Bowtie Macaroni Crockpot Casserole

Here is a recipe for the ultimate in comfort food. It is warm, comforting and more than delicious. This is a version of a lasagna recipe that I have. The big difference is that it is made in the crockpot. After a long day at work, you can come home to the tantalizing smell of lasagna cooking.

Lasagna is one of those meals that I have always been terrified of. The layering of each ingredient, yep, I would likely forget some of the ingredients in one of the layers. Finding this recipe was literally a God’s sent gift.

I absolutely love lasagna and the family is constantly asking for it. I will not lie, I convince them to go out to eat when they want lasagna. Not anymore though. Success is mine! I can finally make them one of my family’s favorite meals. We even save money in the budget since I do not have to go out for lasagna anymore.

Bowtie Macaroni Crockpot Casserole is made with the ingredients that are already in your pantry. If not, you can substitute easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

            Can I use elbow macaroni?

                        You could very easily use elbow macaroni. However, since this is a lasagna dish, the wider noodles work best. I would suggest wide egg noodles or even lasagna noodles broken up into larger pieces.

            Do I need to use stewed tomatoes?

                        You can easily substitute these out for Italian stewed tomatoes, or even plain diced tomatoes.

            Can I substitute a jar of ready made spaghetti sauce?

                        To make it an even easier meal to make, you can substitute pre-made spaghetti sauce. You would need to eliminate the tomato sauce and the Italian seasoning, and oregano. I usually add these seasonings back in because I like more of the Italian taste. Please remember, homemade always tastes better.

            Can I freeze leftovers?

                        If there are any leftovers and you do not believe the family will eat it within a day or two, this amazing comfort food can be stored in the freezer, in an airtight container for up to 30 days.

What ingredients do you need for Bowtie Macaroni Crockpot Casserole

Bowtie pasta 

Ground beef

Garlic

Onion

Spinach

Tomato sauce (can make substitution with Spaghetti Sauce)

Stewed tomatoes

Italian Seasoning

Oregano

Pepper and salt

Parmesan cheese

Shredded mozzarella cheese

How to make Bowtie Macaroni Crockpot Casserole

First Step:

Brown the ground beef with the garlic and onion. Cook until beef is cooked and onions are slightly translucent.

Second Step:

Place in the crockpot and add in the tomatoes, sauce and both seasonings

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b)

c)

d)

e)

Third Step:

Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the parmesan cheese.

a)

b)

c)

d)

Fourth Step:

Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours

a)

b)

During the last 30 minutes, turn heat to high and sprinkle the last ½ cup mozzarella cheese on top and let it melt.

YUM!