Easy Skillet Lasagna

Easy Skillet Lasagna brings all the comforting, cheesy goodness of classic lasagna into one simple, quick, one-pan dish. With layers of seasoned meat, tomato sauce, and pasta all cooked together in a skillet, this dish eliminates the need for long baking times and layers, while still delivering the rich flavors of lasagna. It’s the perfect solution for a weeknight dinner when you’re craving lasagna without the fuss!

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple – Made in one skillet, ready in under 30 minutes!
• No Baking Required – Skip the traditional oven-baking step and cook everything right in the skillet.
• Comforting and Hearty – A perfect balance of meat, cheese, and pasta in every bite.
• Customizable – You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences, like using ground turkey or adding veggies.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 8 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well.

4. Add the Lasagna Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into pieces and stir them into the sauce. Make sure they are submerged in the liquid. Bring everything to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Add the Cheese: Once the noodles are cooked, drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover the skillet again and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your easy skillet lasagna!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Different Meats: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for different flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or substitute with gluten-free pasta shapes like rotini or penne.
• Extra Creamy: Add a bit of heavy cream or more ricotta cheese for an extra creamy texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover skillet lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you have leftovers, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Let the lasagna cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use regular lasagna noodles for this recipe?

Yes, just break them into smaller pieces to fit in the skillet. No-boil lasagna noodles will also work well if you prefer.

How do I keep the noodles from getting too soft or mushy?

Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent the noodles from sticking to the skillet. If it seems like it’s drying out, add a bit more broth or water.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stovetop over low heat until it’s hot and bubbly.

Can I make this recipe without ricotta cheese?

Yes! You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese, cream cheese, or even a blend of sour cream and cream cheese.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes.

How do I make it spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce for a spicy kick. You can also use spicy Italian sausage.

Can I use store-bought tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes, you can use store-bought tomato sauce in place of crushed tomatoes, but you may need to adjust the seasoning to make up for the lack of texture and flavor in the sauce.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Easy Skillet Lasagna is the perfect solution when you’re craving lasagna but don’t want to spend hours preparing it. With its simple ingredients and one-pan cooking method, you can enjoy all the classic lasagna flavors in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re short on time or just want a simple dinner, this skillet lasagna is sure to become a new favorite!

Easy Skillet Lasagna

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Easy Skillet Lasagna brings all the comforting, cheesy goodness of classic lasagna into one simple, quick, one-pan dish. With seasoned meat, tomato sauce, pasta, and cheese all cooked together in a skillet, you’ll get the same great flavors without the hassle of layers and long baking times. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy, hearty meal is perfect for busy weeknights!

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 8 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Meat: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables: Add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3️⃣ Add the Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well.

4️⃣ Add the Lasagna Noodles: Break lasagna noodles into pieces and stir them into the sauce, making sure they’re submerged in the liquid. Bring everything to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

5️⃣ Add the Cheese: Once the noodles are cooked, drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover and cook for 2-3 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6️⃣ Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your easy skillet lasagna!

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Notes

• Noodle Texture: Stir the noodles occasionally while cooking to prevent them from sticking to the skillet. If the sauce starts to thicken too much or the noodles aren’t fully submerged, add a little more broth or water to keep everything moist.

• Cheese Options: If you prefer a creamier lasagna, feel free to add more ricotta cheese or even cream cheese. You can also use mozzarella and Parmesan for a cheesier flavor profile.

• Meat Variations: While ground beef is typical, you can switch things up with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for different flavors. For a vegetarian version, consider adding mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini instead of meat.

• Herbs & Spices: Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. You can increase the basil and oregano for a more aromatic flavor. If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or even a diced jalapeño.

• Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free lasagna noodles or even gluten-free pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Ensure that your broth is also gluten-free.

• Storing Leftovers: Leftover skillet lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore moisture.

• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Let the lasagna cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

• Quick Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. They work just as well in this skillet recipe, and they save time since you won’t need to pre-cook them.

• Additional Veggies: Feel free to sneak in some extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Sauté them with the onions and garlic for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Texture Adjustment: If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce along with the ricotta cheese. This will give your skillet lasagna an extra smooth, velvety feel.