Skillet Lasagna Topped with Ricotta

Ingredients

1 T. olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

salt & pepper

3 cloves of garlic, minced

2 T. tomato paste

1/2 t. dried oregano

1/8 t. crushed red pepper flakes

1 lb. lean ground beef

10 curly-edged lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch lengths

1 (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes

water

1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

1/2 c. plus 2 T. Parmesan cheese

1 c. ricotta cheese (preferably whole-milk)

3 T. chopped fresh basil

Preparation

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until the oil is shimmering. Add onion and 1/2 t. salt, cook until onion is softened and beginning to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, oregano and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring constantly until garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste is distributed., about a minute. Add ground beef, cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.

Pour the diced tomatoes (undrained) into a large measuring cup, add enough water to the tomatoes to measure 4 cups.

3. When the meat is browned, scatter the lasagna noodles evenly over the top of the meat (do not stir). Pour the diced tomatoes and water, and the tomato sauce evenly over the top of the noodles. Cover and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring once or twice during cook time, until pasta is tender, about 20 minutes.

Remove skillet from heat, stir in the 1/2 c. Parmesan. Season to taste with salt & pepper. Dollop rounded tablespoons of the ricotta evenly over the top, cover and let stand for 5 minutes, to let the ricotta warm through. Sprinkle with the basil and remaining 2 T. Parmesan.