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I want to tell you about our family's top pick for busy evenings - this amazing Garlicky Bowtie Pasta with Cheesy Beef smothered in buttery sauce that's now our number one comfort dish. I whipped up this dish one hectic night when time was tight but I still craved that homemade warmth. The way the buttery garlic sauce hugs each pasta piece and the perfectly flavored beef is truly something special.
Ultimate Soul-Warming Dish
This meal has rescued our dinner plans countless times. My children actually jump with joy when the buttery garlic aroma fills our home - it's that wonderful. The mix of soft pasta, melty cheese and flavorful beef makes everyone feel snug and content. And it comes together so fast you'd be surprised by how tasty it turns out.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Here's what we'll need for this delicious creation. Pick up some farfalle pasta - I adore how these little bows hold onto all that wonderful sauce. You'll need quality ground beef, usually a pound and a half works for my hungry family. The real hero is our butter garlic mix - believe me, it changes everything. Then grab plenty of cheese - I prefer combining mozzarella with cheddar for perfect melting. Add a bit of olive oil and your favorite spices and we're set to make something fantastic.
Starting to Cook
Let's begin by getting your water boiling for pasta - don't forget to add lots of salt for your first taste layer. While waiting, cook your beef in a large pan, breaking it into small bits so the seasoning covers evenly. After that's done, we'll create our butter garlic sauce - this is when things really start getting good. When everything mixes with the melting cheese, wow - your home will smell fantastic.
Fast and Comforting
What's so great about this dinner? It's on your table in less than 30 minutes but seems like it took hours to prepare. It's just right for those jam-packed evenings when you still crave something extra nice. My family rushes to the table whenever this dish starts cooking - it's become our favorite way to finish a busy day.
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Truly Filling Meal
What makes this dish so great is how filling it feels. You get protein from the beef, energy from the pasta, and yes, plenty of cheesy goodness. Just one serving fills you up completely. Even my teenagers who play sports come back wanting more and still have tons of energy for their activities.
Ready to Eat
We usually pair this with a basic green salad on the side for freshness. I might throw together some buttery garlic bread too - it works perfectly for scooping up any leftover sauce. My kids love eating it right from the pan while the cheese is still stretchy and gooey.
Custom Variations
I often change things based on what's in my fridge. Ground turkey works just as well if that's what you have. I enjoy adding some spinach or mushrooms when I want more veggies. And feel free to try different cheese types - each brings its own special flavor to the meal.
Prep Ahead Option
This dish works wonders for busy families since it makes excellent leftovers. I sometimes make twice as much and split it into lunch portions for the week. It warms up great - just add a tiny bit of milk to refresh that creamy sauce. You can even freeze some for those super busy weeks.
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Storing Extras
If you're fortunate enough to have some left, it stays good in your fridge for about three days. When you want to warm it up, just add a splash of milk or butter to bring back that creamy texture. I sometimes think it tastes even better the day after.
Adding Heat
Want some kick? I love tossing in red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce. My husband prefers his with chopped jalapeños. Start small and add more as you like so everyone can enjoy it their own way.
Ideal for Hectic Times
This has turned into my reliable standby when things get wild. It's quick enough for nights when everyone has different activities but still feels like a real homemade dinner. And there's something about cheese and pasta that just makes everyone smile.
Try Different Pasta Shapes
While I love how farfalle catches all that sauce, you don't need to stick with just one shape. Rigatoni, penne, even regular spaghetti works great too. Just use whatever's in your cupboard - that's what makes this dish so adaptable.
Sharing Our Family Favorite
This Garlicky Bowtie Pasta with Cheesy Beef has become such an important part of our family meals. It's the type of dinner that gets everyone sitting together, ready to chat about their day. Simple items, fast cooking, and tons of flavor - it's everything I want for a weeknight meal. I bet it'll become a hit in your home too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different meat?
Absolutely, you can swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want something lighter. Just make sure to tweak your seasonings a bit.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in your fridge and eat within 3 days. When you warm it up on the stove, pour in a little milk to bring back that creamy goodness.
- → Can I add vegetables?
For sure, toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrients and taste. Just add them while your onions are cooking.
- → Why reserve pasta water?
The starch-filled pasta water thins out thick sauce while keeping everything nice and smooth.
- → Can I make this spicier?
You bet, just add more red pepper flakes to match your taste, or throw in some cayenne for an extra kick.
Conclusion
A tasty and simple pasta meal that brings together ground beef, butterfly-shaped pasta, and a luscious garlicky butter sauce, ideal for a speedy family supper.