Get ready to transform your dinner table with a mouthwatering Italian classic that combines the perfect blend of hearty pasta, savory ground beef, and melted cheese. This Italian Bow Tie Bake is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that will have your family begging for seconds and your dinner guests asking for the recipe. With its rich marinara sauce, perfectly cooked bow tie pasta, and a golden, cheesy top, this dish promises to be the star of your dining repertoire.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz bow tie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz of bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 lb of ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the jar of marinara sauce to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained bow tie pasta with the beef and marinara mixture. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and mix well until the pasta is evenly coated.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta.
- Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top of the cheese, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This will help the cheese melt and the flavors to combine.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set a bit.
- Serve the Italian Bow Tie Bake warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use high-quality marinara sauce or consider making your own from scratch.
- Don't overcook the pasta—aim for al dente to prevent a mushy texture in the final dish.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Use fresh mozzarella and Parmesan for a more authentic and rich flavor profile.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help the layers set and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Experiment with adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an extra burst of Italian flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
