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Homemade Healthier 20-Minute Skillet Lasagna photo

Healthier 20-Minute Skillet Lasagna

A quick, lighter take on lasagna made in one skillet with lean beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and Parmesan.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces bowtie pasta cooked according to package directions (ziti, rotini, small shells, wheels, etc. may be substituted)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large sweet Vidalia onion diced small
  • 1 pound extra-lean ground beef about 93% lean
  • 4 to 6 cloves garlic finely minced or pressed
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 25 ounces fat-free tomato sauce marinara sauce or pasta sauce may be used
  • salt and pepper optional and to taste
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons fresh basil finely chopped; optional for garnishing
  • 1/3 cup fresh Parmesan cheese finely grated

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Colander
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced Vidalia onion and sauté 3 to 4 minutes, until the onion begins to soften.
  3. Add the extra-lean ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano and cook about 1 minute, until fragrant, stirring nearly constantly to avoid burning.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce, add the cooked pasta, and toss or stir until everything is evenly combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste if desired.
  6. Optional: stir in 2 tablespoons chopped basil or sprinkle basil over the top. Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the skillet and serve.

Notes

  • Use other short pasta shapes if bowtie is unavailable.
  • Adjust garlic and oregano to taste.
  • Fat-free or regular tomato sauce both work.
  • Serve immediately for best texture.