramic bowl.
This hearty Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef combines rich, savory flavors with a buttery garlic sauce for the ultimate weeknight comfort food.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti work great. Just adjust the cooking time to match the pasta shape.

Can I make this with ground turkey or chicken?

Yes—you’ll still get great flavor, though it’ll be a little lighter. Add a touch more olive oil or butter to keep it rich.

How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep it creamy.

Can I make it ahead?

You sure can! Cook everything, then refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving—maybe add a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan for good measure.

Bringing It All Together

Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is everything a home-cooked meal should be: easy, hearty, and bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary night into a cozy little celebration.

So grab your skillet, pour yourself something nice, and let the magic happen—one buttery, garlicky bite at a time.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef, here are a few more comforting, flavor-packed dishes to add to your meal rotation. These recipes pair beautifully with pasta night or bring that same cozy, home-cooked energy to your table:

  • Garlic Bread Rolls – Nothing complements a buttery pasta dish quite like warm, fluffy garlic rolls fresh from the oven. They’re perfect for soaking up every last drop of that garlicky sauce!
  • Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites – If you love the flavor combo of garlic and beef, this slow cooker version is a melt-in-your-mouth dream. A perfect weeknight alternative when you want to set it and forget it.
  • Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles – Another cozy, beef-forward meal with a savory broth twist. This one’s ideal when you’re craving comfort in a bowl.
  • Swirled Garlic Herb and Cheese Bread – A cheesy, pull-apart bread that’s as impressive as it is easy to make. Serve it alongside your pasta for the ultimate garlic-lover’s feast.

Each of these recipes captures that same comforting, no-fuss cooking style that makes dinner feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re craving something slow-cooked, buttery, or delightfully carb-loaded, these dishes are ready to bring more joy—and flavor—to your weeknights.

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Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley in a rustic bowl.

Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef


  • Author: Mounia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is the ultimate weeknight comfort food — quick, flavorful, and oh-so satisfying. With tender farfalle pasta, juicy ground beef, and a buttery garlic-Parmesan sauce, it’s a simple dinner that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. Perfect for busy nights when you want big flavor with minimal effort!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup beef broth

  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped


Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside — do not rinse.

  2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened and golden. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. Brown the beef: Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart into small crumbles. Drain excess fat, leaving a little for flavor.

  4. Build the sauce: Pour in beef broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits. Add red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer 3–5 minutes to thicken slightly.

  5. Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the garlic-butter sauce.

  6. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For a creamier texture, add ¼ cup heavy cream or a tablespoon of butter when mixing the pasta.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator — reheat with a splash of broth or olive oil.
Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 580 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 460 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg