Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup minced yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Pasta and Sauce
- 2 ½ cups dry farfalle pasta (8 ounces)
- 2 ½ cups water
- 1 ½ cups low sodium marinara sauce
Cheese Blend
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ cup ricotta
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
- Cook ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Sauté aromatics and herbs: Add the minced onion, garlic, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 4 minutes until fragrant and onions are softened.
- Add pasta and liquids: Pour in the dry farfalle pasta, water, and marinara sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well coated and submerged in the liquid.
- Bring to a boil: Cover the pot with a lid and turn the heat to high. Allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil, which should take 3-5 minutes.
- Simmer pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and keep the pot covered. Let the pasta cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking and scorching. The pasta will be al dente and tender but still firm.
- Rest off heat: Remove the pot from heat and take off the lid. Let the pasta sit for 5 minutes to absorb remaining liquid and finish cooking gently.
- Add cheeses: Stir in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and ricotta until melted and evenly combined, creating a creamy cheesy sauce.
- Serve: Dish out the lasagna warm, optionally topping with extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- Use low sodium marinara sauce to better control the salt content in the dish.
- Stirring the pasta every few minutes while cooking prevents it from sticking and burning at the bottom.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes according to taste.
- Farfall pasta works well, but you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini.
- Letting the pasta rest off heat allows it to absorb flavors and achieve the perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian