Let me tell you something: when I need a solid dinner that doesn’t involve me crying into a frozen pizza at 7 PM, this cheesy beef and bowtie pasta is where I turn. It’s one of those easy dinner recipes that’s both forgiving and, well, delicious enough to make me look like I actually planned dinner for once. The garlic butter adds a kind of rich, cozy hug to each noodle, while the browned beef sneaks in all the protein you need without making a big fuss. I like to keep garlic scapes on hand when I can find them—they give the dish this mellow bite that garlic cloves sometimes can’t manage. If you’re a garlic scapes recipes fan, this one’s a keeper. I threw this together one night after scrolling through food in Philippines recipe blogs and realizing I didn’t have half the ingredients—but what I had worked. Think of it like one of those pasta sauce recipes you didn’t know you needed. Add a little white wine (or don’t—drink it instead), and maybe whisper sweet nothings to the pan as it simmers. This isn’t just a meal; it’s the best pasta sauce wrapped around your favorite comfort carbs.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
3) Ingredients for Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
4) How to Make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
5) Tips for Making Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
6) Making Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This recipe is a comfort food staple made with simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
The creamy, cheesy finish clings to the bowtie pasta like a warm hug.
Garlic scapes add a mellow bite that’s different from regular garlic—great if you can find them.
It’s quick, affordable, and flexible enough to customize depending on what’s in your fridge.

2) Easy Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe

If your evenings are anything like mine, the idea of pulling off something that counts as a real dinner feels about as likely as finding matching socks. This recipe is one of those easy dinner recipes that saves the day. Twice a week, it rescues my tired, frazzled brain from another round of scrambled eggs and toast. And let’s be honest, the creamy, cheesy bite with beef? It just hits.

The magic here lies in garlic, cheese, and pasta. Three things that never let us down. You can use garlic scapes if you happen to have them—those twirly green stems bring such a mild, earthy garlic flavor. If not, no one’s going to yell at you for sticking to the basics. We’ve all been there, scraping through the fridge like we’re auditioning for a budget cooking show.

Whether you’ve been inspired by food in Philippines blogs or just want something cozy that makes your kitchen smell amazing, this pasta is a weeknight hero. It’s rich, it’s filling, and with the right pasta sauce recipes (hint: you’re about to learn one), it becomes a dish you’ll happily make again. I promise. And if you’ve got a bottle of wine open for cooking? Well, who said you can’t pour a glass for yourself, too?

3) Ingredients for Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Ground Beef: I go with 80/20 ground beef for that little extra flavor from the fat. It browns up beautifully and holds its own against all the cheesy goodness.

Bowtie Pasta: There’s something joyful about bowtie pasta. Maybe it’s the shape, or maybe it’s how the edges soak up the sauce. Either way, it’s perfect here.

Butter: Use unsalted if you want more control over the salt in your dish. The butter makes everything silky and lush.

Olive Oil: I like to use a bit of olive oil with butter. It helps stop the butter from burning and adds a smooth base flavor.

Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is best. It’s pungent, savory, and brings that rich aroma you want hanging around your kitchen.

Garlic Scapes: If you’re lucky enough to find garlic scapes, chop them up and toss them in. They’re mild and almost sweet. A fun twist if you want to try something different.

Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds a little kick. You can skip this or double it depending on your spice tolerance.

Onion Powder: Brings depth without needing to chop onions. I use it when I’m moving fast or feeling lazy.

Salt & Black Pepper: The basics that never fail. Season to taste, always.

Beef Broth: This adds savory depth to the sauce and keeps everything from drying out.

White Wine: It balances the richness of the cheese. And yes, sipping while cooking is encouraged.

Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella turns everything gooey and irresistible. That stretchy melt is what pasta dreams are made of.

Parmesan Cheese: For the salty, nutty finish that brings the whole bowl together.

Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle on top adds freshness and color. Totally optional but always appreciated.

4) How to Make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Step 1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until just al dente. Drain and set it aside. Don’t overcook—it’ll keep cooking a bit with the sauce.

Step 2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and season with salt and pepper. Once it’s fully cooked, transfer it to a bowl and keep it warm.

Step 3. In the same pan, add butter and olive oil. Let it melt, then stir in the garlic and garlic scapes. Cook until fragrant, about a minute. It’ll smell amazing, I promise.

Step 4. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes and onion powder. Stir everything together for a few seconds to toast the spices.

Step 5. Pour in the beef broth and white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits. Let it simmer for a few minutes so it reduces slightly.

Step 6. Return the beef to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss gently to combine everything.

Step 7. Lower the heat and stir in the mozzarella and parmesan. Let the cheese melt until the pasta is coated in creamy, cheesy sauce.

Step 8. Serve it warm, topped with fresh parsley. Pour yourself another glass of wine—you earned it.