NO-FUSS SKILLET LASAGNA

NO-FUSS SKILLET LASAGNA

When you want to make a homemade lasagna, we all know what is involved.  Prepare the meat sauce, boil the noodles, mix the ricotta with eggs and cheese, layer and bake.  Lots of dishes to clean and waiting for the lasagna to settle before slicing. It's well worth it for a delicious lasagna, but this is the next best thing!  Everything in cooked in a large skillet.  No mess, no fuss and the best tasting lasagna ever! I used brand names for this dish.  I haven't been compensated at all from these companies.  I find these to be the best for authentic Italian flavors.

1 (35-ounce) can Tuttoroso peeled plum tomatoes, blended 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes Salt and pepper 1/2 to 1 tsp. dried oregano 1-1/2 lbs. meatloaf mix ( a mixture of ground beef, pork and veal) 10 curly-edged lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch lengths 1-1/2 cups Victoria Low-Sodium Marinara sauce 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup whole or part-skim ricotta cheese 2 cups 4-cheese blend mozzarella cheese Fresh or dried basil Place tomatoes in blender and puree until smooth making sure you have 4 cups of tomato puree.  Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add onion and 1/2 tsp. salt and cook until onion begins to brown, about 5 minutes.  Stir in garlic and pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.  Add meat and cook,breaking up meat until it is no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Scatter pasta over meat but do not stir. No need for exact Martha Stewart measurements, just break them up into about 6 pieces.  You'll have half a box left for the next time you make this...and you will make this again!

Pour tomato mixture and marinara sauce over pasta, cover and bring to a simmer, stirring after 10 minutes, until pasta is tender, about 20-25 minutes.  Add oregano.

Off heat, stir in Parmesan and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Dollop heaping tablespoons of ricotta over the top, cover and let sit for 5 minutes.

While lasagna is resting preheat broiler. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and and oregano and broil until cheese is melted and lightly browned.