If you’re craving the comfort and flavor of classic lasagna but short on time (and not in the mood for a mountain of dishes), this Skillet Lasagna Recipe is about to become your weeknight hero. It brings together all the saucy, cheesy layers you love in a single pan—no oven required. Each bite is loaded with savory ground beef, tender noodles, rich tomato sauce, and a gooey trio of cheeses, finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, this is a dish that delivers big Italian-American flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Skillet Lasagna Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role, from the browned beef to the creamy ricotta. Gather these kitchen staples and you’re halfway to a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that bursts with color, taste, and texture.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef for extra depth of flavor.
- Ground beef: The classic, hearty base—swap for turkey or sausage if you like.
- Onion (diced): Brings sweetness and a subtle crunch to the sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Essential for that unmistakable Italian aroma.
- Salt: Enhances every layer and balances the tangy tomatoes.
- Black pepper: Lends a gentle heat without overpowering.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that instantly boosts that classic lasagna vibe.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a hint of spicy warmth.
- Crushed tomatoes (15 oz can): Forms the hearty backbone of the sauce.
- Tomato sauce (8 oz can): Adds silkiness and helps tie the sauce together.
- Water: Ensures the noodles cook perfectly right in the pan.
- Lasagna noodles (8 oz, broken): Broken into pieces so they cook evenly and soak up all that flavor.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy dollops create those signature lasagna pockets.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts into irresistible, stretchy goodness.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Salty and nutty, it’s the finishing touch.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Chopped and sprinkled for a pop of freshness and color.
How to Make Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it into crumbles as you go. This step is key—the caramelized bits bring savory depth to your Skillet Lasagna Recipe.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once your beef is browned, toss in the diced onion. Let it cook for three to four minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and turns translucent. Next, add minced garlic and give everything a quick stir for about a minute—your kitchen will smell incredible at this point.
Step 3: Season and Spice
Stir in the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you’re going for a little extra zip). These seasonings wake up the flavors and set the tone for your Skillet Lasagna Recipe.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Liquids
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water. Stir well to combine, making sure you scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. The sauce will look a little loose now, but that’s perfect for cooking the noodles right in the skillet.
Step 5: Noodle Time
Scatter the broken lasagna noodles evenly into the skillet, gently pushing them down so they’re submerged in the sauce. Bring everything to a simmer, then cover and let cook for 15 to 18 minutes. Stir every now and then to prevent sticking and make sure the noodles cook through.
Step 6: Cheese It Up
Once the noodles are tender, dollop ricotta cheese over the top of the bubbling sauce. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Cover again and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the cheeses are melted into oozy perfection.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and finish your Skillet Lasagna Recipe with a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley. The bright herbs add a burst of color and freshness that takes this one-pan wonder over the top.
How to Serve Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley is classic, but don’t be afraid to get creative! A dusting of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil gives your Skillet Lasagna Recipe a restaurant-worthy finish. For a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes right before serving does wonders.
Side Dishes
Pair your lasagna with a crisp green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette—its freshness balances the richness of the cheese and sauce. Warm, crusty garlic bread is another must; it’s perfect for scooping up every last bit of saucy goodness from your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the lasagna into individual ramekins for a fun, personal touch at your next gathering. Or, serve it family-style right from the skillet for a cozy, communal feel. For a burst of color, scatter roasted cherry tomatoes or a handful of baby arugula over the top just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Skillet Lasagna Recipe to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors only deepen as it sits, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, divide the cooled lasagna into single servings and wrap tightly or place in freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave, or place larger amounts back in a covered skillet over low heat until hot throughout. Add a splash of water or sauce if needed to loosen it up. The cheese will melt right back into that irresistible creamy layer!
FAQs
Can I use different meats in this Skillet Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or Italian sausage both work beautifully in place of ground beef, giving you endless flavor options. You can even go half-and-half or use a plant-based ground for a vegetarian spin.
Do I have to use ricotta cheese?
Ricotta adds classic creaminess, but if you’re not a fan, cottage cheese or even a little mascarpone can be delicious substitutes. Just make sure to dollop it on so you get those luscious pockets of cheese throughout the Skillet Lasagna Recipe.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Diced zucchini, chopped spinach, or even mushrooms are great stir-ins. Add them when you sauté the onions for a boost of color, flavor, and nutrition in your Skillet Lasagna Recipe.
What’s the best skillet to use?
A large, deep, heavy-bottomed skillet (like cast iron or stainless steel) works best, as it distributes heat evenly and gives you plenty of room for all the delicious layers. Just make sure you have a lid for simmering!
Can I make this Skillet Lasagna Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the sauce and brown the beef up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, then assemble and cook the noodles when you’re ready to eat. Leftovers also reheat beautifully, making this a great make-ahead option.
Final Thoughts
If you love lasagna but dread the mess and time it usually takes, you owe it to yourself to try this Skillet Lasagna Recipe. It’s everything you adore—cheesy, hearty, and deeply satisfying—all in one pan and on your table in just over half an hour. Give it a whirl and let it become your new go-to comfort meal!
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Skillet Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Skillet Lasagna recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy classic lasagna flavors without the fuss of layering and baking. Ground beef simmers in a savory tomato sauce with broken lasagna noodles, all cooked together in one pan, topped with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheeses for a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
Pasta
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
Cheeses
- 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even cooking and no large chunks remain.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, which will add sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic and spices to become fragrant.
- Add Tomato Components: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water. Stir well to combine all ingredients into a flavorful sauce base.
- Add Noodles: Submerge broken lasagna noodles into the sauce, pressing them down if necessary to ensure they are covered by the liquid to cook thoroughly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed the sauce flavors.
- Add Cheeses and Melt: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the top, then evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Cover the skillet again and cook for 3-4 minutes until the cheeses have melted and are bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the lid and sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the lasagna for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot directly from the skillet.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef to vary the flavor and fat content.
- Add chopped spinach or zucchini to increase the vegetable content and nutritional value without changing the cooking time significantly.
- For faster cooking, use oven-ready lasagna noodles, but adjust liquid amounts to ensure proper simmering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
