Super Easy Lasagna with the Ninja Cooking System

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The people who make the Ninja Cooking System sent me one to try out and share my thoughts with you! And I am happy to report that this is my new FAVE small appliance! I really love this for a number of reasons: (And keep in mind…slow cooking is only ONE of the options you have for this – it steams, bakes and roasts, too!)

You can make meals without turning on your oven, saving electricity/gas and not heating up your kitchen. I live in Florida where it’s hotter than, well, you know, so this is a huge plus for me!
You can make all sorts of one-pot meals. Anything that reduces the number of pots and pans I have to wash gets an A+++ from me! You know how you have to brown ground beef for spaghetti, or sear beef pieces for beef stew in a skillet and then transfer to a slow cooker or pot? No more – you can brown your meat right on the stovetop setting.
This little wonder steams, roasts, and even bakes cupcakes! Amazing! (I know, I sound like an infomercial…but this little appliance really is awesome!)

So I decided to try out one of the recipes that came with the unit – Skillet Lasagna. So incredibly easy! And I have never made lasagna before – any kind of lasagna.

I’m going to share the recipe with you, and then make sure that you watch the video below to learn more about the Ninja Cooking System.

Skillet Lasagna

Ingredients:

1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
1 pound of ground beef
10 lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces
1 jar of spaghetti sauce – 24 oz
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup of ricotta cheese
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

If using onion, brown the onion on the ‘stovetop’ setting on high until onion is clear/translucent or caramelized. (If using onion, you’ll want to add a tablespoon or so of Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

Add ground beef, and brown for about 10 minutes. (Note: this does not get at hot as on the stovetop, nor does it get quite as brown)

Arrange lasagna pieces over beef, pour in spaghetti sauce and water. Cover with the Ninja Lid.
Cook on ‘stovetop’ setting on medium for about 20 minutes or until noodles are tender.
Turn unit off.

Mix cheeses in bowl, and pour over lasagna mixture. Let it set for about 3 minutes until cheese is melty and gooey. Enjoy!!!

My notes: since our family loves cheese, I added more shredded mozzarella over the top of the whole thing. I also added about 2 tablespoons of chopped, fresh oregano since I have it growing and I could just pick it and use it. You could add whatever fresh herbs you have to the meat mixture for extra flavor.

The verdict? Well, the six year old, who was convinced that he wouldn’t like it, said, “This is amazing! I LOVE it!” The meal was delicious, and only took about 30 minutes to prepare. Really? Lasagna in 30 minutes??? It also cost less than $10 and we have plenty of leftovers. Plus, my house smelled like an authentic Italian Cucina while this delectable dish was cooking.

Then next day, I used the slow cooker setting and made a tasty and hearty hamburger and potato casserole. Another big hit! Tonight? I’m using the baking setting and making homemade chicken potpie! Click the link for my recipe.

Check out what you can do with the Ninja Cooking System:

Steam Infused Roasting: Bottom & Side Heat and super-heated steam cooks up to 50% faster, with less fat vs. conventional ovens.

Meal Making: Delicious family meals ready in 30 minutes. Everything ready at the same time. Tastes great! Saves time! Easy non-stick pot clean-up.

SEARIOUS™ Slow Cooking: Sear using built-in stovetop before slow cooking – all in one appliance! Re-heat meals in the same non-stick pot! Lock in the flavor!

Steam Infused Baking: Use up to half the fat in your favorite cake mix! Combination of steam infusion and direct heat offers more moist, better tasting results – less calories.

Check out this video: