Skillet Lasagna

Introduction

Skillet Lasagna is a weeknight-friendly twist on the classic Italian favorite. Instead of layering noodles, sauce, and cheese in a casserole dish and baking for over an hour, this recipe comes together in one skillet on the stovetop in just 40 minutes. It has all the flavors you love from traditional lasagna—rich tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and plenty of gooey melted cheese—without the fuss.

This recipe is especially comforting because it brings the same hearty, cheesy goodness of lasagna but in a faster, more approachable way. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and perfect when you’re craving Italian comfort food but don’t have the time (or energy) for a full lasagna bake.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Skillet Lasagna because it combines the best of both worlds—comfort food indulgence and weeknight convenience. You get all the flavors of a slow-baked lasagna but with minimal dishes and much less effort. The skillet method keeps everything tender, saucy, and cheesy while still satisfying those lasagna cravings.

It’s also a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with family. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—you can swap the meat, add veggies, or adjust the cheese blend to your taste.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick & easy: Ready in about 40 minutes.
• One-pan wonder: Less mess, fewer dishes.
• Family-friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable: Works with beef, turkey, sausage, or even vegetarian options.
• Classic flavor: Delivers the rich taste of lasagna without the long prep time.

Recipe Details

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Dish
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~450 per serving

Ingredients

For the Skillet Lasagna:

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
• 2 cups water or beef broth
• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet until browned.
2. Stir in marinara, broth, noodles, and seasoning; simmer until noodles are tender.
3. Add dollops of ricotta and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Cover until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Meat

• Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
• Add ground beef and onion; cook until beef is browned and onion is softened (about 6–7 minutes).
• Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

• Add marinara sauce, water (or broth), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

Step 3: Add the Pasta

• Break lasagna noodles into 2–3 inch pieces and stir into the sauce.
• Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are cooked al dente. Add more liquid if needed.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses

• Drop spoonfuls of ricotta evenly over the skillet.
• Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Cover again and cook for 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

• Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve hot straight from the skillet with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
• Perfect as a comforting weeknight dinner or casual weekend meal.
• Pairs beautifully with red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use no-boil lasagna noodles for even faster cooking.
• For extra flavor, mix beef with Italian sausage.
• Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for more veggies.
• Keep the skillet covered while simmering to ensure noodles cook evenly.

Variations

1. Turkey Skillet Lasagna – Use lean ground turkey instead of beef.
2. Vegetarian Skillet Lasagna – Skip meat and add mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini.
3. White Skillet Lasagna – Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara.
4. Spicy Skillet Lasagna – Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large deep skillet with lid
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Sharp knife for chopping
• Ladle or spatula for serving

Conclusion

The Skillet Lasagna is everything you love about traditional lasagna but simplified into a quick, one-pan recipe. It’s cheesy, saucy, and comforting, yet easy enough for busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just want a hearty, satisfying meal, this recipe is a must-try that’s sure to become a regular in your kitchen.

Print Recipe

Skillet Lasagna

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Pasta

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 40 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 450 per serving

Description

Skillet Lasagna is a weeknight-friendly twist on the classic Italian favorite. Instead of layering noodles, sauce, and cheese in a casserole dish and baking for over an hour, this recipe comes together in one skillet on the stovetop in just 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (24 oz)
• 2 cups water or beef broth
• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Meat : Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.Add ground beef and onion; cook until beef is browned and onion is softened (about 6–7 minutes).Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Step 2: Build the Sauce : Add marinara sauce, water (or broth), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Step 3: Add the Pasta : Break lasagna noodles into 2–3 inch pieces and stir into the sauce.Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are cooked al dente. Add more liquid if needed.
4. Step 4: Add the Cheeses : Drop spoonfuls of ricotta evenly over the skillet.Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.Cover again and cook for 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Step 5: Garnish & Serve : Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Keywords: Skillet Lasagna