Description
This one skillet lasagna is a quick and easy one-pan dinner that combines all the flavors of classic lasagna without the fuss of layering noodles and multiple dishes. Cooked entirely in a skillet with browned ground beef, tomato sauce, and bowtie pasta, it’s a comforting and gooey meal topped with melted mozzarella, creamy cottage cheese, and parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights, it takes just 30 minutes to make and serves six hearty portions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasonings
- 1/2 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 to 3 cups water (or broth as substitute)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules (or beef bouillon if preferred)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar tomato basil sauce
Pasta
- 1 (12-ounce) box bowtie pasta, uncooked
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 heaping tablespoons cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown beef: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is thoroughly browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat, then stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and tomato paste until well combined.
- Add liquids: Pour in 2 cups of water and add the chicken bouillon granules and tomato basil sauce. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook pasta: Stir in the uncooked bowtie pasta, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. Add extra water in 1/4 cup increments if the pasta absorbs too much liquid, but avoid over-stirring to prevent a mushy texture.
- Finish: Once the pasta is tender, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, then cover the skillet to let the cheese melt. In a small bowl, combine the cottage cheese and grated parmesan, then spoon this mixture over the skillet lasagna. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Broth can replace water to add more depth of flavor and skip using bouillon granules.
- Be careful not to over-stir the pasta as it cooks to prevent it from becoming mushy and releasing too much starch.
- Using pre-shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses can save prep time.
- If the sauce thickens too much before pasta finishes cooking, add a little more water or broth to adjust consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
