Skillet Lasagna(Lite Choices)
A quick and hearty skillet lasagna with lean meat, ricotta, and tomato flavors, perfect for a comforting family dinner or weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. lean ground beef or turkey ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 3 oz. uncooked noodles ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups part-skim Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley ⓘ
- 1 cup canned tomato sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onions to the meat and cook until translucent.
- Stir in tomato sauce, chopped tomatoes, water, salt, pepper, garlic powder, parsley, and oregano. Simmer for a few minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Layer the cooked noodles, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture in the skillet or an oven-safe dish.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, substitute lean ground turkey for beef and use whole wheat noodles. You can also use cottage cheese in place of ricotta for a different texture. If you want to add veggies, consider incorporating spinach or zucchini into the meat sauce. This dish can easily be adapted; browse more Italian recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this skillet lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You might also pair it with a glass of red wine for a special touch. It makes for a great family dinner, and is perfect for meal prep. For more delicious ideas, try browsing meat recipes that feature similar flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the skillet lasagna in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Lasagna(Lite Choices) contains roughly 346 calories, with 14g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (153% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (109% of the Daily Value), and calcium (97% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1962mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While ricotta and Parmesan are traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or feta for added flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on the cheese used.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms or lentils. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to enhance the flavor and nutrition without losing the essence of lasagna.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna ahead of time. Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time as it will be cold from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).