
This One-Pan Skillet Lasagna is a weeknight game-changer! We’re ditching the casserole dish and layering all those classic lasagna flavors in a single skillet for a simplified and seriously satisfying meal. Think tender lasagna noodles coated in rich marinara sauce, savory ground beef, and a creamy ricotta topping, all cooked to perfection in one pan. It’s comfort food made easy, and it’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Convenient: Everything cooks together in one skillet, minimizing mess and maximizing flavor.
- Quick and Delicious: This lasagna comes together faster than traditional baked lasagna, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of ground beef, marinara sauce, and cheesy layers delivers all the classic lasagna flavors you love.
- Perfect for Smaller Portions: This recipe is ideal for smaller households or when you don’t want a huge amount of leftovers.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this One-Pan Skillet Lasagna:
- Olive oil: Used for browning the ground beef and adding richness to the sauce.
- Lean ground beef: Provides a savory base for the lasagna.
- Garlic cloves: Minced, they add a fragrant touch.
- Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
- Water: Helps cook the lasagna noodles and create a luscious sauce.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of classic Italian herbs.
- Lasagna noodles: Regular lasagna noodles, not the no-boil kind.
- Ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy and cheesy layer.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, it adds a salty and nutty flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese: Grated, it provides that classic cheesy melt.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make One-Pan Skillet Lasagna
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Garlic
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds more.
Step 2: Build the Lasagna
- Stir in the marinara sauce, water, and Italian seasoning.
- Break the lasagna noodles into 2-inch pieces and add them to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Finish
- While the noodles are cooking, combine the ricotta and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Once the noodles are cooked, dollop the ricotta mixture over the top.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the ricotta.
- Cover the skillet and remove it from the heat. Let it rest for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Alternatively, you can place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes to brown the cheese.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use a large skillet: Make sure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the lasagna noodles and sauce.
- Break the noodles: Breaking the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces makes them easier to cook and eat.
- Adjust the liquid: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water to prevent the noodles from sticking.
- Broil for extra cheesy goodness: If you like your cheese bubbly and golden brown, place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve
- On its own: This skillet lasagna is a complete meal on its own.
- With a side salad: Pair it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- With garlic bread: Add some garlic bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire skillet on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
No, this recipe is designed for regular lasagna noodles. No-boil noodles may not cook properly in the skillet.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even ground chicken.
Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the ground beef and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Can I freeze this lasagna?
It’s not recommended to freeze this skillet lasagna as the noodles may become mushy upon thawing.
Enjoy this easy and delicious One-Pan Skillet Lasagna!
PrintOne-Pan Skillet Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One-Pan Skillet Lasagna is a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s ready in under an hour. With layers of tender lasagna noodles, flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese, it’s a satisfying and comforting dish.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 9 lasagna noodles (not the no-boil variety)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Season: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Add Sauce and Noodles: Stir in garlic, marinara sauce, water, and Italian seasoning. Break lasagna noodles into 2-inch pieces and add to the skillet.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally. Add more water if needed.
- Mix Cheeses: In a bowl, combine ricotta and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble Lasagna: Dollop ricotta mixture over the cooked noodles. Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Cover skillet and let rest off the heat for 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Alternatively, broil in the oven until cheese is golden brown.
Notes
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- If desired, add other ingredients to the meat sauce, such as chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or vegetables.
- This skillet lasagna can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg