Description
Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna packs all the hearty, comforting flavors of classic lasagna into a quick and easy weeknight bake. Tender bow tie pasta is tossed with a creamy blend of ground beef, tangy pasta sauce, and smooth cream cheese, then topped with gooey melted mozzarella for a lasagna-inspired casserole with minimal fuss. Perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings!
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- Water for boiling
- Salt for boiling water (optional)
Meat & Sauce Mixture
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 24 ounces pasta sauce (marinara or traditional tomato sauce)
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons milk
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Nonstick cooking spray (for the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil (add a pinch of salt if desired). Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Cook the Ground Beef: While the pasta cooks, place a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Combine Meat and Cream Cheese: Transfer the cooked ground beef to a large mixing bowl. Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add it to the bowl along with the milk and pasta sauce. Stir until everything is well combined and the cream cheese softens into the mixture.
- Add Pasta to Sauce: Pour the drained bow tie pasta into the beef and cheese mixture, stirring to coat the pasta thoroughly. Make sure everything is evenly combined for the richest flavor.
- Assemble the Casserole: Lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef or substitute with cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles.
- Try adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to increase nutrition and flavor.
- Use your favorite pasta sauce—marinara, tomato basil, or a chunky vegetable blend all work well.
- This dish reheats well, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 422
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 648mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 61mg