Skillet Lasagna

Create a delicious and easy skillet lasagna recipe featuring layers of seasoned meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan meal is customizable, quick to make, and family-approved.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• ½ lb. ground beef
• ½ lb. ground sausage
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 16 oz. tomato sauce

For the Cheese and Pasta:

• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 2 ½ cups low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ lb. Campanelle pasta (or substitute with bowtie pasta)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Set your oven to 500°F.
2. Cook the Meat:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef and sausage. Add the diced onion halfway through cooking and sauté until softened. Drain excess grease.
3. Add Garlic and Seasonings:
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Mix in the salt, oregano, basil, tomato paste, and flour (if using). Stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Make the Sauce:
   • Pour in the beef broth and use a silicone spatula to scrape any browned bits from the bottom and sides of the skillet. Stir in the tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce to a gentle simmer and let it cook while preparing the pasta.
5. Incorporate Ricotta Cheese:
   • Mix the ricotta cheese into the sauce until fully combined.
6. Cook the Pasta:
   • In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 10 minutes. Drain the pasta.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce until well-coated. If your skillet is oven-safe, proceed with the next step directly in the skillet. Otherwise, transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
8. Bake:
   • Top the pasta and sauce mixture with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Keep a close eye to prevent over-browning.
9. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Convenience: This dish combines the ease of skillet cooking with the comfort of a baked lasagna.
• Rich and Flavorful: Layers of seasoned meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella create a restaurant-quality meal.
• Customizable: Use your favorite pasta or swap proteins to suit your preferences.
• Family-Friendly: A hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Tips

• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Shredding your own mozzarella yields creamier results.
• Prevent Overcooking: Keep an eye on the skillet in the oven to ensure the cheese melts without burning.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce and pasta ahead of time, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Variations and Substitutions

• Meat Options: Replace ground beef and sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie-packed dish.
• Cheese: Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a thickening agent like cornstarch instead of flour.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

• Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta shape works well in this dish.

How do I store leftovers?

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I freeze this dish?

• Absolutely. Assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks.
• Add a crisp Caesar or garden salad for a balanced meal.
• Pair with roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus for extra nutrition.

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This skillet lasagna recipe is a quick and satisfying twist on the classic dish, perfect for any night of the week!