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.
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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