Bowtie Macaroni Crockpot Casserole – Treat yourself to comfort, with our Bowtie Macaroni Crockpot Casserole. This scrumptious dish combines the appeal of macaroni with the convenience of crockpot cooking. It brings together the goodness of ground beef, the creamy richness of cheese, and the wholesome touch of spinach all embraced by a delightful tomato sauce. Immerse yourself in the essence of American cuisine with this delectable creation that’s simply perfect for a heartwarming family meal.
The first time I prepared this Bowtie Macaroni Crockpot Casserole, my kitchen filled with an orchestra of enticing aromas. The memory of my family’s eyes lighting up as they savored their first bite is forever etched in my heart. It was a Sunday with rain and I wanted to create something that would wrap us in warmth and comfort. The blend of flavors and textures left an impression making it a regular feature, at our dinner table. Even my husband, who typically speaks words couldn’t express his delight. Even my sometimes choosy child couldn’t resist this medley of deliciousness.
What makes this Bowtie Macaroni Crockpot Casserole truly irresistible?
Experience the combination of convenience and comfort with our Bowtie Macaroni Crockpot Casserole. This recipe beautifully merges the ease of cooking with the indulgence offered by ground beef resulting in a harmonious symphony of flavors that effortlessly satisfies your taste buds. Spinach’s adaptability, the texture of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, and the opportunity to explore pasta and greens choices elevate this dish to a genuine culinary masterpiece. The combination of seasoning and oregano infuses it with Mediterranean allure providing a blend of flavors and health benefits. Embark, on an adventure that commemorates the delight of enjoying a wholesome homemade meal that is sure to become a cherished family tradition.
What You Need To Make This Bowtie Macaroni Crockpot Casserole Recipe?
Cooked Bowtie Pasta: When the bowtie pasta is cooked it creates a combination of elegance and comfort. If you want to change things up a bit you can try using egg noodles or broken lasagna noodles. This will add a variation, in texture to your casserole.
Lean Ground Beef: Lean ground beef forms the base of this dish. It’s versatile enough that you can experiment with types of ground meats like turkey or chicken while still maintaining the essence that defines this casserole.
Minced Garlic: A clove of garlic adds its magic to the dish. For those who love garlic feel free to amp up the flavor according to your taste making a statement.
Chopped Onion: The chopped onion contributes both flavor and texture to the dish. If you prefer a milder onion presence try using onions or leeks. They add a sweetness that enhances the taste of the casserole.
Spinach: While spinach is usually the go-to choice don’t hesitate to explore alternatives, like kale or turnip greens. Each type of green brings its character allowing you to customize the recipe based on your nutritional preferences.
Tomato Sauce: The heart and soul of this dish lies in its tomato sauce.
If you’re up, for an experience why not try experimenting with different pasta sauces like marinara or arrabbiata? It’s a way to create a flavor journey.
Stewed Tomatoes: For added depth and richness in your casserole, stewed tomatoes are a choice. If you’re into flavors consider using fire-roasted tomatoes to add a hint of smokiness to the dish.
Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning is the blend of herbs that captures the essence of Italy. If you’re a fan of herbs try creating your custom blend with dried basil, thyme and rosemary. This will take the aroma of your dish to heights.
Oregano: To give your casserole that Mediterranean touch oregano is key. And if you want to add some warmth to it just sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
Pepper and Salt: Pepper and salt are seasonings that allow you to personalize your dish according to your taste preferences. Whether it’s cracked black pepper or sea salt adjusting these seasonings brings out the final flavor profile.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan cheese adds a tangy note to the casserole. If you’re looking for a richer finish, experiment with aged parmesan or pecorino romano for more complex flavors.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Lastly, shredded mozzarella cheese creates that gooey layer, on top. For a surprise experimenting with a blend of cheese types such as fontina or provolone can create a truly exceptional and indulgent melting sensation in your mouth.
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Steps To Make Bowtie Macaroni Crockpot Casserole:
Step 1: Start by browning the ground beef along, with garlic and chopped onion in a pan. Cook until the beef is fully cooked and the onions become translucent.
Step 2: Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot. Add stewed tomatoes tomato sauce, Italian seasoning and oregano. Stir well to blend the flavors
Step 3: Mix in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese. Stir again to ensure that the cheesy goodness is evenly spread throughout.
Step 4: Set your crockpot, on low heat. Let all the ingredients mingle for 5 to 6 hours. The slow cooking process will allow each component to infuse its essence into the dish.
Step 5: During the 30 minutes of cooking increase the heat to high. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese on top letting it melt into a gooey layer.
Step 6: Once the cheese has melted perfectly your Bowtie Macaroni Crockpot Casserole is ready to be enjoyed.
Tip:
To enhance the taste of your Bowtie Macaroni Crockpot Casserole you might want to try adding vinegar to the tomato sauce mix before cooking. This subtle touch brings in some depth and a touch of sweetness that blends nicely with the components of the dish. Even just a small amount can turn your casserole from delicious, to memorable creating a medley of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Of course! Although the recipe suggests using bowtie pasta you can easily switch it up by using egg noodles or broken pieces of lasagna noodles for a twist in texture.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To savor the flavors more simply heat portions in the microwave or warm up the entire casserole in the oven at a low temperature until it is heated through.
Can I add extra vegetables to the mix?
Absolutely! While spinach takes the stage here feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini or mushrooms to enhance both flavor and nutritional value.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Bowtie Macaroni Crockpot Casserole
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Bowtie pasta cooked; (you can substitute egg noodles or broken lasagna noodles)
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 10 ounces Spinach (you can substitute kale, turnip greens, or any other green leafy vegetable)
- 15- ounce can of tomato sauce can make substitution with Spaghetti Sauce
- 15- ounce can of stewed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- Pepper and salt to taste
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Start by browning the ground beef, with the garlic and onion. Make sure to cook it until the beef is fully cooked and the onions have a slightly translucent appearance.
- Next transfer everything to a crockpot. Add in the tomatoes sauce and both seasonings.
- Mix in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese along, with the parmesan cheese.
- Set your crockpot to low heat. Let it cook for approximately 5 to 6 hours.
- When there are 30 minutes left increase the heat to high. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Allow it to melt before serving.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
