Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna with Cream Cheese and Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

This Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna is a comforting and easy twist on traditional lasagna. Combining creamy cheese, savory ground beef, and rich pasta sauce all tossed with bow tie pasta makes for a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 pound bow tie pasta
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 24 ounces pasta sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stove. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
3. Step 3: While the pasta cooks, heat a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cream cheese cut into chunks, milk, and pasta sauce. Stir well until the cream cheese is fully mixed and the sauce is smooth.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the beef and sauce mixture. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
6. Step 6: Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked mushrooms or lentils.
• Try adding Italian seasoning or fresh basil to the sauce for extra flavor.
• Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat content without sacrificing taste.
• If you like a crispy top, broil the lasagna for 2-3 minutes after baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual servings or warm in a 350-degree oven until heated through. This pasta dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape that holds sauce well, like penne or rotini, works great as a substitute for bow tie pasta.

Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Absolutely. After baking and cooling, freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in the oven.

Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna with Cream Cheese and Ground Beef Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 103 reviews

This Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna is a comforting and easy-to-make casserole that combines cooked bowtie pasta with creamy cream cheese, flavorful ground beef, rich pasta sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s a delightful twist on traditional lasagna that comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight meal.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 pound bowtie pasta

Dairy Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Meat

• 1/2 pound ground beef

Other

• 24 ounces pasta sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the pasta casserole later.
2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil over the stove. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the water and return the pasta to the pot.
3. Cook Ground Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a medium skillet on medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking it apart as it browns. Once done, carefully drain off the excess grease from the skillet.
4. Prepare Creamy Beef Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked ground beef. Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add it to the bowl, then pour in the milk and the pasta sauce. Mix everything well until the cream cheese has fully combined with the beef and sauce, creating a creamy mixture.
5. Combine Pasta and Mixture: Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the bowl with the beef and cream cheese mixture. Stir gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and cheese mixture.
6. Assemble Dish: Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture in the baking dish.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• Be sure to not overcook the pasta; it should be al dente as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• If you want a richer dish, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese along with the mozzarella before baking.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving to allow it to set.
• Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

Keywords: bow tie pasta lasagna, baked pasta casserole, creamy pasta bake, ground beef pasta, mozzarella pasta bake