Name: One-Pan Skillet Lasagna – The Easiest Way to Enjoy Classic Lasagna
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 10 oz lasagna noodles (broken into pieces); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 24 oz tomato sauce; 1/2 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup water; Olive oil for cooking; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Lasagna has always been one of those dishes that feels like a special occasion meal, but what if I told you that you could enjoy all the layers of cheesy, saucy goodness in just one pan, with less hassle and cleanup? That’s exactly what you get with this One-Pan Skillet Lasagna! It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s ready in no time and doesn’t require multiple pots or hours of preparation. You’ll love how easy it is, but still just as delicious and satisfying as the classic version.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Minimal cleanup – With only one pan to clean, it’s the easiest lasagna you’ll ever make.
Quick and simple – No need to boil noodles or bake for hours; everything cooks in one skillet.
Layered with flavor – The sauce, cheese, and pasta come together in perfect harmony.
Perfect for busy nights – You can have a hearty, home-cooked meal in under 45 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a sneak peek at the ingredients you’ll be using, but the full list is below:

Ground beef – The base for the savory filling.
Lasagna noodles – Broken into pieces to make it easier to cook in the skillet.
Ricotta cheese – For that creamy, cheesy layer that makes lasagna so irresistible.
Mozzarella and Parmesan – To melt on top and give that cheesy, golden finish.
Tomato sauce – The base for the rich, flavorful sauce.
Onion and garlic – For that savory depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

Brown the Meat

Start by heating some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, and cook until browned. As the meat cooks, break it up with a spoon. Once the beef is browned, stir in the onions and garlic, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Add the Sauce and Noodles

Now, stir in the tomato sauce and water. Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the skillet, making sure they’re submerged in the sauce. Bring it all to a simmer, then cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.

Add the Cheeses

Once the noodles are cooked, drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the top of the skillet. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, then cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is melted and golden, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Top with fresh basil or parsley if you’d like, and enjoy your easy, one-pan lasagna!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Break the noodles – Breaking the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces helps them cook more evenly in the skillet.
Use lean beef – Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
Add veggies – You can sneak in some extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Vegetarian option – Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a delicious meatless version.
Add extra cheese – If you love cheese, feel free to add extra mozzarella or try other types like fontina for a richer flavor.
Spicy version – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a little kick!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve your One-Pan Skillet Lasagna with a crisp side salad and some warm garlic bread to round out the meal. You can also pair it with a glass of red wine, like a Chianti or Sangiovese, for a classic Italian experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen up the sauce. It also reheats beautifully in the microwave. You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months—just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use no-boil noodles?

Yes, you can use no-boil noodles for even easier prep, but make sure they are covered well with sauce while cooking so they soften properly.

How can I make this gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free lasagna noodles. Be sure to check the ingredients of your tomato sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven to reheat when you’re ready to eat. It also freezes well for later use.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese works as a great substitute. It’s a little lighter but still provides that creamy texture.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Skillet Lasagna is everything you love about traditional lasagna—cheesy, saucy, and comforting—but without all the work! Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe will make you feel like a pro without all the stress. Plus, with minimal cleanup, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without the hassle.

One-Pan Skillet Lasagna – The Easiest Way to Enjoy Classic Lasagna

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This One-Pan Skillet Lasagna brings all the deliciousness of classic lasagna with minimal hassle and cleanup. With just one pan, you’ll enjoy layers of cheesy goodness, savory meat, and tender noodles in under 45 minutes.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Instructions

Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in onions and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Sauce and Noodles: Stir in tomato sauce and water. Break lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add to the skillet. Ensure they are submerged in sauce. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
Add the Cheeses: Spoon ricotta cheese over the top of the skillet. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Top with fresh basil or parsley, and enjoy!