Skillet Lasagna Recipe - Quick, Easy

Looking for a hearty, comforting dinner that doesn’t take hours to prepare? Meet your new favorite dish—Skillet Lasagna. It’s everything you love about traditional lasagna, but it comes together in half the time. Perfect for busy families and anyone craving a warm, delicious meal on a weeknight, this recipe is packed with flavor and requires just one pan. That means less time cooking, less cleaning up, and more time enjoying a cozy meal with your loved ones.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a simple step-by-step guide to make this one-pan wonder, as well as tips to tweak it to suit your preferences.

What Makes Skillet Lasagna a Game-Changer?

Traditional lasagna, while delicious, can often be time-consuming and messy between layering noodles, mixing cheeses, and multiple bake times. Skillet Lasagna cuts out the hassle without sacrificing the essence of the dish.

With a skillet as your secret weapon:

• Quick Prep and Cook Time: All ingredients are cooked in one pan, cutting your labor and cooking time significantly.
• Bold Flavors: From rich marinara sauce to gooey melted cheese, each bite boasts comforting, robust flavors.
• Fewer Dishes to Clean: A single skillet takes care of everything.
• Flexible Ingredients: Tweaks are simple, whether you want extra veggies, a different type of meat, or gluten-free pasta.

It’s the perfect way to bring lasagna to the table in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients for Skillet Lasagna

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this irresistible dish:

Base Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1½ cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings:

• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, if you like a little heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for topping)

How to Make Skillet Lasagna

Follow these simple steps to get dinner on the table in no time:

Step 1: Cook the Meat and Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook until it browns and is no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the skillet. Toss in the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Sprinkle the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes into the skillet with the meat. Stir to combine. Pour in the marinara sauce and water (or chicken broth) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Add the Noodles

Break the lasagna noodles into roughly 2-inch pieces and scatter them across the skillet. Use a spoon to submerge them in the sauce. Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the noodles cook evenly and don’t stick together.

Step 4: Layer the Cheeses

Once the noodles are tender, drop dollops of ricotta cheese evenly over the skillet. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously on top. If you’re using an oven-safe skillet, transfer it to the oven and broil on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If not oven-safe, simply cover and cook on low heat for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added aroma. Serve hot, scooping generous portions straight out of the skillet.

Skillet Lasagna Variations

Want to mix up this recipe? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Protein Boost: Add cooked ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or replace them with gluten-free pasta of your choice.
• Extra Cheesy: Double up the mozzarella and Parmesan for extra gooey goodness.

Expert Tips for Perfect Skillet Lasagna

• Choose the Right Skillet: Use a deep, large skillet (12 inches) to ensure there's enough space for the noodles to cook evenly without spilling over.
• Don’t Skimp on Liquid: The noodles need adequate sauce and water to cook properly. Add small amounts of water if the sauce thickens too quickly.
• Stir Often: Gently stirring every few minutes helps prevent sticking and ensures the noodles are evenly coated in sauce.

Bring Families Together with Every Bite

Not only is Skillet Lasagna quick to make, but it’s also perfect for bringing everyone around the table after a long day. Its rich layers of sauce, pasta, and cheese make it a meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you're a busy professional or a parent juggling your family’s schedule, this recipe is your shortcut to a satisfying dinner.

Are you ready to revolutionize dinner time? Give this recipe a try and share your experience in the comments below. We’d love to hear how your skillet lasagna turned out (pictures are always welcome)!