Irresistibly Cheesy One-Pan Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Have you ever dreamed of crafting a delectable one-pan skillet lasagna that simplifies your cooking adventure?

Layers of pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheese come together effortlessly in this clever kitchen hack.

Weeknight dinner challenges fade away with this streamlined approach to a classic Italian favorite.

Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying conversations around the table.

Busy home cooks rejoice as this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Comfort meets convenience in every delicious bite, promising a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to bookmark this game-changing technique that turns traditional lasagna preparation on its head.

Skillet Tips for Easy One-Pan Lasagna

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian option without compromising flavor.
• Stir frequently and maintain low heat to avoid scorching the bottom of the skillet, ensuring even cooking and rich taste.
• Let the skillet sit covered for an extra minute after turning off heat to create a perfectly gooey cheese layer that stretches beautifully.
• Sneak in diced zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms during the meat cooking stage to add extra vegetables without changing the classic lasagna experience.
• Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to brighten the dish with a fresh, aromatic finish that elevates the entire meal.

Skillet Lasagna Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled lasagna to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, add lasagna to a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.

Pair These With Skillet Lasagna

• Pair Zesty Italian Red Wine: Select a bold Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich tomato sauce and cuts through the creamy cheese layers.
• Crisp Herb Salad Side: Toss mixed greens with fresh basil, arugula, and light lemon vinaigrette to balance the lasagna's hearty flavors.
• Garlic Parmesan Focaccia: Serve warm, crusty bread with a drizzle of olive oil to soak up the delicious sauce and add textural contrast.
• Brighten with Sparkling Water: Add a slice of lemon or lime to a chilled sparkling water for a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Skillet Lasagna One-Pan Twists

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version. Add zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate ground lamb instead of beef, add oregano and mint. Mix in feta cheese and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired variation that brings bold Mediterranean flavors to the classic dish.
• Low-Carb Keto-Friendly Option: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or thin slices of eggplant. Use full-fat cheeses, increase meat portion, and reduce tomato sauce to align with ketogenic dietary requirements.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage. Just ensure the meat is browned thoroughly and drained of excess fat.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free lasagna noodles and check that your tomato products and broth are certified gluten-free.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or include some diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of regular ground meat for extra heat.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the meat with plant-based ground meat alternatives, or use hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant as your protein base.

Skillet Lasagna That Saves Time and Delivers Flavor

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Transform traditional lasagna into a stress-free, one-pan wonder that saves time and reduces dishwashing hassle.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Perfect for busy home cooks or beginners, this recipe demands zero fancy techniques while delivering restaurant-quality results.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Packed with familiar flavors kids love, this skillet lasagna offers a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies everyone at the dinner table.
• Flexible Ingredient Swap: Easily customize by using different meats, adding vegetables, or adjusting cheese types to match your family's taste preferences and pantry availability.

Skillet Lasagna (One-Pan) Ingredients

• Ground Beef, Sausage: Rich meats that add hearty flavor and protein, choose lean options for healthier dish.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Creates classic Italian base with deep, tangy tomato flavor, look for high-quality brands.
• Onion, Garlic: Essential aromatics that build foundational flavor, select fresh produce for best results.

• Lasagna Noodles: Provides classic pasta texture, break into chunks for easy skillet cooking.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and soft cheese that adds rich, smooth texture to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty and sharp cheeses that create delicious cheesy topping, select good quality for best flavor.

• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that brings traditional Italian taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall dish flavor.

• Broth: Helps cook noodles and adds additional moisture to the skillet lasagna.

Skillet Lasagna One-Pan Method

Step 1: Brown The Meat

Warm up a spacious skillet on medium heat.

Drop in ground beef or sausage and cook until it transforms into a delightful golden-brown color.

Use your spatula to break the meat into small, delectable pieces while cooking.

If you notice excess fat, carefully drain it away.

Step 2: Wake Up The Aromatics

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the skillet.

Let them dance and sizzle until they become soft and fragrant, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Create The Hearty Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to mingle and create a rich, vibrant sauce.

Step 4: Cook The Noodles

Snap lasagna noodles into generous chunks and nestle them into the sauce.

Pour chicken or vegetable broth over the mixture.

Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes.

Give it an occasional gentle stir to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Embrace The Cheese

Generously dollop ricotta cheese across the surface.

Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top.

Cover the skillet and let the cheese transform into a melty, gooey blanket for about 5 minutes.

One-Pan Skillet Lasagna Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this one-pan skillet lasagna, blending classic Italian flavors with effortless cooking. Layers of pasta, rich marinara, and melted cheese create a quick weeknight dinner that welcomes you home with warmth and satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

Dairy & Cheese:

• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Vegetables & Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces / 794 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces / 227 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Additional Components:

• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into large pieces
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Transform a large skillet to medium heat and introduce ground meat, methodically crumbling and browning while eliminating excessive fat residue.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and aromatic.
3. Infuse the mixture with crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian herb blend, subtle red pepper flakes, and seasoning components.
4. Fragment lasagna noodles into irregular chunks, gently nestling them into the robust sauce landscape.
5. Stream broth across the skillet, creating a gentle liquid foundation, then seal with a lid and allow gentle simmering for approximately 18 minutes, periodically redistributing ingredients.
6. Delicately distribute ricotta across the surface in generous dollops, followed by a lavish sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
7. Return lid to skillet, permitting cheese to melt and harmonize flavors for roughly 5 minutes until achieving a gloriously molten consistency.
8. Remove from heat, allowing brief resting period to enable sauce and cheese to set and intensify flavor profile.

Notes

• Customize meat choices by using ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for a healthier protein option.
• Break lasagna noodles carefully to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Choose low-sodium broth and reduced-fat cheeses to create a lighter version without compromising flavor.
• Test noodle doneness by piercing with a fork; they should be tender but not mushy for perfect one-pan lasagna texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg