If you’ve ever craved a soul-satisfying lasagna but balked at layering noodles and heating up the oven, this Skillet Lasagna Recipe is just the ticket. You get all the rich flavors and bubbling cheesy layers you love, but with the absolute ease of a one-pan stovetop method. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and comes together in less than 40 minutes, making it a personal favorite for both rushed weeknights and relaxed weekend dinners. Imagine all the best parts of traditional lasagna, transformed into a stress-free dish that makes everyone at the table smile!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Skillet Lasagna Recipe is chosen for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. You’ll find this list refreshingly simple, yet each element brings something valuable: robust taste, creaminess, or a pop of color that makes the final dish irresistible.

Olive Oil: Just a swirl keeps the meat juicy and the aromatics fragrant.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Choose your favorite for a meaty foundation; sausage adds a hint of spice while beef is all about richness.
Onion: Chopped small for sweetness and depth throughout the sauce.
Garlic: Minced for that unmistakable Italian aroma and kick.
Italian Seasoning: This simple blend pulls all the herby notes into the sauce effortlessly.
Salt & Black Pepper: Just enough to highlight every flavor in your skillet.
Diced Tomatoes (with juices): Gives the sauce body, a rustic texture, and a little tang.
Tomato Sauce: Rounds out the base, making it ultra luscious.
Water or Broth: Helps the noodles cook perfectly tender right in the pan.
Uncooked Lasagna Noodles (broken): Breaking the noodles lets them nestle into the sauce and cook evenly.
Ricotta Cheese: Dolloped on top for signature creamy pockets of goodness.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gloriously gooey layers you’ll want in every bite.
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled for a salty, umami kick right at the end.
Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): Adds a splash of color and freshness to finish your Skillet Lasagna Recipe like a pro.

How to Make Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating the olive oil in your biggest, deepest skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and let it cook, breaking it apart with your spoon. The goal? Get a beautiful, irresistible browning for deep flavor. If there’s a lot of fat, go ahead and drain the excess for a lighter dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Sprinkle in your chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them dance in the pan for a couple of minutes. As they soften, your kitchen will smell incredible. Don’t rush this step—these aromatics are the backbone of your sauce’s flavor.

Step 3: Season and Simmer the Sauce

Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, letting the fragrant herbs bloom in the heat. Pour in the diced tomatoes (juice included), tomato sauce, and water or broth. Give everything a great mix and bring it all to a gentle simmer—the inviting, saucy heart of this Skillet Lasagna Recipe is forming!

Step 4: Add the Noodles

Now, break the uncooked lasagna noodles into rough pieces and stir them right into the sauce. Make sure they’re submerged so that every bite ends up perfectly tender. Cover the skillet and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep noodles from sticking together. You’ll know it’s ready when the noodles are just tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.

Step 5: Add the Cheeses

This is where the magic happens! Dollop scoops of ricotta across the top, then shower everything with shredded mozzarella and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Cover and let the cheeses melt for about 3 to 5 minutes, until it’s a bubbling, golden dream everyone will be eager to dive into.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Take your skillet off the heat and let it rest for just a few minutes—it’ll be piping hot, and this pause helps the flavors settle in. For a special touch, scatter a handful of chopped basil or parsley over the top before serving straight from the skillet.

How to Serve Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing completes a homemade Skillet Lasagna Recipe like a scatter of fresh basil or parsley right before serving. Not only does it brighten the dish visually, it adds a fresh, aromatic lift that pairs fantastically with the cheesy, hearty flavors. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a final dusting of grated Parmesan is always welcome.

Side Dishes

This dish shines with simple sides that balance its richness—a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, tender roasted vegetables, or a loaf of warm, crusty bread to mop up every last bit of saucy goodness are all winning companions. If you’re entertaining or just feeling festive, a glass of red wine rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For family style, serve directly from the skillet in the center of the table to encourage everyone to dig in. Looking to impress? Spoon Skillet Lasagna Recipe portions into shallow bowls, layer extra cheese, and pop them under the broiler for a bubbly, golden finish. Or, for a fun twist, scoop into ramekins for single servings at a dinner party—personal lasagnas, no oven required!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chances are, leftovers won’t last long! But if you do have some, transfer your Skillet Lasagna Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it just as appealing the next day (sometimes even more so).

Freezing

To freeze, let the lasagna cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. It will keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture—this makes for a stellar make-ahead meal during busy weeks.

Reheating

Reheat single portions in the microwave, or the whole batch gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Top with fresh cheese before reheating for added flair. Always stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly and doesn’t stick.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles in this Skillet Lasagna Recipe?

Absolutely! No-boil noodles work great—just break them up like regular noodles. They may even cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on their tenderness as you simmer.

What’s the best skillet to use for this recipe?

A large, deep non-stick skillet (12 inches or more) is ideal for this Skillet Lasagna Recipe. It should have a lid to help steam the noodles and melt the cheese. If you have an oven-safe skillet, you can finish the dish under the broiler for a golden top.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply skip the meat and add hearty vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. You could also use plant-based crumbles for a similar texture and boost of protein, without sacrificing flavor.

How can I make this Skillet Lasagna Recipe creamier?

For an extra creamy touch, stir a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of mascarpone cheese into the sauce just before adding the noodles. It magically elevates the richness and gives a luscious, velvety texture.

Can I double this for a crowd?

You certainly can, as long as your skillet or Dutch oven is large enough to accommodate all the extra ingredients. Otherwise, make two skillets side by side—everyone loves Skillet Lasagna Recipe, so leftovers are always a highlight!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that delivers both comfort and ease, you can’t go wrong with this Skillet Lasagna Recipe. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a cherished go-to—bursting with flavor, impossibly cheesy, and ready within the time it takes to set the table. Gather your loved ones, dig in, and enjoy every hearty, happy bite!

Skillet Lasagna Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and easy skillet lasagna recipe that delivers all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna with a fraction of the effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you crave a comforting Italian meal without all the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Skillet Lasagna:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1/2 cup water or broth
8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the broken lasagna noodles, ensuring they are covered in sauce. Cover and cook for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta over the top and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover and cook for another 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.