Skillet Lasagna

Skillet Lasagna: A Quick and Easy Twist on a Classic Dish

Lasagna is a beloved comfort food, but the traditional version can be time-consuming to prepare. Enter Skillet Lasagna, a quicker, easier alternative that delivers all the rich, savory flavors you love without the hassle. This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. With tender bow-tie pasta, flavorful ground beef, and a creamy ricotta mixture, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Skillet Lasagna:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
• 3 teaspoons onion powder
• 24 oz pasta sauce
• 12 oz bow-tie pasta, uncooked
• 2 cups water
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

1. Brown the Beef:
   In a large skillet, combine 2 lbs of ground beef, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 3 teaspoons of onion powder. Cook over medium heat until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.

2. Prepare the Pasta

1. Combine Ingredients:
   Return the cooked beef to the skillet and add 24 oz of pasta sauce, 12 oz of uncooked bow-tie pasta, and 2 cups of water. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 17-20 minutes, or until the pasta is fully cooked and tender.

3. Make the Ricotta Mixture

1. Mix the Ingredients:
   While the pasta is cooking, prepare the ricotta mixture. In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup of ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach, ½ cup of chopped fresh basil, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, the remaining 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.

4. Assemble and Finish the Lasagna

1. Add the Ricotta Mixture:
   Once the pasta is cooked, scoop large dollops of the ricotta mixture on top of the pasta in the skillet. Spread the dollops evenly across the surface.
2. Finish Cooking:
   Cover the skillet again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese mixture to set and meld with the pasta.

Serving and Storage

1. Serve:
   Serve the skillet lasagna hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal.
2. Storage:
   Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick and delicious meal.

Conclusion

This Skillet Lasagna is a fantastic way to enjoy the comforting flavors of lasagna without the time and effort of layering and baking. The combination of tender pasta, savory beef, and creamy ricotta makes for a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal in a hurry, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

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