Dinner

Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

Bymia larkspur October 15, 2025October 15, 2025

Introduction

Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. This easy recipe combines tender farfalle pasta with savory browned beef, garlic, and a touch of heat, all finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley for a satisfying meal.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with farfalle pasta mixed with small pieces of browned ground meat. The pasta is yellow and has a smooth, slightly shiny texture. The meat is crumbled and cooked, with a light brown color. The dish is topped with finely chopped green herbs scattered across the surface and sprinkled with grated cheese and red chili flakes, adding white and red specks. The mix looks creamy and well blended, set against a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 4: Stir in the beef broth, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced.
Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to combine and coat the pasta evenly. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil if needed to add gloss and moisture.
Step 6: Serve the pasta plated, topped with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Add extra cracked black pepper if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, substitute beef broth with a mixture of beef broth and a splash of white wine.
Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions for extra vegetables.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount to taste.
To make it a complete meal, serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with farfalle pasta mixed with crumbled cooked ground meat, giving a textured and hearty look with brown and yellow tones. The pasta is coated lightly with a glossy sauce and sprinkled with finely chopped green parsley and small red chili flakes, adding bright spots of color. There are small bits of grated cheese scattered evenly across the dish, creating a slightly grainy surface on some pasta pieces. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work well and hold the sauce nicely.

Is it necessary to drain the fat from the ground beef?

Draining excess fat helps reduce greasiness and keeps the dish from becoming too oily, but you can leave a small amount for added richness if you prefer.