Skillet Lasagna

Skillet Lasagna is the perfect fusion of classic lasagna flavors with a modern, quick-cook twist. Imagine all the layers of rich ricotta, savory meat sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese — but all cooked in a single skillet for a faster, easier, and equally indulgent experience. This one-pan wonder brings the comforting taste of traditional lasagna to your table without the need for baking or multiple dishes.

It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, casual family meals, or even last-minute gatherings when you crave that delicious, cheesy goodness with minimal cleanup.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines all the flavor of classic lasagna with unbeatable convenience. Instead of waiting for the oven, everything comes together on the stovetop in one pan, making it faster and less messy. The meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and tender pasta meld beautifully while cooking, creating layers of flavor in every bite.

Plus, it’s customizable — you can easily adjust the seasoning, protein, or veggies to match your preferences. It’s cheesy, comforting, and perfectly satisfying.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it captures the essence of traditional lasagna in a fraction of the time. The skillet method allows the noodles to absorb the sauce fully, giving you rich, flavorful bites without pre-boiling pasta or using multiple baking dishes.

It’s a family-friendly, versatile, and hearty meal that works for weeknights, potlucks, or casual dinner parties. If you love lasagna but want a quicker, fuss-free version, this recipe is your go-to solution.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 ½ cups water or chicken broth
• 8 oz no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Optional: 1 cup spinach or zucchini for extra veggies

Cooking Directions

1. Cook Meat: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Remove excess fat.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Add Sauce & Seasoning: Stir in marinara sauce, water or broth, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add Pasta: Stir in broken lasagna noodles. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and cooked through.
5. Add Cheese: Dollop ricotta cheese over the skillet, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Cover for 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese.
6. Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Step 1 – Brown the Meat: In a skillet, cook beef or sausage until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2. Step 2 – Sauté Onion & Garlic: Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant.
3. Step 3 – Add Sauce & Seasonings: Pour in marinara sauce, water, and Italian herbs. Simmer briefly.
4. Step 4 – Cook Pasta: Add broken lasagna noodles to the sauce. Cover and cook until noodles are tender.
5. Step 5 – Add Cheeses: Stir in ricotta, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Cover to melt cheese.
6. Step 6 – Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy directly from the skillet.

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How to Serve

Serve hot from the skillet with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. For an extra touch, sprinkle with additional Parmesan and drizzle with a little olive oil or balsamic glaze. This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual meals, or even a cozy date night at home.

Recipe Tips

• Use no-boil lasagna noodles for a simpler, faster method.
• Stir occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking to the skillet.
• Adjust the thickness of the sauce with a little extra water or broth if needed.
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley elevate the flavor and presentation.
• For extra flavor, use a mix of mozzarella and provolone or fontina cheese.

Variations

1. Vegetable Skillet Lasagna: Add zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a veggie-packed version.
2. Spicy Skillet Lasagna: Use Italian sausage with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
3. White Skillet Lasagna: Replace marinara with Alfredo sauce and add chicken or shrimp for a creamy variation.
4. Low-Carb Skillet Lasagna: Substitute noodles with zucchini slices or cabbage layers.
5. Cheesy Explosion: Use extra mozzarella and sprinkle some cheddar for a richer, gooier top layer.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
• Freezing: Allow to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe dish. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Reheating Tip: Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep noodles tender.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large deep skillet with lid (10–12 inch recommended)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Skillet Lasagna delivers all the flavors of classic lasagna in a fraction of the time and cleanup. Tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese come together in one pan for a family-friendly, hearty, and flavorful meal. Its versatility, ease, and comfort make it perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or cozy meals at home. With endless variations and customizable options, this skillet version proves that you don’t need a traditional oven-baked lasagna to enjoy this Italian classic.

Skillet Lasagna

Skillet Lasagna is the perfect fusion of classic lasagna flavors with a modern, quick-cook twist. Imagine all the layers of rich ricotta, savory meat sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese — but all cooked in a single skillet for a faster, easier, and equally indulgent experience.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: Italian Course: Pasta

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Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 40 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 6

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 pound (450g)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (24 oz)
• 1 ½ cups water or chicken broth
• 8 oz no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Optional: 1 cup spinach or zucchini for extra veggies

Instructions

1. Cook Meat: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Remove excess fat.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Add Sauce & Seasoning: Stir in marinara sauce, water or broth, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add Pasta: Stir in broken lasagna noodles. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and cooked through.
5. Add Cheese: Dollop ricotta cheese over the skillet, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Cover for 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese.
6. Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve immediately.

Keywords: Skillet Lasagna