SERVES 4
TOTAL TIME: 45 minutes
Do not substitute no-boil lasagna noodles for the traditional, curly-edged lasagna noodles here. Meatloaf mix is a combination of equal parts ground beef, pork, and veal and is available at most grocery stores. If you cannot find meatloaf mix, substitute equal parts 90 percent lean ground beef and ground pork. You can substitute part-skim ricotta if desired, but do not use nonfat ricotta. You will need a 12-inch nonstick skillet with a tight-fitting lid for this recipe; do not substitute a smaller skillet here.
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3 |
(14.5-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes |
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1 |
onion, chopped fine |
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1 |
tablespoon olive oil |
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Salt and pepper |
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3 |
garlic cloves, minced |
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⅛ |
teaspoon red pepper flakes |
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1 |
pound meatloaf mix |
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10 |
curly-edged lasagna noodles, broken into 1½ to 2-inch lengths |
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2 |
ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (½ cup) |
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¼ |
cup grated Parmesan cheese |
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6 |
ounces (¾ cup) whole-milk ricotta cheese |
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3 |
tablespoons chopped fresh basil |
1. Pulse tomatoes in food processor until coarsely ground and no large pieces remain, about 12 pulses.
2. Cook onion, oil, and ½ teaspoon salt in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in ground meat and cook, breaking up meat with wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 3 minutes.
3. Scatter noodles into skillet, then pour processed tomatoes over top. Cover, increase heat to medium-high, and cook at vigorous simmer, stirring often, until pasta is tender, about 20 minutes.
4. Off heat, stir in half of mozzarella and half of Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Dollop heaping tablespoons of ricotta over noodles, then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover and let stand off heat until cheese melts, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle with basil and serve.
VARIATION
SKILLET LASAGNA WITH SAUSAGE AND BELL PEPPERS
Substitute 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed, for meatloaf mix. Add 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and chopped coarse, to skillet with onion.