Introduction
Remember those cozy evenings when dinner felt like a warm hug? This Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is exactly that – a simple, comforting dish that brings back all those good vibes. It’s the kind of meal you can whip up after a long day without breaking a sweat, and it always leaves everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to fall in love with your weeknight dinners all over again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: We’re talking dinner on the table in about 30 minutes – perfect for those busy nights!
- Easy: Seriously, if you can boil pasta and brown some beef, you’ve got this.
- Giftable: While this is best enjoyed fresh, the sheer deliciousness makes it a crowd-pleaser you can confidently serve to guests or even share a portion with a neighbor.
- Crowd-pleasing: Who can resist tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a fragrant garlic butter sauce? It’s a winner for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Gather ’round, here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta: These little bows are just fun to eat, don’t you think?
- 1 lb ground beef: Your protein powerhouse! You can use lean beef if you prefer.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: The base for our savory sauté.
- 1 small onion, finely diced: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Because you can never have too much garlic, right?
- ½ cup beef broth: This is our secret weapon for a luscious sauce.
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Just a tiny pinch for a little warmth, if you like.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that irresistible salty, nutty finish.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: The essential seasonings to bring everything together.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: For a pop of freshness and color.
How to Make It
Let’s get cooking! It’s so straightforward, you’ll be amazed:
- Get the Pasta Going: First things first, get your bowtie pasta cooking according to the package directions. While it’s bubbling away, make sure to scoop out about ½ cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain it. This is liquid gold for our sauce later!
- Brown the Beef: Grab a large skillet and heat up your olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and cook it, using your spoon to break it up into yummy crumbles, until it’s nicely browned. Then, carefully drain off any extra grease.
- Soften the Onions: Now, add your finely diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to get nice and soft.
- Aromatic Magic: Stir in your minced garlic and those optional red pepper flakes. Cook for just about 1 minute more, until you can smell that wonderful, fragrant aroma filling your kitchen. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth. Get your spoon and scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet – that’s pure flavor! Let it all come to a gentle simmer.
- Combine Everything: Add your drained pasta right into the skillet with the beef mixture. Give it all a good toss to make sure every single piece of pasta gets coated in that delicious sauce.
- Season to Perfection: Now it’s time to season! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. If your sauce seems a little too thick for your taste, this is where that reserved pasta water comes in. Add a little bit at a time, tossing as you go, until you reach your desired saucy consistency.
- Serve it Up! Ladle this deliciousness into bowls. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and a scattering of fresh chopped parsley for a final flourish. Enjoy!
Substitutions & Additions
Feeling creative? You can totally make this recipe your own!
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some spinach during the last minute of cooking or add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions.
- Spice it Up: If you love a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Protein Swap: Ground turkey or even crumbled Italian sausage would work wonderfully here.
- Herbs: Fresh basil is another fantastic herb that complements these flavors beautifully.
Tips for Success
A few little tricks to ensure your pasta turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your pasta “al dente” – it should still have a slight bite to it. It will finish cooking a little in the skillet.
- Pasta Water is Key: Seriously, don’t forget to reserve that pasta water! It’s what helps emulsify the sauce and make it nice and clingy to the pasta.
- Prep Ahead: You can mince your garlic and dice your onion a day in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
How to Store It
Leftovers are a delicious bonus!
Once cooled, store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, or microwave it. I find the skillet method helps retain the best texture.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Skip the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil. You can then add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even some cooked lentils for protein.
Q: How can I make the sauce richer?
A: For an even richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of butter along with the beef broth or stir in a splash of heavy cream at the very end, just before serving.
Q: Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
A: You can, but fresh parsley really adds a brightness that dried parsley doesn’t quite achieve. If you do use dried, start with about 2 teaspoons.
Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot For cooking pasta
- Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight container For storage
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb ground beef lean beef can be used
- 2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 cup beef broth for the sauce
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for warmth
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off excess grease.
- Add diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve pasta in bowls, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.