Simple Skillet Lasagna: A Weeknight Dinner Dream
Intro
Hey there! Looking for a dinner that’s super tasty but won’t keep you in the kitchen all night? I’ve got just the thing for you. This skillet lasagna is a game changer. It’s got all the comfort of traditional lasagna but made way easier. You get that cheesy, saucy goodness without all the layering hassle. Perfect for busy weeknights when you just want something delicious and satisfying. Let’s make some dinner magic!
Ingredients Needed
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 no boil lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Step By Step Making
- First, grab a large skillet or Dutch oven. Put it over medium high heat. Add your ground meat and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s all browned. If you’re using ground beef, drain off any extra grease.
- Next, add the chopped onion to the skillet with the meat. Cook it for about 5 minutes, until it starts to get soft and see through. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells amazing.
- Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir everything together. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Give it another good stir to mix all those yummy flavors.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer. Once it’s bubbling gently, add the broken pieces of lasagna noodles to the skillet. Push them down into the sauce so they are mostly covered.
- Cover the skillet with a lid. Lower the heat to medium low and let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. You want the noodles to get tender. Stir it every now and then to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.
- While the noodles are cooking, let’s get the ricotta mixture ready. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, the egg, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it’s all combined nicely.
- Once the noodles are tender, it’s time for the cheese. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture all over the top of the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the ricotta.
- Put the lid back on the skillet. Let it cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the mozzarella is all melted and gooey. You can even turn on the broiler for the last minute or two if you like your cheese a little browned and bubbly on top, but watch it closely!
- Carefully take the skillet off the heat. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set up a bit. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you like. Serve it up hot and enjoy your delicious, easy dinner! It’s a meal that feels like a big hug, similar to how a Savory Chicken and Broccoli Casserole might make you feel.
Nutritional Value
This recipe is a good source of protein and can be a satisfying meal. A serving typically contains around 500 600 calories, about 30 40 grams of protein, and 30 40 grams of carbohydrates. These numbers can change a bit depending on the exact ingredients you use, like the type of meat and how much cheese you add.
Health Benefits
This skillet lasagna offers a few health benefits. The lean ground meat provides essential protein, which is vital for building and repairing tissues in your body. Tomatoes are packed with antioxidants like lycopene, known for supporting heart health. Ricotta cheese contributes calcium for strong bones. While it’s a comfort food, making smart choices with leaner meats and watching portion sizes can make it a balanced part of your diet. You can also add extra veggies like spinach or zucchini into the sauce for an added nutrient boost. For more wholesome dinner ideas, check out pezni.
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by pezni for general informational purposes only.