Easy One Pot Skillet Lasagna Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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