Bow Tie Italian Casserole
A hearty and cheesy pasta casserole featuring bow tie pasta, savory beef, pepperoni, and a blend of cheeses, perfect for satisfying family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 oz. bow tie pasta ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can pizza sauce
- 1 small can mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 (8 oz.) pkg. sliced pepperoni ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced dry onion ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1 c. cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook bow tie pasta; drain and set aside.
- Cook ground beef; drain off fat.
- Add Italian seasoning, pizza sauce, minced dry onion, and drained mushrooms to the cooked beef.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix with cottage cheese.
- In a 12 x 9-inch baking pan, layer half of the cooked pasta, then half of the cottage cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle with half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Layer half of the sliced pepperoni (if using).
- Add half of the cooked meat mixture.
- Top with half of the shredded Mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Repeat the layers: remaining pasta, cottage cheese mixture, Parmesan cheese, pepperoni, and meat mixture.
- Finish with the remaining Mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted and casserole is heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef and use whole wheat bow tie pasta. You can also replace cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture. If you want to add more veggies, consider incorporating diced bell peppers or spinach into the meat mixture. For an extra kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Bow Tie Italian Casserole with a side salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette for a complete meal. Garlic bread or breadsticks make excellent accompaniments to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Family Style Lasagna for a hearty Italian feast or can be enjoyed on its own for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes until warm. This casserole also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bow Tie Italian Casserole contains roughly 808 calories, with 32g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (64% of the Daily Value), calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1288mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just prepare it up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven, and adjust the baking time as needed.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack can be great alternatives. Just ensure that the total quantity remains the same for the best texture and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this casserole freezes very well. To freeze, cool the assembled dish completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label it with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).