Description

There's no need to turn on the oven when you can get the same delicious flavor using a skillet on the stove top. Besides that, the biggest difference is using penne pasta instead of time and labor consuming lasagna noodles.

Ingredients

• 1 T. olive oil
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 T. dried minced onion
• 24 oz. jar pasta/spaghetti sauce, your favorite
• 1/4 t. dried oregano leaves
• 1/4 t. dried basil
• 1/8 t. garlic powder
• 1/8 t. crushed red pepper flakes , optional
• 8 oz. penne pasta
• 1 1/2 c. water
• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 c. freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 3/4 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 c. ricotta cheese
• 2-3 T. fresh basil, for topping

Steps

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add ground beef. Brown meat; discard grease. Season browned meat with salt and pepper, to taste.
2. Stir in garlic, minced onion, pasta/spaghetti sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder and red pepper flakes, if using; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a simmer; stir in pasta and water. Bring to a boil; cover; reduce heat; simmer until pasta is cooked through, about 13-15 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
3. Spoon a few scoops of ricotta cheese on the top; cover for several minutes, allowing the cheese to warm up.