Lazy Lasagna Skillet (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 medium onion, chopped
03 - 1 tablespoon minced garlic
04 - 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
05 - 8 oz rigatoni pasta

→ Cheeses

06 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
07 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
08 - ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

→ Seasonings and Garnish

09 - ½ teaspoon salt
10 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1 teaspoon paprika
12 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
13 - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
14 - Dried parsley flakes for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so don't overcook it now.
02 - In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes while cooking, breaking up the meat as it browns.
03 - Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in the entire jar of marinara sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
04 - Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and stir well to coat all the pasta with the meat sauce. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the pan.
05 - Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly throughout the skillet, spreading them out so every bite gets some creamy cheese. Don't stir it in - just let the dollops sit on top.
06 - Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire skillet. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven, top with Parmesan cheese and dried parsley, then serve hot.

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcook the pasta initially since it will continue cooking in the oven with the cheese
02 - Use an oven-safe skillet to go from stovetop to oven seamlessly
03 - Drop ricotta in dollops rather than stirring it in for that authentic lasagna texture
04 - Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set up before serving

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