There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a homemade lasagna, and when you make it in a skillet, it’s even better! This Skillet Lasagna is rich, cheesy, and packed with all the classic flavors you love—without the hassle of layering and baking. It’s the perfect one-pan meal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
One-Pan Wonder: No need for multiple pots and pans—everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!
Quick and Easy: Traditional lasagna can take hours, but this version is ready in under 40 minutes.
Comfort Food Classic: All the delicious layers of flavor you expect from lasagna without the hassle.
Customizable: Switch up the protein, add veggies, or spice it up to your liking.
Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
Here’s what makes this Skillet Lasagna so incredibly delicious:
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Adds rich, savory depth to the sauce. You can also use ground turkey for a leaner option.
Onion and Garlic: Essential aromatics that build the base of flavor.
Crushed Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: The foundation of a classic lasagna sauce—thick, hearty, and full of flavor.
Lasagna Noodles: No need to pre-boil! They cook right in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and rich, giving the dish that authentic lasagna texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey perfection that ties everything together.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to every bite.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the sauce with classic lasagna flavors.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but a great way to add a little heat.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: For a bright, fresh touch at the end.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant and softened.
Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for a few minutes to develop flavors.
Break Up the Noodles: Roughly break the lasagna noodles into pieces and add them to the skillet, pressing them into the sauce so they’re submerged.
Simmer Until Tender: Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
Add Cheeses: Dollop ricotta over the top, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly. Cover and cook for a few more minutes until the cheese melts.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot!
How to Serve Skillet Lasagna
Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up that rich, flavorful sauce.
Fresh Salad: A crisp side salad balances the hearty lasagna beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for added nutrition.
Extra Cheese: A sprinkle of extra Parmesan never hurts!
Additional Tips
- Make It Meatless: Swap the meat for mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian version.
- Spice It Up: Add chili flakes or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Like a Pro: Warm it up on the stove with a splash of water to bring the sauce back to life.
- Freeze for Later: Let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the freezer.
FAQ Section
- Can I use regular lasagna noodles? Yes, just break them into pieces, and they’ll cook right in the sauce.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare everything up to the cheese step, then reheat and add cheese before serving.
- What’s the best cheese to use? Mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan are classic, but you can mix in provolone or cheddar.
- Can I use a different meat? Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work great.
- How do I prevent sticking? Stir occasionally and make sure the noodles are fully submerged in sauce.
- Can I add vegetables? Definitely! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers are great additions.
- Can I use store-bought pasta sauce? Yes, but adding fresh garlic, onion, and seasonings will enhance the flavor.
- How do I reheat leftovers? Heat on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or microwave in short intervals.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, but use a larger skillet or cook in batches.
- What wine pairs well with this dish? A medium-bodied red like Chianti or a Sangiovese pairs beautifully!
Final Thoughts
There you have it an easy, cheesy, and flavor-packed Skillet Lasagna that’ll make you ditch the oven version! Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out. Happy cooking!
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Skillet Lasagna
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 33 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This one-pan skillet lasagna is a quick and easy way to enjoy classic lasagna flavors without the hassle of layering. Made with lean ground beef, melty mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce, it’s a perfect high-protein dinner for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup part-skim cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 lb 93% lean ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes (e.g., Tuttorosso)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken bone broth
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., Mafalda, Campanelle, bow-tie, broken lasagna noodles, or gluten-free pasta)
- 3/4 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix cottage cheese, Parmesan, and 2 tablespoons of parsley. Set aside.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over high heat. Add beef and salt, cooking until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in onion and garlic, sautéing until tender, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, bone broth, and basil, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in pasta, ensuring it’s submerged. Cover and simmer on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 18–20 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and dollop the cottage cheese mixture over the pasta without stirring. Top with mozzarella.
- Transfer to the broiler (second rack from the top) and broil on high for 3 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a variation.
- Use beef or vegetable broth instead of bone broth if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 494 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 12.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 59 g
- Fiber: 5.5 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 55mg