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Cheesy Bowtie Casserole with Italian Ground Beef

A simple, hearty casserole with bowtie pasta, Italian ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for busy weeknight dinners and family meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Cheese
  • 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed — or 8 oz cream cheese + 1 cup shredded cheddar For a cleaner label
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Plus extra for topping
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Optional, for topping
Meat and Vegetables
  • 1 lb Italian-seasoned ground beef Or 90% lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
  • 1 jar marinara sauce 24 oz / 680 g, or homemade
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Optional, for heat
Optional Add-Ins/Garnishes
  • 2 cups fresh spinach Or other vegetables like mushrooms, bell pepper, or zucchini
  • chopped fresh parsley or basil For garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) if you plan to bake for a browned top.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente (about 8–11 minutes), reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add Italian ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  5. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  6. Pour in marinara sauce and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
  7. Reduce heat and stir in Velveeta (or cream cheese and cheddar) until melted.
  8. Add drained bowtie pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  9. Transfer mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
  10. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. For a crust, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
  11. Let rest for 3–5 minutes, garnish with parsley or basil, and serve hot.
Quick Stovetop Option
  1. Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese and serve without baking.

Notes

For healthier options, substitute lean protein or vegetable add-ins; for gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days or freeze for longer.