Crockpot Bowtie Casserole

I like using bowtie pasta here because the little folds and ridges catch plenty of sauce while still holding their shape. Every scoop has a good mix of pasta, beef, tomato sauce, and creamy melted cheese.

This is a useful recipe for busy days when you want something substantial without having a casserole baking in the oven right before dinner. Brown the beef, build the sauce in the crockpot, and add the pasta toward the end.

The timing of the pasta matters. Adding it later keeps those bowties tender instead of letting them turn overly soft during several hours of slow cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is one of those slow cooker dinners that feels familiar and comforting without requiring much attention. The beef and tomato sauce have plenty of time to cook together and develop a rich, savory flavor.

Adding the pasta near the end gives you much better texture than cooking it for the entire slow-cooker time. The bowties stay recognizable and hold onto plenty of sauce.

And the final layer of mozzarella turns the whole thing into proper casserole-style comfort food. Once it melts, dinner can go straight from the crockpot to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need simple pasta-night ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Bowtie pasta
• Marinara sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper

How To Make Crockpot Bowtie Casserole

Step 1: Add the ground beef and diced onion to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the beef is completely browned and the onion has softened, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.

Step 2: Drain the excess grease, then stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 3: Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then stir everything together.

Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, giving the beef and tomato sauce time to cook together.

Step 5: About 30 minutes before serving, cook the bowtie pasta separately in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain thoroughly.

Step 6: Stir the cooked bowtie pasta into the slow cooker, followed by the ricotta, Parmesan, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Fold everything together gently until the pasta is generously coated.

Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the surface. Cover and cook on LOW for another 15–20 minutes, just until the cheese is completely melted.

Step 8: Turn off the slow cooker and let the casserole rest uncovered for about 5 minutes before serving. The sauce will settle slightly and cling nicely to the bowties.

Common Questions About Crockpot Bowtie Casserole

Can I Put Uncooked Pasta Directly In The Crockpot?

You can with some recipes, but cooking the bowties separately gives you much more reliable results. Pasta can quickly become overly soft when cooked directly in a slow cooker.

What Is Another Name For Bowtie Pasta?

Bowtie pasta is also called farfalle. Either name on the package is exactly what you’re looking for.

Can I Make This Ahead?

Yes. Prepare the beef and tomato sauce ahead and refrigerate it. Add freshly cooked pasta and the cheeses closer to serving.

Can I Use Cottage Cheese Instead Of Ricotta?

Absolutely. Cottage cheese gives the casserole a slightly different texture but works well as an easy substitute.

Why Is My Pasta Mushy?

It was probably overcooked before being added to the crockpot or left in the hot sauce too long. Cook the bowties just shy of al dente.

Can I Use Another Pasta Shape?

Yes. Penne, rotini, or medium shells can all work. Choose a sturdy pasta shape that holds up well in a thick meat sauce.

Crockpot Bowtie Casserole Variations

Sausage Bowtie Casserole

Replace some or all of the ground beef with Italian-style sausage for a more strongly seasoned meat sauce.

Extra-Cheesy Bowtie Casserole

Increase the mozzarella and Parmesan slightly for a thicker layer of melted cheese.

Mushroom Bowtie Casserole

Cook sliced mushrooms with the beef and onion until their excess moisture has evaporated.

Spinach Bowtie Casserole

Fold chopped spinach into the hot sauce shortly before adding the pasta and cheese.

Beef And Pepper Bowtie Casserole

Cook diced bell pepper with the onion for a little extra sweetness and texture.

Storing Crockpot Bowtie Casserole

Let leftovers cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours. They’ll keep for about 3–4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave until thoroughly hot. If the pasta has absorbed a lot of sauce overnight, add a spoonful of marinara before reheating.

What To Serve With Crockpot Bowtie Casserole

• Garlic bread: Crisp, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the extra tomato and cheese sauce.
• Green salad: A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette gives you something fresh alongside the hearty pasta.
• Roasted broccoli: Crisp-edged broccoli adds a nice vegetable contrast to the cheesy casserole.
• Green beans: Simply cooked green beans keep the rest of dinner easy and familiar.
• Roasted zucchini: Zucchini works especially well with the tomato, garlic, and Italian seasoning in the casserole.
• Dinner rolls: Soft warm rolls are another easy option when you’re feeding a larger group.

Don’t add the bowtie pasta at the beginning of the slow-cooker time. Waiting until the sauce is ready and adding nearly cooked pasta at the end keeps the texture much better.

And once the mozzarella has melted, there’s no reason to keep cooking. Serve the casserole fairly soon so those bowties stay tender without becoming overly soft.