Description
A quick and delicious one skillet lasagna that simplifies traditional lasagna by cooking all ingredients together in a single pan. This hearty and comforting dish combines ground beef, bowtie pasta, tomato sauce, and three types of cheese for an easy weeknight meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 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
Liquids and Sauce
- 2-3 cups water (or broth as alternative)
- 1-2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules (or beef bouillon)
- 1 (24-oz) jar tomato basil sauce
Pasta and Cheese
- 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 brown it until crumbled, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat, then stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and tomato paste to flavor the meat evenly.
- Add liquids: Pour in 2 cups of water along with the chicken bouillon granules and the jar of tomato basil sauce. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook pasta: Stir in the uncooked bowtie pasta, covering the skillet with a lid. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. Add additional water 1/4 cup at a time if the pasta absorbs too much liquid. Avoid over-stirring to prevent a mushy texture.
- Finish: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and cover to allow it to melt. In a small bowl, combine the cottage cheese and grated parmesan cheese, then spoon this mixture over the top of the skillet lasagna before serving immediately.
Notes
- Using broth instead of water adds more flavor and eliminates the need for bouillon granules.
- Drain the ground beef well to avoid a greasy final dish.
- Adding the cheeses at the end ensures creamy texture and flavor contrast.
- Do not over-stir the pasta during cooking to keep the dish from becoming mushy and starchy.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
