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Loads of gooey cheese, buttery farfalle, and juicy beef all tossed in a garlic-packed sauce. This one's a real crowd-pleaser and totally transforms basic pantry staples into something seriously comforting. Get ready for a meal everyone hangs around the kitchen waiting for.
Caught in the middle of the busiest week, my crew discovered this winner and now it's our comfort food of choice. There's nothing like the smell of garlicky butter to get the kids excited for dinner—even on a basic Tuesday.
Essential Elements Guide
- Cheesy Mix: Toss in mozzarella and sharp cheddar to get that ultimate melty stretch and flavor hit
- Rich Butter: Go for European-style stuff if you can find it, since it makes every bite creamy
- Garlic Cloves: Skip the jarred stuff—fresh, fat bulbs give way more punch and aroma
- Ground Beef: Snag the 80/20 kind for extra juiciness and that beefy taste, but not too greasy
- Bowtie Pasta: Farfalle holds its shape, so it’s great for catching all that good sauce
Ultimate Pasta How-To
- Sauce Finish:
- Let the sauce rest for a minute off the heat so it thickens and gets extra velvety before serving.
- Cheesy Toss:
- Sprinkle the cheese into your pan slowly, letting it melt all over the beefy noodles so everything sticks together.
- Garlic Butter Magic:
- Add minced fresh garlic right into bubbly butter—don’t let it go brown!—and let that aroma fill your kitchen.
- Beef Sizzle:
- Cook your ground beef in a big pan, breaking it up as it browns—let it get those crisp edges for even more flavor.
- Pasta Prep:
- Boil your farfalle in salty water, aiming for a little bite in the middle so they don’t turn mushy later.
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I made this dish a bunch before I figured out just how much the order you add things makes a difference. My neighbor from Italy told me to toss in a splash of pasta water at the end—it takes the sauce from heavy to silky in a snap, just like fancy places do.
Tasty Sides to Pair
Really bump up your meal with roasted broccoli that grabs all that extra sauce, or serve it next to garlicky ciabatta bread. Caesar salad's a fresh hit too. Adults may want a smooth red wine to go with it.
Fun Twists to Try
Mix things up—add sautéed mushrooms for earthiness, toss in fresh spinach that just melts into the warmth, or spice it up with some jalapeños or hot flakes. Swap the beef for turkey or sausage to change up the flavors.
Clever Ways to Store
Stick any leftovers in a sealed container; they'll taste just as good for up to three days in the fridge. Warm it back up with a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce. For quick lunches, split up portions before popping them in the fridge.
After making this comfort food dozens of times, it’s wild how just a few simple things come together to make major flavor. It's my go-to for family hangouts or hosting friends—watching everyone go in for seconds really makes putting in a little extra care so worth it.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use another pasta shape?
- Sure, swap bowties for penne, shells, or another medium pasta that holds sauce nicely.
- → How do I keep the sauce smooth?
- Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining, and mix it in slowly until the sauce is how you like it.
- → Can this be prepped ahead?
- Yep, refrigerate for up to 3 days. Warm it on the stove with a bit of milk to make it creamy again.
- → What veggies can I toss in?
- You can throw in spinach, peas, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped roasted red peppers for a flavor boost.
- → Can turkey replace the beef?
- Absolutely, ground turkey is a great swap but remember to season well since it’s milder than beef.