Skillet Lasagna

Introduction

Celebrate the joy of cooking together on a weekday evening with this cozy Skillet Lasagna for Two. It’s the perfect dish to share on a dinner date without the hassle of a traditional lasagna. Simple, quick, and full of flavors, it’s bound to be a favorite.

Ingredients

250g ground beef

100g Italian sausage

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

400ml tomato sauce

200g canned diced tomatoes

150g small lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)

150g ricotta cheese

100g mozzarella cheese, shredded

50g parmesan cheese, grated

5g Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 2 servings

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.

3. Stir in the tomato sauce, canned diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

4. Stir in the broken lasagna noodles, ensuring they are covered with the sauce. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.

5. Dollop the ricotta cheese evenly over the lasagna and sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Cover again and let the cheese melt for about 5 minutes.

6. Once the cheese is melted and bubbling, remove from heat.

7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your intimate dinner with this delightful skillet lasagna!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the tomato sauce, canned diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer.

Step 4

Add the broken lasagna noodles to the skillet, ensuring they are well covered with the sauce. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.

Step 5

Dollop the ricotta cheese evenly over the lasagna. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheeses on top. Cover again and let the cheese melt for about 5 minutes.

Step 6

Once the cheese is melted and bubbling, remove the skillet from heat.

Step 7

Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your intimate dinner with this delightful skillet lasagna!

Notes

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Tip

To save time, consider using pre-chopped onions and garlic. You can also use no-boil lasagna noodles to reduce cooking time.

Flavor Adjustment

Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste, adding more Italian herbs or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

Allow the skillet lasagna to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the lasagna. Ensure it is cooled and stored in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in a skillet or the oven until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the skillet lasagna warm from the pan, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch. Accompany it with a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf pairs wonderfully, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, can enhance the meal, making it a perfect choice for a cozy dinner date.

Nutritional Information

Per serving, this skillet lasagna typically contains approximately:
– Calories: 600
– Protein: 40g
– Total Fat: 30g
– Saturated Fat: 15g
– Carbohydrates: 50g
– Fiber: 3g
– Sugars: 6g
– Sodium: 900mg
These values may vary based on specific brands of ingredients used.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef and Italian sausage. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with lentils or chopped vegetables such as zucchini and bell peppers. Instead of ricotta, you can use cottage cheese for a lower-fat option. For the noodles, whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles can be applied to suit dietary needs. If mozzarella is unavailable, a blend of other cheeses like cheddar or provolone can be a delightful alternative.

Cook techniques

Sautéing

Sautéing is a cooking method that involves quickly cooking food in a small amount of oil or fat over medium to high heat. In this recipe, sautéing is used to cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic, which develops flavor through caramelization.

Simmering

Simmering is the process of cooking food gently in liquid at a temperature just below boiling. For the skillet lasagna, the sauce is brought to a simmer before adding the noodles, allowing the flavors to meld and the noodles to absorb the sauce as they cook.

Layering

Layering involves strategically placing ingredients in a dish to create a balance of flavors and textures. In this recipe, dolloping ricotta and sprinkling mozzarella and parmesan cheeses on top of the noodles adds creaminess and richness to the dish.

Covering

Covering the skillet traps heat and moisture, ensuring even cooking and helping the cheeses melt thoroughly. This technique creates a bubbly and gooey lasagna top, enhancing the overall texture of the dish.

Garnishing

Garnishing is the final touch of adding visual appeal and flavor to a dish. Fresh basil leaves are used here to add a pop of color and a fresh, aromatic flavor that complements the savory ingredients.

FAQ

Can I use different types of meat in the lasagna?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef or Italian sausage with other meats like chicken, turkey, or even a meat alternative for a vegetarian version.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

You can use cottage cheese, cream cheese, or a blend of mascarpone and sour cream as alternatives to ricotta cheese.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover skillet lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can I freeze the skillet lasagna?

Yes, you can freeze the skillet lasagna before or after cooking. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What type of noodles can I use?

Small lasagna noodles work best, but you can also use regular lasagna sheets broken into pieces or even other types of pasta like penne or fusilli.

Conclusion

Skillet Lasagna for Two is a delightful way to enjoy a classic dish without the complexity of traditional preparation. Perfect for busy weeknights or intimate dinners, this easy recipe combines hearty flavors and creamy textures, making it a sure-fire hit. It encourages togetherness in the kitchen, fostering memories while savoring every bite.

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