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Skillet Beef Lasagna is a hearty, protein packed Italian meal you can make in one skillet meaning less clean-up. This is a back-to-school favorite the whole family will love. Pair this with a light salad and some crusty bread to soak up all the juices!

SKILLET BEEF LASAGNA

School is starting for many states around the country and this year might look different for a lot of us. I think it is safe to say that even though some children might not be in the classroom full-time, parents will have a lot, if not more on their plates. The Ohio Beef Council and I are here to share a quick and easy Skillet Beef Lasagna recipe with you guys that your family will love.

Once fall rolls around and the kids are busy with school and homework I always turn to comfort foods. Today’s Beef Lasagna is just that, so comforting. It is filled with rich flavors from the sauce and beef along with the creamy ricotta, cottage cheese and topped with mozzarella cheese. I especially love that this all cooks in one skillet which makes cleaning up easy. 

IS BEEF NUTRITIOUS FOR ME?

This school year, thousands of Ohio families will buy beef. Ohioans spend $4.1 billion each year on beef, which is a nutritious, high-quality protein choice that fits easily into a healthy diet and any meal. Here are some ways that beef is nutritious for you and your family!

1. Feeding your family a balanced diet with nutrient-rich foods, like beef, helps support their immune system and promotes a healthy body. In a 3-ounce serving of beef, students will get nutrients they may be lacking in – like protein, iron and zinc – which aid in brain development and cognition, all for less than 200 calories. 
2. Whether learning in a classroom or at home, protein helps keep kids focused during the school day, and the B vitamins in beef provide students with energy to perform at their best. 
3. Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is one of the most satisfying nutrients. Eating a protein-rich diet will help students feel full and prevent cravings throughout the day. 
4. For student athletes and active kids, there is no better choice than beef. The protein in beef helps build muscle and provides enough energy to support kids on-the-go.

WHAT IS BEEF FARMING LIKE?

1. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, the beef farming community continues to work tirelessly to provide safe, wholesome food to American families. Cattle farmers, truck drivers, retailers, and others in the beef farming community continue to produce and deliver fresh, healthy beef.
2. I love living in a farming state. There are 17,000 beef farming families in Ohio who are committed to providing excellent care for their animals, protecting the environment for future generations, and producing safe, healthy beef.
3. The Ohio beef community includes more than just farmers! Small business owners, community leaders, animal caretakers, nutritionists and environmentalists are all dedicated to producing nutritious beef.
4. Although many believe that industrial farming has taken the place of family farms and ranches, 97 percent of beef farms are family-owned and operated. 

TIPS FOR BUYING AND COOKING BEEF

1. Working from home while helping your family attend school online is no easy task. Make dinner one less thing to stress about by preparing beef ahead of time and storing meals in the freezer. 
2. Save a bundle by buying larger cuts of beef and slicing them on your own at home! Not planning to feed a crowd? Freeze smaller pieces of beef individually to use later. Learn more ways to save when buying beef.
3. If you need to get dinner on the table in a flash, use your Instant Pot! Did you know that you can safely cook frozen beef in an Instant Pot without thawing? Prepare fork-tender beef, including ribs, brisket and stew meat, in a fraction of the time needed for braising or slow-cooking. Try this recipe for Easy Instant Pot Beef Chili. 
4. Ground beef can be used in a variety of dishes, making it a family favorite. When purchasing, be sure to select ground beef with a bright, red color that is firm to the touch and doesn’t have excessive liquid in the package. Store ground beef in your refrigerator for 1-2 days, or in the freezer for up to 4 months. 

In uncertain times, it’s helpful to focus on things we can control, like fueling our bodies and minds with well-balanced meals, physical activity and other healthy habits. www.OhioBeef.org is a great resource for tasty recipes and nutrition information for you and your family.

You can also follow the Ohio Beef Council on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for beef nutrition facts, cooking tips, recipes and to meet Ohio’s beef farming families. Use #OhioBeef to share photos of your healthy meals this school year!

Today’s post is sponsored by the Ohio Beef Council. As always, opinions are 100% my own.