20 Minute Pasta Bake Recipe

Ready in under 30 minutes! This incredibly easy one-pan pasta bake is a weeknight lifesaver. Packed with flavor and cheesy goodness, it's the perfect comfort food for busy families. Minimal cleanup too!

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Calories 501.9 kcal
Protein 66g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
20 Minute Pasta Bake 58

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for 20 Minute Pasta Bake

  • Ziti Pasta
  • Lean Ground Beef
  • Pasta Sauce
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Mozzarella Cheese

How to Make 20 Minute Pasta Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Cook 1 pound of pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. While pasta cooks, brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium-high heat in a large oven-safe skillet. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Stir in 1 (24 ounce) jar of your favorite pasta sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder into the skillet with the cooked ground beef.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
  8. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

28 g

Sugar

22g

Fat

43g

Carbs

16g