Hearty Skillet Lasagna

1. Prepare Tomatoes

Place the whole peeled tomatoes in a food processor and pulse them about 12 times until they are coarsely chopped. Set them aside for later use.

2. Cook Onions

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion along with a pinch of salt. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

3. Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant.

4. Cook Meat

Add the meatloaf mix to the skillet. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook it until it's no longer pink, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.

5. Add Noodles and Tomatoes

Scatter the broken lasagna noodles evenly over the meat mixture. Pour the processed tomatoes over the top, ensuring the pasta is evenly covered. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a vigorous simmer, then cover the skillet. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring often to prevent the pasta from sticking and to ensure it absorbs the flavors evenly.

6. Add Cheeses

Once the pasta is cooked and tender, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan until they are well combined with the lasagna mixture.

7. Add Ricotta and Remaining Cheeses

Dollop the ricotta cheese over the top of the lasagna, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Cover the skillet again and let it stand off the heat for about 2 to 4 minutes, allowing the cheeses to melt and meld into the dish.

8. Garnish and Serve

Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top for a burst of fresh flavor. Serve your hearty skillet lasagna hot and enjoy a comforting, delicious meal that’s ready in no time.