Skillet Lasagna is a quick and easy alternative to traditional lasagna, made in just one pan for minimal cleanup. With layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese, this dish delivers all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna without the hassle of baking. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made in one pan, reducing cleanup
- Faster than traditional baked lasagna
- Packed with rich, cheesy, and meaty flavors
- Easily customizable with different ingredients
- A family-friendly meal that everyone will love
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Meat Sauce:
- Ground beef or Italian sausage
- Olive oil
- Onion (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
- Tomato paste
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For the Pasta:
- Uncooked lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
- Water or beef broth
For the Cheese Mixture:
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Fresh basil or parsley (chopped)
Directions
- Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add Pasta: Break lasagna noodles into pieces and stir them into the sauce. Add water or broth, making sure the pasta is submerged. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Add Cheese: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the lasagna. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top. Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Skillet Lasagna: Use mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach instead of meat.
- Spicy Lasagna: Add extra red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Four-Cheese Version: Mix in provolone and fontina cheese for a richer taste.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cheese with plant-based alternatives.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the pasta may become mushy when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of lasagna noodles?
Yes, short pasta like penne or rotini works well in this dish.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Stir the pasta occasionally while it simmers to ensure even cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the skillet lasagna and refrigerate it. Reheat before serving.
What’s the best type of cheese for this recipe?
Mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta create the best texture and flavor combination.
Can I use jarred marinara sauce?
Yes, using store-bought marinara saves time and works well in this recipe.
How do I make this dish lower in carbs?
Use thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant instead of pasta.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.
What can I serve with skillet lasagna?
Garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables complement this dish.
Can I cook this in a cast-iron skillet?
Yes, a cast-iron skillet works perfectly for even heat distribution.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked lasagna noodles?
Yes, but you may need to reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe.
Conclusion
Skillet Lasagna is a fast, delicious, and comforting meal that delivers all the flavors of classic lasagna without the extra time or effort. With its rich sauce, cheesy layers, and tender pasta, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Print
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This easy Skillet Lasagna delivers all the rich, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna but in a fraction of the time! Made in one pan, it’s a perfect weeknight meal featuring layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Break lasagna noodles into large pieces and stir into the sauce. Add water or broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
- Dollop ricotta cheese over the lasagna, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Cover and let the cheese melt for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Swap ricotta for cottage cheese if preferred.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion