A Quick and Tasty Skillet Lasagna Delight
Are you looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea that doesn't compromise on taste? Look no further than this easy, indulgent - tasting skillet lasagna. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a mouth - watering meal that the whole family will love. Whether you prefer extra - lean ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken breast, this recipe is versatile and adaptable to your dietary preferences.
First things first, gather your ingredients. You'll need some extra - lean ground meat of your choice. This is the base of our lasagna, providing the protein and rich flavor. Along with the meat, you'll require a jar of your favorite pasta sauce. Opt for a sauce with a robust flavor, perhaps one with added herbs and spices to enhance the taste of the lasagna. You'll also need some uncooked lasagna noodles. These will cook right in the skillet, eliminating the need for pre - boiling and saving you time.
For the cheese, a combination of mozzarella and ricotta is ideal. Mozzarella will give that classic stretchy, cheesy goodness on top, while ricotta adds a creamy and rich texture to the layers. A bit of grated Parmesan cheese can also be sprinkled on top for an extra depth of flavor. Additionally, you'll need some garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to season the meat and sauce.
Now, let's start cooking. Heat a large skillet over medium - high heat. Add the ground meat to the skillet and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. As the meat starts to brown, sprinkle in some garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Once the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Next, pour in the pasta sauce and stir it into the cooked meat. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. While the sauce is simmering, break the uncooked lasagna noodles into smaller pieces. This will make them fit better in the skillet and cook more evenly. Add the broken noodles to the skillet, pressing them down gently into the sauce so that they are partially submerged.
Pour a little water over the noodles. The water will help the noodles cook through as the lasagna bakes. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 10 - 12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
Once the noodles are cooked, it's time to add the cheese. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the top of the meat and noodle mixture. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top. If you have some grated Parmesan, sprinkle that on as well. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt for a few minutes, until it's all gooey and delicious.
When the cheese is melted, your skillet lasagna is ready to be served. You can garnish it with some fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and an extra burst of flavor. This skillet lasagna is not only quick and easy to make, but it's also a great way to use up some common pantry staples. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen but still want a satisfying meal.
Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or having friends over, this skillet lasagna is sure to be a hit. The combination of the savory meat, tangy sauce, tender noodles, and creamy cheese creates a symphony of flavors in every bite. So, the next time you're in a dinner rut, give this easy skillet lasagna recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!