❤️ Crock-Pot Beef Bowtie Pasta Casserole 🍝🧀

A Cheesy, Hearty Family Favorite! 🤤

Looking for an easy, comforting dinner that the whole family will love? This Crock-Pot Beef Bowtie Pasta Casserole combines savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, tender bowtie pasta, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese into one delicious meal! 😍

It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or whenever you’re craving a warm, cheesy casserole without spending hours in the kitchen.

🛒 Ingredients

• 🥩 1½ pounds lean ground beef
• 🧄 1 clove garlic, minced
• 🍅 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
• 🍝 16 oz. bowtie pasta (farfalle), cooked
• 🧀 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 🧅 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
• 🌿 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 🧂 Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 🍅 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained (optional, for extra texture)
• 🧀 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef 🥩

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks.

Drain any excess fat, then add the minced garlic and optional chopped onion. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Prepare the Sauce 🍅

Stir the tomato sauce into the beef mixture. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. If you like a chunkier sauce, mix in the drained diced tomatoes.

Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to bring the flavors together.

3. Transfer to the Crock-Pot 🍲

Lightly grease the slow cooker. Add the beef and tomato sauce mixture and spread it evenly.

Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours or HIGH for 1–1½ hours, until hot and the flavors have blended. Cooking time varies by slow cooker, so check periodically.

4. Cook the Bowtie Pasta 🍝

While the sauce cooks, prepare the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain well.

Tip: Slightly firm pasta works best because it will soften further when mixed with the hot sauce.

5. Combine Everything ❤️

Stir the cooked bowtie pasta into the beef sauce until evenly coated. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, along with Parmesan if desired.

Cover and cook on LOW for another 15–25 minutes, until the cheese melts and the casserole is heated through.

Avoid leaving the pasta on warm for too long, as it can become overly soft.

6. Serve and Enjoy! 😍

Spoon the cheesy casserole into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a little extra Parmesan.

Serve hot while the mozzarella is melted and deliciously gooey!

💡 Tips for the Best Crock-Pot Pasta Casserole

• Brown the beef first: This improves flavor and helps remove excess grease.
• Cook pasta separately: Adding fully cooked pasta near the end helps prevent mushy noodles.
• Make it extra cheesy: Add a little cheddar or provolone along with the mozzarella.
• Add vegetables: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make tasty additions.
• Keep leftovers fresh: Refrigerate within two hours in an airtight container and enjoy within 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly.

🍽️ What to Serve on the Side

This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with:

• 🥖 Garlic bread
• 🥗 A crisp garden salad
• 🥦 Steamed broccoli
• 🥕 Roasted vegetables

🧡 An Easy Dinner Everyone Will Love!

With tender bowtie pasta, savory beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella, this Crock-Pot casserole delivers all the comfort of a homemade pasta bake with less hands-on effort.

It’s filling, family-friendly, and easy to customize with your favorite seasonings and vegetables.

Save this recipe for your next cozy dinner night, and get ready for everyone to ask for seconds! 🍝❤️🧀