Easy One Pot Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Introduction

This Easy One Pot Skillet Lasagna combines all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna without the fuss of layering. It’s a comforting, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef, Italian sausage, or a vegetarian alternative
• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 oz lasagna noodles (broken into smaller pieces)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups water or broth
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 cup chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers (optional for extra nutrition)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a deep, large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, sausage, or vegetarian alternative and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in the marinara sauce, water or broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Step 4: Break lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the skillet. Make sure the noodles are submerged in the sauce for even cooking. Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers if using.
5. Step 5: Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Step 6: Once the noodles are tender, stir in the ricotta cheese evenly throughout the skillet.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
8. Step 8: Cover and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Step 9: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot straight from the skillet. It pairs well with garlic bread or a side salad.

Tips & Variations

• Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor in the sauce.
• Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
• Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
• Try stirring in fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a brighter taste.

Storage

Store leftover skillet lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it slowly on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the cheese creamy and delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked noodles for this recipe?

This recipe is designed for uncooked noodles to absorb the sauce while cooking. Using pre-cooked noodles might result in a mushy texture.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the meat with a vegetarian alternative like crumbled tofu, plant-based sausage, or add more vegetables such as mushrooms and zucchini.

Easy One Pot Skillet Lasagna Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 128 reviews

This Easy One Pot Skillet Lasagna is a comforting and simplified twist on traditional lasagna, combining layers of ground beef or sausage, marinara sauce, broken lasagna noodles, and three types of cheese all cooked together in a single skillet. Ready in under an hour, this dish offers the rich flavors of classic lasagna without the fuss of layering and multiple pans.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 1 lb ground beef, Italian sausage, or a vegetarian alternative

Sauce and Seasonings

• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 2 cups water or broth

Pasta

• 8 oz lasagna noodles (broken into smaller pieces)

Cheeses

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Vegetables

• 1 cup chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers (for extra nutrition)

Instructions

1. Prep the Protein: Heat a deep, large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon for even cooking. Drain excess grease if necessary to avoid a greasy dish.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, enhancing the sauce flavor. Then stir in marinara sauce, water or broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3. Cook the Noodles: Break lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them directly into the simmering sauce. Make sure the noodles are fully submerged to cook evenly. Cover the skillet and allow the noodles to simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Add optional chopped vegetables now if using, stirring to combine.
4. Add the Cheese: When the noodles are tender, stir ricotta cheese gently into the skillet. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover again and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and golden.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add vibrant color and fresh flavor. Serve the lasagna hot directly from the skillet with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with plant-based crumbles or additional mushrooms and vegetables.
• You can use vegetable broth instead of water for a more flavorful sauce base.
• Breaking the noodles into smaller pieces allows them to cook quickly and evenly without pre-boiling.
• Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the noodles from sticking to the skillet’s bottom.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Keywords: one pot lasagna, easy lasagna, skillet lasagna, quick Italian dinner, ground beef lasagna, no bake lasagna, weeknight meal