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Skillet Lasagna

Updated on 5 min read

All the cozy, cheesy flavor of traditional lasagna — without the layers or the bake time. This one-pan skillet lasagna is weeknight comfort food at its best.

🍽️ Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 4–6
  • Dietary Tags: Nut-Free, Family-Friendly

🧾 Ingredients Checklist

  • Ground beef
  • Olive oil
  • Yellow onion
  • Garlic cloves
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt & pepper
  • Lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Ricotta cheese (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat
    In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté:
    • 1 lb ground beef
    • 1/2 yellow onion, diced
      Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft (5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add Garlic and Seasonings
    Stir in:
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
    • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
    • Salt & pepper to taste
      Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in Tomatoes
    Add:
    • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
    • 1 cup tomato sauce
      Mix well and bring to a simmer.
  4. Add Pasta
    Break 8–10 lasagna noodles into large bite-size pieces and stir them into the sauce.
    Ensure they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
  5. Simmer Until Tender
    Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender. Add a splash of water if sauce thickens too much.
  6. Add Cheese
    Sprinkle 1–1½ cups shredded mozzarella over the skillet. Cover and let melt.
    For extra richness, dollop 1/2 cup ricotta across the top before covering.
  7. Garnish and Serve
    Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

📝 Recipe Notes

  • This dish uses pantry staples and comes together in one skillet — no layering, no baking.
  • Ricotta is optional but adds creamy pockets that mimic baked lasagna.
  • A non-stick or deep skillet works best to prevent sticking or bubbling over.

📷 Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Sauté Beef and Onions

Brown until no pink remains. Drain if too greasy.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Garlic and Italian spices give it that traditional lasagna flavor.

Tip: Use fire-roasted tomatoes for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Add Pasta

Break noodles into rustic pieces and nestle them into the bubbling sauce.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese

Once the noodles are al dente, smother the top with cheese and cover to melt.

🥄 Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Ground Beef: Sub with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter/vegetarian option.
  • Tomatoes: Crushed gives the sauce body; tomato sauce helps it coat the noodles.
  • Pasta: Regular lasagna noodles broken into pieces work best, but you can use mafaldine or even wide egg noodles.
  • Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully. You can also try provolone or an Italian blend.
  • Ricotta: Optional, but adds that classic lasagna richness.

Equipment Alternatives

  • No lid? Use foil to cover the skillet.
  • Shallow skillet? Reduce the tomato sauce to avoid overflow.

🔄 Variations & Serving Suggestions

Flavor Additions

  • Add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika for a smoky depth
  • Stir in a handful of spinach before adding the cheese for some greens
  • Add 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms for extra umami

Dietary Options

  • Vegetarian: Swap beef for lentils, tofu crumbles, or meatless grounds.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
  • Top each bowl with a spoonful of ricotta and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.

Pairings

  • Drink: Chianti or a dry red wine
  • Soundtrack: Classic Italian jazz or instrumental guitar for a cozy dinner vibe

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Microwave in 1-minute intervals or warm on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
  • Make-Ahead: Prepare up to Step 5, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently and add cheese just before serving.

🧮 Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving – 1 of 6)

  • Calories: 430 kcal
  • Protein: 27g
  • Carbs: 35g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sodium: 680mg

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Dietary Notes: Nut-Free

❓ FAQ

Q: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
A: Yes, but reduce simmering time and check frequently — they cook faster.

Q: What if the sauce gets too thick?
A: Add 1/4 cup water or broth at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Only if using a deep, wide pan or make in two batches — it gets crowded fast.

Q: Do I need to boil the noodles first?
A: Nope! They cook right in the sauce.

📖 Behind the Recipe

This skillet lasagna was born from a craving for lasagna with none of the effort — no baking dishes, no layering, and no hour-long wait. It’s become a weekly go-to for busy nights when I want something hearty, fast, and packed with flavor. Plus, there’s something extra cozy about scooping it straight from the skillet to your bowl.

💬 Your Turn

Have you tried skillet lasagna before? Let me know how it turned out! Drop your tips, twists, or photos in the comments — I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

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