A hearty, comforting one-pot meal the whole family will love
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, slow-cooked pasta dish bubbling away in the kitchen. This Slow Cooker Cheesy Beef & Bowtie Pasta combines tender ground beef, rich tomato sauce, perfectly cooked farfalle pasta, and a generous sprinkle of herbs and melted cheese. It’s the kind of cozy meal that feels like a hug in a bowl — perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or relaxed weekend dinners.
The best part? It’s all made in one pot, which means minimal prep and easy cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✔️ Easy to prepare
- ✔️ Family-friendly
- ✔️ Hearty and filling
- ✔️ Perfect for meal prep
- ✔️ Freezer-friendly
This dish brings together classic Italian-inspired flavors in a simple, comforting way without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups uncooked bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 to 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh or dried parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Combine in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
4. Add the Pasta
Stir in the uncooked bowtie pasta. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally if possible to prevent sticking.
5. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until melted.
6. Garnish & Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of parsley or extra Italian seasoning for added flavor and color. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Check it around the 20-minute mark to avoid mushy texture.
- Add vegetables. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.
- Make it spicy. Add red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Creamy variation. Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese before serving for extra richness.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (note: pasta texture may soften slightly).
Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
What to Serve With It
- Garlic bread
- Side salad with balsamic dressing
- Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables