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Introduction
Are you looking for a quick, delicious, and healthier alternative to traditional lasagna? This One-Pot Skillet Lasagna is a perfect choice for a busy weeknight. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s packed with flavor and a great way to enjoy classic Italian comfort food guilt-free.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
500 grams lean ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped (approx. 150 grams)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped (approx. 120 grams)
400 grams crushed tomatoes
240 ml low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste (approx. 15 grams)
1 teaspoon dried basil (approx. 2 grams)
1 teaspoon dried oregano (approx. 2 grams)
½ teaspoon salt
300 grams lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
150 grams ricotta cheese
80 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
10 grams fresh basil, chopped
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, and salt. Mix well to combine.
4. Add the broken lasagna noodles and stir into the sauce, ensuring they’re well covered with liquid.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
6. Once the noodles are cooked, add dollops of ricotta cheese on top of the lasagna mixture.
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and cover the skillet until the cheese melts, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, and salt. Mix well to combine.
Step 4
Add the broken lasagna noodles and stir into the sauce, ensuring they’re well covered with liquid.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
Step 6
Once the noodles are cooked, add dollops of ricotta cheese on top of the lasagna mixture.
Step 7
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and cover the skillet until the cheese melts, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 8
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Ingredient Alteration
You can substitute lean ground beef with turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter option.
Vegetable Additions
Feel free to add more vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to increase the nutritional value.
Storage Tips
This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a little chicken broth if it has thickened too much.
Customization
Adjust the seasonings to your taste; add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick or more herbs for additional flavor.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Allow the One-Pot Skillet Lasagna to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
This dish can also be frozen for longer storage. Place the cooled lasagna in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in a skillet or oven until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Skillet Lasagna with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. You can sprinkle extra fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. For a healthier option, consider pairing it with steamed vegetables or a light vinaigrette salad.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (estimated):
– Calories: 450
– Protein: 32g
– Carbohydrates: 45g
– Dietary Fiber: 4g
– Sugars: 5g
– Total Fat: 20g
– Saturated Fat: 10g
– Sodium: 600mg
This meal offers a balanced combination of protein from the lean ground beef, calcium from the ricotta and mozzarella cheese, and carbohydrates from the lasagna noodles. It’s a comforting dish that delivers essential nutrients while being lower in calories compared to traditional lasagna.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re looking to customize your Skillet Lasagna, here are some substitutions:
– Ground Beef: Use lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even lentils for a vegetarian version.
– Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese can be used in place of ricotta for a lower-fat alternative.
– Mozzarella Cheese: Try using part-skim mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese substitute if you are avoiding dairy.
– Lasagna Noodles: You may opt for whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles to suit dietary preferences.
– Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to enhance the nutritional value and flavor.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a technique that involves cooking food quickly over medium to high heat in a small amount of oil or fat. In this recipe, the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper are sautéed to enhance their flavors and soften their texture.
Simmering
Simmering is the process of cooking food gently in liquid at a temperature just below boiling. In this dish, the lasagna noodles are simmered in the tomato and broth mixture to ensure they become tender while absorbing flavor.
Layering
Layering involves placing ingredients on top of each other to build flavors and textures. In this recipe, dollops of ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese are layered on top of the cooked lasagna mixture before melting.
Garnishing
Garnishing is the technique of adding final touches to a dish for visual appeal and flavor enhancement. Fresh basil is used as a garnish in this recipe, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute lean ground turkey for the ground beef for a healthier option.
What can I do if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese or cream cheese as a substitute, adjusting the texture and flavor as needed.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, you can replace the ground beef with a mix of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and cook it just before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is it possible to freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
This Healthier One-Pot Skillet Lasagna is the ideal solution for those seeking a delicious yet quick meal without compromising health. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a hearty, comforting dish that the whole family will love. Packed with lean protein and fresh ingredients, it allows you to relish Italian flavors guilt-free. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe ensures you make nutritious choices without sacrificing taste.
Vegetable-Packed Skillet Lasagna
Incorporate a variety of vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms for added nutrients and flavor. This variation not only enhances the dish’s health benefits but also adds fantastic textures.
Turkey Skillet Lasagna
Substitute lean ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option. Turkey maintains a similar texture and flavor but offers fewer calories and fat, making your lasagna even healthier.
Gluten-Free Skillet Lasagna
Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or vegetable alternatives such as zucchini or eggplant slices. This swap allows those with dietary restrictions to enjoy a comforting meal without gluten.
Cheesy Spinach Skillet Lasagna
Add a generous amount of spinach and mix in some cottage cheese along with ricotta for an extra creamy texture. This combination boosts nutrition and incorporates more vegetables into the dish.
Pesto Chicken Skillet Lasagna
Replace the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken and mix in pesto sauce for a different flavor profile. This version is vibrant and aromatic, giving a twist to traditional lasagna.
Mediterranean Skillet Lasagna
Mix in olives, feta cheese, and artichokes for a Mediterranean flair. This combination infuses the dish with distinctive flavors while keeping it healthy and fresh.
