Cheesy Beef Bowtie Casserole
Indulge in our Cheesy Beef Bowtie Casserole, a delightful fusion of rich flavors and textures. This hearty dish features al dente bowtie pasta enveloped in a creamy cottage cheese filling, layered with tender ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and savory tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this recipe comes together easily and is sure to become a favorite at your table. Enjoy the comforting taste of melted cheese and seasoned beef, all baked to perfection and served hot from the oven.
6
Servings
450
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
bow tie or farfalle pasta
5 ounces (uncooked)
cream-style cottage cheese
1 1/2 cups (none)
cream cheese
3 ounces (softened)
egg
1 (beaten)
oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (none)
chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup (none)
lean ground beef
1 pound (none)
tomato sauce
16 ounces (canned)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried marjoram or savory
1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 10x6-inch baking dish.
2
In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, and beaten egg. Mix until smooth and fluffy, and set aside.
4
In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they are softened and the onion becomes translucent.
5
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
6
Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, crushed marjoram or savory, and black pepper into the beef mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
7
Combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture, stirring until well incorporated.
8
Layer half of the pasta and beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture over this layer, ensuring it covers all of it.
9
Top with the remaining pasta and beef mixture, smoothing it out evenly. Finish by sprinkling the parmesan cheese over the top.
10
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes or until the casserole is heated through and bubbling at the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool briefly before serving.
Nutrition Information
23g
Fat
35g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Beef Bowtie Casserole?
It is a hearty dish featuring al dente bowtie pasta, a creamy cottage cheese filling, ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and tomato sauce, topped with parmesan cheese and baked.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 5 ounces of uncooked bow tie or farfalle pasta.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole should be baked for approximately 40 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
What vegetables are included in the beef mixture?
The recipe includes 1/2 cup of chopped onion and 1/4 cup of chopped green bell pepper.
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?
Yes, you should cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente before assembling the casserole.
What goes into the creamy cheese layer?
The cheese layer consists of a mixture of cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, and one beaten egg.
Is the ground beef drained after browning?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat from the skillet after browning the beef.
What spices are used to season the beef?
The beef is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and crushed dried marjoram or savory.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 10x6-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
No, the instructions specify to bake the casserole uncovered.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 23g of fat.
How much protein is in this dish?
This casserole provides 30g of protein per serving.
Can I use a substitute for marjoram?
Yes, the recipe suggests using savory as an alternative to marjoram.
What kind of tomato sauce should I use?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of canned tomato sauce.
Is there an egg in this recipe?
Yes, one beaten egg is used to bind and fluff the cottage cheese and cream cheese mixture.
How much cream cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 3 ounces of softened cream cheese.
What is the purpose of the parmesan cheese?
The freshly grated parmesan cheese is used as a topping to be sprinkled over the casserole before baking.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 35g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use different types of oil for sautéing?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of oil, which can be any standard cooking oil of your choice.
What is the preparation for the onion and bell pepper?
Both the onion and the green bell pepper should be chopped before being sautéed.
Does the recipe use lean ground beef?
Yes, the recipe specifically lists 1 pound of lean ground beef.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
The casserole is done when it is heated through and bubbling at the edges.
Can I substitute the cottage cheese?
While the recipe calls for cream-style cottage cheese, some users might substitute ricotta, though it will change the texture slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, casseroles like this are excellent for reheating and can be made in advance.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include casserole, cheesy, beef, pasta, comfort food, family meal, baked dishes, and easy dinner.
How much salt is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is the cream cheese supposed to be cold?
No, it should be softened to ensure it mixes smoothly with the cottage cheese and egg.
Should I let the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, the instructions recommend letting it cool briefly after removing it from the oven.