Introduction
Oh, the comfort of lasagna! That cheesy, saucy, pasta goodness that just screams “home.” But let’s be honest, sometimes the thought of all those layers and dishes can be a bit daunting, especially after a long day. That’s where this Lazy Lasagna Skillet comes in, my friends! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, delivering all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna without any of the fuss. Seriously, it’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Ready in about 30-40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Easy: Minimal prep and just one skillet means less cleanup. What’s not to love?
- Giftable: Make a batch and surprise a neighbor or friend. It’s a thoughtful and delicious present.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike adore this comforting classic. It’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering!
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze for this one! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base for our delicious skillet.
- 1 jar marinara or pasta sauce: Your favorite jarred sauce is our shortcut to amazing flavor.
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta: These little tubes are perfect for holding onto all that yummy sauce.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: For that creamy, dreamy lasagna texture.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Because what’s lasagna without gooey, melted mozzarella?
- 1 chopped onion: Adds a sweet, savory depth.
- 1 tbsp minced garlic: The essential aromatic that brings everything to life.
- ½ tsp salt: To enhance all the flavors.
- ½ tsp black pepper: For a little kick.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A classic blend that tastes like pure Italian sunshine.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a touch of color and warmth.
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes: Optional, but I love a little bit of heat!
- Shredded Parmesan cheese: For that extra layer of salty, nutty deliciousness on top.
- Dried parsley flakes: For a pretty, fresh finish.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s truly as simple as it sounds.
- Brown the beef: Grab a large skillet and pop it over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and cook it up until it’s nicely browned. Once it’s all cooked through, drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the aromatics: Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them with the beef for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is nice and soft.
- Sauce it up: Now for the magic! Stir in the jar of marinara or pasta sauce. Then add the rigatoni pasta, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and those red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Give it all a good stir to combine everything.
- Simmer and soften: Bring the whole mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, pop a lid on the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remember to stir it every now and then to make sure nothing sticks and the pasta cooks evenly until it’s tender.
- Dollop the ricotta: Once the pasta is cooked, remove the lid. Take spoonfuls of that lovely ricotta cheese and dot them all over the top of the pasta mixture. It looks so pretty and promises that creamy goodness in every bite.
- Get cheesy: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and that wonderful Parmesan cheese evenly over the ricotta. Oh yes, we’re going all out on the cheese!
- Melt that cheese: Cover the skillet again and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes. You just want to give that cheese time to get all melty and bubbly. The aroma at this point is just heavenly!
- Garnish and serve: Finally, take off the lid and sprinkle some dried parsley flakes over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it hot right out of the skillet. Enjoy your delicious, effortless Lazy Lasagna Skillet!
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is super forgiving, so feel free to play around with it! Here are a few ideas:
- Veggie Power: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the onion for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Different Pasta: While rigatoni is great, you can also use penne, rotini, or even broken spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
- Creamier Ricotta: For an even creamier texture, you can stir a tablespoon or two of milk or heavy cream into the ricotta before dolloping it.
- Spice it Up: If you love a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
- Italian Sausage: Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage (sweet or hot!) for a richer, more complex flavor.
Tips for Success
Here are a few pointers to ensure your Lazy Lasagna Skillet turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta during the simmering stage. You want it tender, but not mushy. It will continue to cook a bit under the cheese.
- Stir Occasionally: This prevents the pasta and sauce from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Adjust Liquid: If your sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to help the pasta cook.
- Prep Ahead: You can chop your onion and mince your garlic ahead of time to save even more minutes during the week.
- Skillet Size: Make sure you’re using a large enough skillet that can accommodate all the ingredients comfortably. A 10-12 inch oven-safe skillet is usually ideal if you want to finish it under the broiler for extra bubbly cheese.
How to Store It
Leftovers are a delicious reality with this skillet! Once cooled, spoon any extra into an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until warm, or gently warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems a little dry.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can easily omit the ground beef and perhaps add some sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for extra heartiness. You might want to add a bit more seasoning to compensate for the lack of meat flavor.
Q: Do I need an oven-safe skillet?
A: Not necessarily! The recipe as written is completed on the stovetop. However, if you prefer your cheese extra melty and slightly browned, you can finish it under the broiler in an oven-safe skillet for a few minutes. Just keep a very close eye on it!
Q: Can I freeze this?
A: Yes, you can! Let the skillet cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It should last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as usual.
Q: What kind of marinara sauce is best?
A: Use your favorite! Whether it’s a classic tomato, a roasted garlic, or even a spicy arrabbiata, the sauce you choose will significantly impact the final flavor. A good quality sauce will really shine here.
Lazy Lasagna Skillet
Equipment
- Large skillet 10-12 inch oven-safe skillet is ideal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar marinara or pasta sauce your favorite jarred sauce
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Shredded Parmesan cheese for topping
- Dried parsley flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.1 lb ground beef
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft.1 lb ground beef
- Stir in the marinara sauce, rigatoni pasta, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.1 lb ground beef
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Remove the lid and dot spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta mixture.1 lb ground beef
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the ricotta.1 lb ground beef
- Cover the skillet again and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the lid, sprinkle with dried parsley flakes, and serve hot.1 lb ground beef