Garlic Butter Beef Bowties in Three-Cheese Mozzarella Sauce

Garlic Butter Beef Bowties in Three-Cheese Mozzarella Sauce is a hearty skillet dinner filled with savory ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, and a creamy blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. It is rich, comforting, and ready in about 40 minutes.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 5

Ingredients

Beef and Bowtie Pasta

• 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Three-Cheese Mozzarella Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces, until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes, until softened. Stir in 2 tablespoons butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then transfer the beef mixture to a plate.
4. Reduce the heat to medium. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
5. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken.
6. Reduce the heat to low. Add the mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
7. Add the cooked bowties and beef mixture to the skillet. Toss until everything is evenly coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
8. Cover the skillet for 2 minutes so the cheese melts completely. Garnish with parsley and extra mozzarella or Parmesan before serving.

Helpful Tips

• Use freshly grated cheese because it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
• Do not overcook the bowties; al dente pasta holds its shape better in the creamy sauce.
• Drain excess beef grease to keep the cheese sauce rich without becoming oily.
• Keep the heat low after adding the cheese to prevent the sauce from separating.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended because the creamy cheese sauce may change texture.