Introduction

This easy bow tie pasta lasagna is a comforting, cheesy dish that brings the flavors of a classic lasagna with less fuss. Combining tender pasta, creamy cheese, and savory ground beef, it’s perfect for a simple family dinner.

A white oval baking dish filled with a baked pasta dish consisting of three visible layers: a bottom layer of reddish-orange sauce mixed with bow-tie pasta, a middle layer of the same pasta coated in sauce, and a top layer of melted, light beige cheese sprinkled with black pepper. A scoop is taken out from one side showing the textured pasta and sauce inside. Nearby, a white plate holds a serving of the same pasta with sauce and a silver fork resting on the edge. The setting is on a white marbled surface, accompanied by a small glass bowl with herbs and a blue and white striped cloth napkin. A large metal serving spoon with some pasta residue lies next to the baking dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound bow tie pasta
8 ounces cream cheese
2 tablespoons milk
½ pound ground beef
24 ounces pasta sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Step 3: While the pasta cooks, heat a medium skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
Step 4: Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot.
Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cream cheese cut into chunks, milk, and pasta sauce. Mix well until the cream cheese is fully incorporated.
Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the ground beef and cream cheese mixture, stirring to combine evenly.
Step 7: Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and pour the pasta mixture into it.
Step 8: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add chopped garlic or Italian seasoning to the beef while cooking.
Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Use part-skim mozzarella cheese to reduce fat content without sacrificing meltiness.
Mix in some sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover pasta lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

The image shows a white round baking dish filled with a baked pasta casserole. The bottom layer is made of orange-red bowtie pasta mixed with a meat or tomato sauce. The top layer is covered with melted white cheese, sprinkled with black pepper, creating a smooth, creamy texture over the pasta. A portion is scooped out on the left side, revealing the sauce beneath the cheese. Nearby, a white bowl holds a serving of the same pasta dish, and above it, a small clear bowl contains green fresh herbs. The background is a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells works well and will hold the sauce nicely.

Do I need to cook the pasta before baking?

Yes, cooking the pasta beforehand ensures it has the right texture and fully absorbs the sauce during baking.

Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 107 reviews

This Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna combines tender bowtie pasta with a creamy mixture of ground beef, cream cheese, and pasta sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a simple, comforting casserole perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, delivering hearty flavors with an easy baking process.

Author: Dylan
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

Pasta

1 pound bowtie pasta

Cheese Mixture

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

Meat and Sauce

1/2 pound ground beef
24 ounces pasta sauce

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking later.
Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, then drain and return to the pot.
Cook Ground Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a medium skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked ground beef. Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add it to the bowl along with the milk and pasta sauce. Mix well until the cream cheese is fully blended with the ground beef and sauce.
Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the bowl with the meat and cheese mixture and stir to thoroughly combine all ingredients.
Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the pasta mixture evenly into the dish.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the pasta mixture.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef to make it leaner.
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the mixture for extra nutrition.
Use low-fat cream cheese or part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat content.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Make sure to not overcook the pasta during boiling as it will continue to cook during baking.

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