One-Pot Skillet Lasagna

Lasagna is a beloved classic, but traditional baked lasagna can be time-consuming and requires multiple pots and pans. Enter One-Pot Skillet Lasagna — all the flavors of classic lasagna, but cooked in a single skillet in a fraction of the time. Layers of tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese come together with minimal cleanup, making this a perfect weeknight meal without sacrificing flavor.

This recipe captures the essence of lasagna: rich, meaty sauce, gooey mozzarella, and creamy ricotta, all topped with a little Parmesan. The difference? It’s quicker, simpler, and doesn’t require pre-baking noodles or managing multiple dishes.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines the heartiness of classic lasagna with ultimate convenience. Everything cooks together in one pan, which means the noodles soak up all the delicious sauce, creating layers of flavor without the fuss of a traditional oven-baked lasagna. Plus, cleanup is so easy!

It’s perfect for busy weeknights, but still feels indulgent and comforting. The aroma while it simmers is incredible, filling the kitchen with that familiar Italian comfort-food scent that makes everyone’s mouth water.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• It’s quick and easy, yet delivers traditional lasagna flavor.
• One-pot cooking makes it perfect for minimal cleanup.
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests.
• Great for families — everyone loves the cheesy, saucy layers.
• Flexible ingredients allow customization with vegetables, meats, or cheeses.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10–15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 45–50 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: ~450–500 per serving (approximate)

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Meat Sauce

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz / 680g) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
• 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Lasagna Components

• 8–10 no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a small bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

1. Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground meat and chopped onion. Cook until meat is browned and onion is soft.
3. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add marinara sauce, water or broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Add Noodles

1. Stir broken lasagna noodles into the skillet, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the sauce.
2. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender. Add extra water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Layer with Cheese

1. Dollop ricotta mixture over the noodles in small spoonfuls.
2. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top.
3. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes until cheese is melted.

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How to Serve

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil.
• Pair with:
  • Garlic bread or baguette
  • Side salad (Caesar or mixed greens)
  • Steamed vegetables

Recipe Tips

• No-Boil Noodles: Break them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly in one pot.
• Prevent Sticking: Stir occasionally and make sure noodles are mostly submerged in sauce.
• Cheese Melting: Covering the skillet helps melt the cheese evenly.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the skillet layers, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking.

Variations

1. Vegetarian: Substitute meat with mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers.
2. Chicken Skillet Lasagna: Use cooked shredded chicken and a creamy Alfredo sauce instead of marinara.
3. Spicy Italian: Use spicy Italian sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
4. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free no-boil noodles or thinly sliced zucchini as noodles.
5. Cheese Lovers: Add provolone or fontina for extra cheesy layers.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Assemble and freeze unbaked in a freezer-safe skillet or dish.
• Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2–3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook as directed.

Reheating

• Microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes, or reheat in a skillet over low heat until warm.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large deep skillet with lid (or sauté pan)
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula for stirring
• Grater for cheeses

Conclusion

The One-Pot Skillet Lasagna brings all the comfort of traditional lasagna without the long prep and multiple dishes. It’s cheesy, savory, and full of Italian flavor — perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. With minimal cleanup and maximum taste, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy cooks who still want homemade comfort food.

One-Pot Skillet Lasagna

Lasagna is a beloved classic, but traditional baked lasagna can be time-consuming and requires multiple pots and pans. Enter One-Pot Skillet Lasagna — all the flavors of classic lasagna, but cooked in a single skillet in a fraction of the time.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: Italian Course: Dinner

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 8

Ingredients

Servings

Meat Sauce

• 1 lb (450g)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz / 680g)
• ¹⁄₂ cup water or chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ¹⁄₂ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Lasagna Components

• 8 no-boil 8–10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture : In a small bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce : Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add ground meat and chopped onion. Cook until meat is browned and onion is soft. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Add marinara sauce, water or broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Step 3: Add Noodles : Stir broken lasagna noodles into the skillet, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the sauce. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender. Add extra water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Layer with Cheese : Dollop ricotta mixture over the noodles in small spoonfuls. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes until cheese is melted.

Keywords: One-Pot Skillet Lasagna