Name: Skillet Lasagna
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz medium pasta (rotini, penne, or similar); 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ green bell pepper, diced; 14 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juices); 2 cups pasta sauce; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 cup ricotta cheese; ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tsp fresh basil, thinly sliced (optional garnish); 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

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When you’re craving that rich, cheesy, pasta goodness that only lasagna can deliver, but you don’t have the time (or patience!) to assemble layers and wait for it to bake in the oven, Skillet Lasagna is your new best friend. It’s everything you love about traditional lasagna but in a fraction of the time. Picture tender pasta, a savory meat sauce, melty cheese, and that perfect combination of comfort and flavor—all cooked up in one skillet. This dish is a total game-changer, and trust me, you’re going to love it!

Why You’ll Love Skillet Lasagna

Skillet Lasagna is not only delicious but also a total lifesaver when you’re looking for a comforting dinner that doesn’t take forever to prepare. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Quick and Easy: No need for layering or long baking times. This skillet version gives you all the flavor of lasagna in just about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.

One-Pan Wonder: Everything is made in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze. Say goodbye to washing a ton of dishes!

Cheesy and Saucy: The cheese-to-sauce ratio is just perfect here. With every bite, you get a luscious combination of gooey melted cheese and a hearty, flavorful sauce.

Customizable: You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your preferences—use ground turkey instead of beef, add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or even swap the ricotta for a more indulgent mascarpone.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding a family or serving up dinner for friends, this skillet lasagna is sure to impress. It’s hearty, flavorful, and loved by everyone.

Ingredients

Here’s the lineup of ingredients that make Skillet Lasagna a true winner:

Ground Beef: The base of this dish is the ground beef, which cooks up perfectly in the skillet, absorbing all those delicious flavors from the sauce and seasonings.

Onion and Garlic: These two aromatics add depth and savory richness to the sauce, giving it that signature Italian flavor.

Tomato Sauce: The backbone of the sauce, creating a rich, savory base for the dish.

Tomato Paste: Adding a bit of tomato paste helps thicken the sauce and deepen the tomato flavor.

Lasagna Noodles: Break them into smaller pieces before adding them to the skillet. They cook right in the sauce, making this dish so much easier than traditional lasagna.

Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and indulgent, ricotta cheese is the perfect addition to this skillet lasagna, adding richness and texture.

Shredded Mozzarella: Melty, gooey mozzarella cheese makes this dish extra cheesy—just how we like it!

Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan on top brings that sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella beautifully.

Italian Seasoning: The perfect blend of herbs, bringing all the classic Italian flavors to the table.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you like a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds the perfect kick.

Instructions

Ready to whip up this amazing skillet lasagna? Here’s how to do it:

Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and softened.

Make the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Add the Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the skillet, stirring them into the sauce. Pour in just enough water to cover the noodles (about 2 cups), then stir everything together. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and cooked through.

Add the Cheeses: Once the noodles are cooked, dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the top. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan over the top as well. Cover the skillet again and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley if you like. Serve hot and enjoy this cheesy, hearty meal!

How to Serve Skillet Lasagna

Skillet Lasagna is so hearty on its own, but here are a few ideas to complement the dish:

Side Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect way to balance out the richness of the lasagna.

Garlic Bread: You can’t have lasagna without some crispy, buttery garlic bread! Serve it on the side for dipping into that delicious sauce.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant are a great side dish that adds flavor and nutrition.

Wine Pairing: Pair this dish with a glass of red wine, such as a bold Chianti or a smooth Merlot, to enhance the Italian flavors.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make your Skillet Lasagna even better:

Use No-Boil Noodles: To save time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. Just make sure to add extra liquid to the sauce to cook the noodles properly.

Make It Veggie-Loaded: For a healthier twist, add some extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

Spicy Option: Want some heat? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some over the top before serving.

Dietary Adjustments: To make it lighter, you can use ground turkey instead of beef and opt for part-skim ricotta cheese.

Leftovers: This dish makes fantastic leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for a quick meal later.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can make the sauce and noodles ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready, just assemble the dish and bake.

Q2: Can I use other types of cheese?
A2: Of course! You can try using a blend of cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a little gouda for a twist.

Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, this skillet lasagna freezes wonderfully. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 375°F until hot and bubbly.

Q5: Can I double this recipe?
A5: Absolutely! If you want to make a larger batch, just double the ingredients and use a bigger skillet. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Q6: Can I make it vegetarian?
A6: Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat or use extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.

Q7: What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
A7: You can use cottage cheese or mascarpone as a substitute for ricotta.

Q8: How can I make this spicier?
A8: Add more crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or top the lasagna with some hot chili oil before serving for a spicy kick.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Q10: Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini is a great way to make this dish even more hearty and nutritious.

Conclusion

Skillet Lasagna is a quick, easy, and comforting meal that brings all the flavors of traditional lasagna without the hassle. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or serving it up for a family gathering, this one-pan wonder will never disappoint. Get ready to dig in, and enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness!

Why You’ll Love Skillet Lasagna

How to Serve Skillet Lasagna

Skillet Lasagna

Description

Ingredients

Lasagna Base

Cheese Topping

Instructions

tep 1: Cook the Beef & Pasta

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce

Step 3: Combine & Add Cheese

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

Notes

Nutrition