This skillet lasagna is a quick and tasty twist on the classic dish! Packed with layers of cheese, pasta, and delicious meat sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
You can whip it up in just one pan, meaning less cleaning for you—yay! I love serving it with a green salad on the side for a complete meal. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Both options add great flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken work well too! For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a mix of vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
Lasagna Noodles: I’ve used regular lasagna noodles here, broken into pieces. You can substitute with whole wheat lasagna or gluten-free noodles for dietary preferences. Just make sure to check cooking times, as they can vary.
Ricotta Cheese: If you want a creamier texture, use cottage cheese instead. I prefer ricotta for its mild flavor, but feel free to experiment with cream cheese if you’re after something richer!
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is quick and easy, but homemade is always a hit! If you’re out of marinara, any tomato-based sauce will do. I enjoy adding a spoonful of pesto for extra flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Noodles Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the noodles perfectly is essential for a tasty lasagna. The trick is to keep an eye on the simmering noodles while they soak up the sauce. Here’s how to make sure they turn out great:
- Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces for even cooking.
- Add them to the simmering sauce and stir gently to separate.
- Cover the skillet to trap steam after stirring, then check for doneness at the 15-minute mark.
- If they’re not tender yet, cover and cook for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally.
This way, you’ll get tender noodles that blend well with the rich sauce and toppings in your skillet lasagna!
Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 8 oz (about 3 cups) uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
For the Cheese Layers:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning & Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
Cooking Essentials:
- Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious skillet lasagna takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to cook. So, in less than an hour, you can have a bubbling, cheesy meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Aromatics:
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in some olive oil. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell its delicious aroma.
2. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Using a spoon, break it apart as it cooks. Keep an eye on it and stir until the meat is browned and no longer pink. If there’s any excess fat, carefully drain it away without losing your tasty meat!
3. Build Your Sauce:
Pour in the marinara sauce and add water or beef broth along with the Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir and season with some salt and pepper. Bring this mix to a simmer, letting the flavors meld together.
4. Incorporate the Noodles:
Now, add the broken lasagna noodles to your skillet. Make sure to submerge them in the sauce! Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the noodles to cook and soak up all those delicious flavors.
5. Add the Cheese Layers:
Once your noodles are tender, it’s time to add the ricotta! Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese evenly over the top of the skillet lasagna. Then sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Yum!
6. Melting the Cheese:
Cover the skillet again and cook on low for another 5-7 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is all melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell incredible at this point!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the top with freshly chopped basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot directly from the skillet, and enjoy this comforting and easy skillet lasagna!
This one-pan lasagna recipe not only saves time and cleanup but also delivers all the classic flavors of traditional baked lasagna in a fun way! Enjoy your meal! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef or Italian sausage are popular, you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a mix of chopped vegetables.
What If I Don’t Have Ricotta Cheese?
No problem! You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a similar texture. For a creamier option, cream cheese works well too! Just mix it with a bit of milk to smooth it out before dolloping.
Can I Make Skillet Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water if needed to loosen the sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
