Browned beef, hearty pasta and an herby marinara sauce are all simmered together in a skillet on the stovetop then layered with a trio of rich Italian cheeses and cooked to melty deliciousness. The easiest way to make a fantastic lasagna!
Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet or braiser over medium-high heat.
Crumble in beef in chunks then season with salt and pepper. Let sear until slightly browned on bottom for a few minutes then turn and crumble up beef. Once beef is nearly cooked through add garlic and continue to toss and cook beef through.
Pour in marinara sauce and water. Add parsley, basil, red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a light simmer.
Add lasagna noodles and toss and submerge into liquid. Cover, reduce heat to moderately low. Simmer until pasta is nearly tender, stirring occasionally and adding a little more water as needed, for about 15 minutes.
Dollop in half of the ricotta (in about 5 scoops), sprinkle in half of the mozzarella and half of the parmesan. Stir a few times to submerge cheese. Cover with remaining half of the cheeses (again dolloping ricotta).
Cover and continue to cook until cheese is melted, about 3 to 5 minutes longer.
Let rest about 5 minutes off heat. Sprinkle with parsley if desired and serve.