Name: One-Pan Skillet Lasagna: The Easiest Way to Enjoy Lasagna Without the Mess
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Ground beef (or turkey) – 1 lb (450g); Onion – 1 medium, chopped; Garlic – 3 cloves, minced; Crushed tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 oz or 410g); Tomato sauce – 1 can (15 oz or 425g); Ricotta cheese – 1 cup (240g); Mozzarella cheese – 1 1/2 cups (180g), shredded; Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup (60g), grated; Lasagna noodles – 8-10 broken pieces (about 1/2 box); Italian seasoning – 1 1/2 teaspoons; Salt – 1/2 teaspoon; Pepper – 1/4 teaspoon; Fresh basil (optional) – for garnish

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Short Description
Craving lasagna but don’t want to deal with all the layers, the baking, and the mess? This One-Pan Skillet Lasagna is the perfect solution! It’s all the flavors of your favorite lasagna, made in just one skillet on the stovetop. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious—this is a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you’re in the mood for comfort food without the hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Lasagna has always been a family favorite, but it can take a while to prepare and bake. That’s where this one-pan version comes in. You get all the cheesy, saucy goodness of classic lasagna, but in a fraction of the time. With fewer dishes to clean up and all the flavor packed into one skillet, it’s an effortless way to enjoy lasagna any day of the week. Plus, it’s easily customizable to fit your preferences!

Ingredients
(Full ingredient list below, but here’s a quick look at what you’ll need)

Ground beef (or turkey)
Onion
Garlic
Crushed tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Fresh basil (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the Meat and Veggies

In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey), breaking it apart as it cooks. Once the meat is browned, stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for a couple of minutes until fragrant and softened.

2. Add the Tomato Sauce and Noodles

Now it’s time to add the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes. Add in the broken lasagna noodles (no need to pre-cook them!) and push them down into the sauce to ensure they’re covered. Pour in a little bit of water or broth if the sauce looks too thick. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.

3. Add the Cheeses

Once the noodles are cooked, spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the top of the lasagna, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Garnish and Serve

Once everything is cooked, sprinkle some fresh basil over the top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the skillet lasagna hot, straight from the pan, and enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness with no fuss.

Expert Tips and Tricks

If you want a thicker sauce, feel free to let the mixture simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid.
You can use any type of ground meat you prefer—ground chicken or even a vegetarian option like lentils or mushrooms works great.
If you like your lasagna extra cheesy, feel free to add more mozzarella or use a mix of different cheeses like provolone or fontina for more flavor.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor.
If you want to make this vegetarian, you can replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a mix of both for a hearty filling.
Try adding some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat in your lasagna.
You can use gluten-free lasagna noodles or zucchini noodles (sliced thinly) as a low-carb option.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This skillet lasagna is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad to complete the meal. For drinks, a glass of red wine, like a Chianti or Merlot, pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the lasagna. You could also go for a refreshing lemonade or sparkling water if you prefer something non-alcoholic.

Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? Yes, please! This dish stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cover your skillet (or transfer to an airtight container) and refrigerate. To reheat, you can warm it up in the skillet on low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen up the sauce, or microwave individual portions until hot.

4 FAQs

Can I use regular lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can use regular lasagna noodles, but you’ll need to cook them separately and then add them to the skillet with the sauce. Broken noodles work best for this one-pan version.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance. Brown the meat and prepare the sauce, then store it in the fridge for a day or two before assembling the lasagna and cooking it.
Can I freeze One-Pan Skillet Lasagna?
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it up in the skillet.
Can I substitute ricotta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a smoother texture. You can also use mascarpone for a richer, creamier option.

Conclusion
One-Pan Skillet Lasagna is the perfect solution when you’re craving the comforting, cheesy goodness of lasagna but want to avoid the hassle of layers and baking. It’s a simple, delicious, and customizable meal that’s ready in no time, with minimal clean-up required. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this recipe will surely be a hit. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

One-Pan Skillet Lasagna: The Easiest Way to Enjoy Lasagna Without the Mess

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

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Description

Craving lasagna but don’t want to deal with layers, baking, and mess? This One-Pan Skillet Lasagna combines all the cheesy, saucy goodness of traditional lasagna, but cooked in one skillet on the stovetop. Quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Instructions

Cook the Meat and Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef (or turkey) and brown it, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until fragrant and softened.
Add the Tomato Sauce and Noodles:
Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes. Add broken lasagna noodles and push them down into the sauce. Add water or broth if the sauce is too thick. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
Add the Cheeses:
Once the noodles are cooked, add dollops of ricotta cheese over the lasagna, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts and is bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot, straight from the skillet.

Notes

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered to thicken.
Can use ground chicken, sausage, or vegetarian options like lentils or mushrooms.
Add extra mozzarella or different cheeses like provolone or fontina for more flavor.