Bow Tie Bake
Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner with this irresistible Bow Tie Bake, a comforting casserole bursting with rich Italian flavors. Featuring tender bow tie pasta (farfalle) tossed in a hearty homemade meat sauce made with ground beef, crushed tomatoes, and savory Italian seasoning, this dish is layered with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan cheese for the ultimate cheesy indulgence. Quick to prepare and oven-baked to golden perfection, it’s the perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Garnished with fresh basil for a fragrant finish, this family-friendly pasta bake is as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. Ideal for meal prep or serving a crowd, this recipe guarantees everyone will be reaching for seconds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix until well coated.
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan over the layer.
Top with the remaining pasta mixture, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped basil, if desired, before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3841 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 187.6 g | 241% | |
| Saturated Fat | 88.1 g | 440% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 652 mg | 217% | |
| Sodium | 5235 mg | 228% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 333.7 g | 121% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.3 g | 90% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.7 g | ||
| Protein | 228.8 g | 458% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 3397 mg | 261% | |
| Iron | 20.5 mg | 114% | |
| Potassium | 3959 mg | 84% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
