Description
This One Skillet Lasagna is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that combines the classic flavors of lasagna into a single skillet. With ground beef, tomato basil sauce, bowtie pasta, and a blend of cheeses, this recipe delivers all the comfort of traditional lasagna without the fuss of layering or prolonged baking. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy families craving a hearty, cheesy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2-3 cups water (or broth)
- 1-2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules (or beef bouillon)
- 1 (24-oz) jar tomato basil sauce
- 1 (12-oz) box bowtie pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 heaping tablespoons cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add the ground beef and cook until it is brown and crumbled. Drain excess fat, then stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and tomato paste to enhance the flavor.
- Add liquids: Pour in 2 cups of water along with the chicken bouillon granules and the jar of tomato basil sauce. Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil on medium-high heat.
- Cook pasta: Add the uncooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. If the pasta appears dry before it’s tender, add more water in 1/4 cup increments as needed. Avoid excessive stirring to prevent mushiness and starchiness.
- Finish: When the pasta is cooked through, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and cover the skillet to allow the cheese to melt. In a small bowl, combine the cottage cheese and grated parmesan cheese, then spoon this mixture over the skillet lasagna. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using broth instead of water can deepen the flavor of the dish.
- Drain the cooked ground beef well to avoid greasy lasagna.
- Avoid stirring the pasta too much during cooking to keep the texture firm.
- You can substitute bowtie pasta with any small pasta shape like penne or rotini.
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
