Imagine a mouthwatering dish that combines the hearty goodness of ground beef, the perfect al dente bow tie pasta, and a rich marinara sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This Crock Pot Bow Tie Casserole is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. With minimal prep time and the magic of slow cooking, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb bow tie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the meat into small crumbles and cook until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef using a colander to remove unnecessary grease.
- Lightly spray the inside of your 6-quart crock pot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add the browned ground beef to the crock pot, then pour in the entire jar of marinara sauce. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the meat mixture, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Add the uncooked bow tie pasta directly into the crock pot, stirring gently to ensure the pasta is coated with sauce and evenly distributed.
- Cover the crock pot and set to cook on low heat for
- 5 to 4 hours. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain consistent cooking temperature.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole, allowing it to melt and create a golden, bubbly surface.
- Once cooking is complete, let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the sauce to set and pasta to absorb flavors.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- For the best flavor, choose a high-quality marinara sauce or homemade sauce if possible.
- Ensure you brown the ground beef thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors before adding to the crock pot.
- Do not overcook the pasta—the
- 5 to 4-hour cooking time is crucial to prevent mushy texture.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce.
- Let the casserole rest after cooking to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add a bright, fresh element to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
