Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Skillet Lasagna


I have been seeing skillet everything for a while now.  Most of them involve a cast iron skillet.  I don't have one.

Hint, hint. Cough, cough.  My birthday is coming up.

Thus, I have been holding off on attempting any of these delicious creations.  Finally I decided I was tired of waiting.


I love lasagna.  It was one of those things I requested at home every break from college.  I don't make it regularly myself because well it makes a ton of food, a ton of dishes, and it takes a long time to make.  Definitely not ideal for a work day meal.


But then came the skillet lasagna.  It still makes a ton of food but you do everything in one pan and the cook time is only about 30 minutes.  Super easy.


First off you cook the onions, garlic and green peppers.  Then, you add in the meat to brown.


Followed by the pasta layer. I picked bow tie. I don't get why you would buy lasagna noodles to break them up.  Bow tie was on sale for $1 per box. They are exactly like mini lasagna pieces.  Topped with diced tomatoes and sauce.  Put the lid on and simmer for 20 minutes.

I was skeptical that the pasta would cook enough with the minimal liquids.  I basically stood hovering over the dish for the whole twenty minutes.


It was a long wait.  When the timer finally chimed off, I quickly took of the lid to sample the pasta.  Perfect. I don't know if I got lucky or what but the pasta was just past al dente.


The recipe calls for ricotta which I used sparingly since Mr. J hates ricotta. I added fresh mozzarella.  He didn't notice the ricotta and I was a bit peeved I didn't add more.  I love the extra cheesiness.


With the cheese added, you put the lid back on to soften everything up for about 5 minutes. 


Not bad for a Monday night dinner.  I had a cutting board, knife, and large spoon to clean in addition to the skillet. 

I am still working on the ton of food part.  We ate about 1/4 of this dish.  Let's just say I planned to have plenty available for lunch the rest of the week.


Skillet Lasagna

by Emily Morris
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Keywords: saute entree Italian



Ingredients (serves 4)
  • 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, minced
  • 1 small green pepper, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage
  • 10 lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 8-oz can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
Add the diced tomatoes along with their juice to a 1 quart (4 cup) measuring cup. Add enough water to bring the volume to 1 quart total.

Set a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the oil. When it starts to shimmer, add the onion, green pepper and the salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion begins to brown, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and red pepper and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the meat, using a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook until the meat is browned.

Add the broken noodles to the pan, but do not stir - just let them sit on top of the onion/meat mixture. Pour the tomato/water mixture and the tomato sauce over the noodles (again, don't stir). Cover the pan and bring the liquid to a simmer. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook, now stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender (about 20 minutes).

Turn off the heat under the pan. Stir in 1/2 cup of the Parmesan and season to taste with salt and pepper. Drop the ricotta by heaping spoonfuls onto the top of the lasagna (don't stir to incorporate), then cover and let stand for about 5 minutes to allow the cheese to soften. Remove the cover and sprinkle with the basil and remaining Parmesan.
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12 comments:

  1. I've been wanting to try skillet lasagna for awhile! It looks great!

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    Replies
    1. Try it! I would recommend more veggies and more cheese - less meat.

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  2. Looks great. If I'm making the original, it has to be a Sunday project but I'm always in the market for easier, weeknight meals.

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  3. That sounds so delicious! There's just something so warm and comforting about your table setting for two :)

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    Replies
    1. Haha, I always laugh that we have a table for four but my husband insists on sitting at the end by me. We have a lot of leg knocking during dinner.

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  4. That looks so delicious and perfect for the rainy weather we're having here. You must get a cast-iron skillet, though--there's just something about them that makes foods like this even better. It would be a perfect birthday gift.

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    Replies
    1. I think so too. I hope my husband sees this.

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  5. This is a great weeknight meal, especially with all of that cheese!!

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  6. I love lasagna, but hate the mess...what a quick, yummy option!

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  7. This looks so yummy! I really can't wait to try it!

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  8. This looks super easy and yummy!

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