Cheesy bowtie pasta, savory ground beef, and fresh spinach come together in this hearty Bowtie Macaroni Crockpot Casserole. Comfort food made easy!
Do you ever stumble upon a recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl? That’s exactly what this Bowtie Macaroni Crockpot Casserole is for me. It takes me back to a time when my kitchen experiments didn’t always work out—but this one? It nailed it on the first try.
I still remember the day I created this recipe. It was one of those “what’s in the fridge?” kind of evenings. I had a box of bowtie pasta, some ground beef that had to be used, and a half-empty bag of spinach I’d been avoiding (you know, because spinach isn’t as exciting as chocolate). I tossed it all in the crockpot, crossed my fingers, and went about my evening.
By the time it was done, the house smelled incredible. My husband peeked into the kitchen, sniffed the air, and said, “Is this what heaven smells like?” Dramatic, but honestly, he wasn’t far off. We sat down to eat, and it was one of those rare moments where everyone—from picky kids to tired adults—agreed: this was a keeper.
Now, it’s my go-to for busy nights or when I want a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Bowtie Macaroni Crockpot Casserole Recipe?
- Effortless Comfort: It’s everything you love about a hearty casserole, but with way less effort.
- Crockpot Perfection: Toss it in, let it cook, and let the magic happen.
- Cheese, Cheese, Cheese: Did I mention cheese? Because it’s the star of the show here.
- Versatile Ingredients: Don’t have bowtie pasta? No problem. Want extra veggies? Toss them in.
- Kid-Approved: Even the spinach gets a pass when it’s buried under melty cheese.
Ingredient Notes:
Here’s why these ingredients come together so perfectly:
- Bowtie Pasta: Its unique shape holds onto the sauce and cheese, giving you the perfect bite every time.
- Ground Beef: Adds a rich, savory depth to the dish. Feel free to sub in turkey or plant-based crumbles.
- Spinach: Sneaks in some greens without anyone complaining. (Well, almost no one.)
- Tomato Sauce & Stewed Tomatoes: These bring a bright, tangy flavor that balances out the richness of the cheese.
- Italian Seasoning & Oregano: These spices are like a little sprinkle of Italy in your crockpot.
- Mozzarella & Parmesan: The dynamic duo of cheesy goodness. Enough said.
How To Make Bowtie Macaroni Crockpot Casserole?
This recipe is so simple, you might feel like you’re cheating—but the results? Pure culinary gold.
- Brown the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet with minced garlic and chopped onions. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, and the onions are soft. The smell alone will make your kitchen feel like a cozy Italian bistro. - Load It Up
Transfer the beef mixture into your crockpot. Add the tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Stir it all together, and don’t forget to taste as you go—you know, for “quality control.” - Cheesy Bliss
Stir in one cup of shredded mozzarella and the parmesan cheese. This is when things start to get exciting (and by exciting, I mean cheesy). - Let It Cook
Set your crockpot to low and let it do its thing for about 5-6 hours. The slow cooking process lets all those flavors meld together into pure perfection. - The Final Touch
About 30 minutes before serving, crank the heat to high. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, let it melt, and get ready for the ooey-gooey finale. - Serve It Up
Dish it out and dig in. Be prepared for everyone to ask for seconds—and thirds.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Just reheat and enjoy!
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to three months. Let them thaw overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble everything the night before, then cook it the next day for an effortless dinner.
Variations and Substitutions:
This casserole is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few ideas:
- Different Pasta: Swap the bowties for penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni.
- Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Cheese Swap: Try gouda, cheddar, or a mix of your favorites for a unique twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra veggies.
What to Serve with Bowtie Macaroni Crockpot Casserole?
This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can make it even better:
- Garlic Bread: Because carbs on carbs is never a bad idea.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp greens and tangy dressing balance out the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are perfect complements.
- Wine: A bold red like Merlot or Chianti pairs beautifully with the cheesy, tomato goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just chop it up and toss it in—it’ll wilt perfectly as it cooks.
Do I have to cook the pasta first?
Yes, cooking the pasta beforehand ensures it doesn’t turn mushy in the crockpot.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely, just make sure your crockpot is big enough to handle the extra ingredients.
So, what do you think? Ready to dive into a bowl of cheesy, pasta-filled happiness? This Bowtie Macaroni Crockpot Casserole is comfort food at its finest, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. Got a fun twist on the recipe? Let me know in the comments—I’m always up for trying something new!
<Remember it later>
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!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
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!
