Ingredients
- Lasagna:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups pasta sauce (use marinara or a chunky tomato sauce for extra texture)
- 2 cups bowtie pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups water (or 1 cup water + 1 cup beef broth for more flavor)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (adjust for heat)
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp dried basil (or Italian seasoning)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- Optional:
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach (for added veggie goodness)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat, then return the skillet to the stove.
- Add the Pasta and Sauce: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, pasta sauce, uncooked bowtie pasta, water (or 1 cup water + 1 cup beef broth), and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: While the pasta cooks, combine the mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, egg, basil, flour, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix until well combined. If using, stir in chopped fresh spinach for added texture and nutrition.
- Add the Cheese Dollops: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is thickened, scoop large dollops of the cheese mixture on top of the pasta in the skillet, ensuring they are spaced out. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese mixture has set and is slightly melted.
- Serve: Once the cheese is set, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your One Skillet Polka Dot Lasagna!
Notes
- Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, you can add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers along with the ground beef.
- Cheese Variations: Try adding a bit of cream cheese to the ricotta mixture for a creamier texture.
- Spicy Kick: If you like extra spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a finely chopped jalapeño to the beef mixture.
- Meat Alternatives: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 472
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
