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Crockpot Bowtie Casserole

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This comforting crockpot bowtie casserole features tender ground beef, mozzarella, and Parmesan melted into a rich tomato sauce for a cozy family dinner. Simply brown the beef and onion, add garlic, then transfer to your crockpot with tomatoes and seasonings. After slow cooking, stir in cheese, fresh spinach, and cooked bowtie pasta before topping with melty mozzarella. Perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, warm meal without fuss, with the option to swap cheeses or add vegetables for flexibility in your kitchen.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Sat, 12 Jul 2025 11:36:25 GMT
A close up of a pizza with noodles. Save
A close up of a pizza with noodles. | sarahmeal.com

This comforting bowtie casserole blends ground beef, cheese, and tomato sauce into a cozy meal that requires minimal hands-on time thanks to the crockpot. It’s a great choice for busy evenings when you want a hearty dish waiting for you at dinner.

I first made this on a chilly weekend and was hooked by how easy it was to get a warm filling dinner ready without standing by the stove. Now it’s a go-to whenever I want comfort food with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: provides rich protein and depth choose lean for less fat
  • Medium onion: adds sweetness and texture fresh is best for flavor
  • Minced garlic: infuses a subtle aromatic layer fresh or jarred works well
  • Stewed tomatoes: offer a tender texture and slight sweetness canned is convenient
  • Tomato sauce: adds body and tang quality brand improves taste
  • Italian seasoning and oregano: bring classic Mediterranean herb notes
  • Salt and pepper: balance and enhance all other flavors
  • Fresh or frozen spinach: introduces vibrant color and nutrients
  • Bowtie pasta: acts as the hearty base any similar shaped pasta can substitute
  • Mozzarella cheese: gives creamy meltiness fresh shredded preferred
  • Parmesan cheese: adds a nutty sharpness that brightens the casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:
Cook ground beef with chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until beef is fully browned and onion is soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Add Garlic:
Mix in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
Combine Ingredients in Crockpot:
Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot. Pour in stewed tomatoes and tomato sauce, then sprinkle in Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to integrate all components.
Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours allowing flavors to meld deeply and the beef to become tender.
Add Cheese and Spinach:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella, and spinach so the cheese melts into the sauce and spinach wilts evenly.
Mix in Pasta:
Gently fold in cooked bowtie pasta until the casserole is uniform and the pasta is coated.
Finish with Melted Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top, leave the lid open, and allow the cheese to melt and bubble for a few minutes before serving warm.

I love how the Parmesan subtly lifts the tomato sauce giving it a more complex flavor. It reminds me of family dinners when everyone would gather around the table eager for a second helping.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the pasta. It also freezes well—defrost overnight and warm on low heat for a comforting quick meal later.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter protein option Cheddar or a cheese blend works well instead of mozzarella for different taste profiles Add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers during the initial sauté to boost vegetable content and texture

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced plate A crusty garlic bread pairs beautifully with this casserole soaking up extra sauce

Cultural Context

This casserole blends American comfort food tradition with Italian seasoning influences. It’s a practical one-pot meal perfect for families seeking hearty, simple dinners with familiar flavors.

A close up of a pizza with meat and cheese. Save
A close up of a pizza with meat and cheese. | sarahmeal.com
A pizza with noodles and meat on top. Save
A pizza with noodles and meat on top. | sarahmeal.com

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use a different pasta for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with penne, shells, or spaghetti while adjusting the cook time as needed.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook the pasta separately and stir it in during the last 30 minutes to keep the texture firm and prevent overcooking.

→ Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, you can add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.

→ Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and tomato base ahead and store it in the fridge, then reheat in the crockpot and add pasta before serving.

→ What cheese alternatives can I use?

You can use cheddar, a cheese blend, or even provolone for a different flavor while maintaining a creamy, cheesy finish.

Crockpot Bowtie Casserole

Cozy crockpot bowtie casserole with beef, cheese, and tomatoes for easy family dinners.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
360 minutes
Total Duration
375 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Simple

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yield: 6 Portion Size

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Main

Ingredient 01 680 g ground beef
Ingredient 02 1 medium onion, chopped
Ingredient 03 1 tsp minced garlic
Ingredient 04 1 can (425 g) stewed tomatoes
Ingredient 05 1 can (425 g) tomato sauce
Ingredient 06 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Ingredient 07 1 tsp dried oregano
Ingredient 08 Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient 09 280 g fresh or frozen spinach
Ingredient 10 450 g bowtie pasta

→ Cheese

Ingredient 11 1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Ingredient 12 0.5 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make It

Instruction 01

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté ground beef with chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess fat.

Instruction 02

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Instruction 03

Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot. Add stewed tomatoes and tomato sauce.

Instruction 04

Add Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Instruction 05

Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours.

Instruction 06

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in Parmesan cheese, half the mozzarella, and spinach.

Instruction 07

Stir in cooked bowtie pasta until well mixed.

Instruction 08

Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, allow to melt with the lid open, then serve warm.

Additional Tips

  1. Substitute bowtie pasta with penne, shells, or spaghetti as preferred.
  2. Cheddar or cheese blends can replace mozzarella for flavor variation.
  3. Add vegetables like mushrooms or peppers for extra texture and nutrition.

Essential Tools

  • Skillet
  • Crockpot

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy and gluten