This skillet lasagna is a fun and easy twist on a classic dish. Made with layers of pasta, cheese, and rich meat sauce, it’s a one-pan wonder!
You won’t believe how quick this meal comes together. Perfect for days when you’re craving comfort food but don’t want a messy kitchen. I often top mine with fresh basil—so tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: These provide a rich flavor. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works great too. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a mix of mushrooms.
Marinara Sauce: A good quality store-bought sauce saves time. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own with crushed tomatoes, herbs, and spices. For a spicy kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess to the dish. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using cottage cheese or a plant-based ricotta made from nuts or tofu.
No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: These make the recipe quicker. If you don’t have them, regular lasagna noodles work, but you’ll need to cook them beforehand.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Noodles in Skillet Lasagna?
Cooking the noodles right in the skillet is part of the charm! It lets them absorb the flavors of the sauce. Here’s how to do it:
- Once the sauce is simmering, add the broken noodles and make sure they’re mostly covered. This helps them cook evenly.
- Cover the skillet with a lid to trap steam and moisture, which helps the noodles cook faster.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and check for doneness at the 15-minute mark. They should be tender but not mushy.
Letting it sit after cooking allows everything to meld together. This dish easily becomes a family favorite with minimal cleanup! Enjoy your skillet lasagna!
Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 8 oz no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This skillet lasagna will take about 30-35 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes getting the meat and sauce ready, and another 15-20 minutes letting the noodles cook in the sauce. After that, a few minutes for cheese to melt and you’ll be ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes soft, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
2. Brown the Meat:
Next, add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as you go. This should take about 5-6 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, feel free to drain it off carefully.
3. Add Garlic and Sauce:
Now, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Then, pour in the marinara sauce along with your choice of water or beef broth. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Cook the Noodles:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling, add the broken lasagna noodles. Gently stir them in, ensuring they’re mostly submerged in the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to make sure the noodles don’t stick.
5. Add Cheese:
Once the noodles are cooked and the sauce has thickened, drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly over the top of the lasagna. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese all over everything.
6. Melt and Serve:
Cover the skillet again and let it cook for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from heat and allow the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving. This lets everything settle nicely.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
To finish, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and flavor. Scoop portions onto plates and enjoy your delicious, cheesy skillet lasagna!
This recipe is a quick, hearty one-pan meal that captures all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna without the hassle. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even tempeh or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Adjust your cooking time based on the meat you choose to ensure it is fully cooked.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or broken gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the gluten-free noodles for best results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Skillet Lasagna?
Definitely! Chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can be great additions. You can sauté them with the onions to incorporate extra flavors and nutrition!