Description
This Easy One Pot Skillet Lasagna is a quick and comforting recipe that combines all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna into a single, convenient skillet. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it features browned ground beef or Italian sausage simmered with marinara sauce, tender broken lasagna noodles, and layers of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional veggies like spinach or mushrooms, this dish is hearty, cheesy, and ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef, Italian sausage, or a vegetarian alternative
- 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
Cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables (Optional)
- 1 cup chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers
Instructions
- 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. Drain excess grease if necessary to avoid a greasy dish.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce, water or broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine the flavors.
- Cook the Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and layer them directly into the skillet. Ensure that the noodles are fully submerged in the sauce to allow even cooking. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the pan.
- Add the Cheese: Once the noodles are tender, stir in the ricotta cheese evenly. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish the skillet lasagna with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor. Serve hot straight from the skillet, accompanied by garlic bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute lasagna noodles with gluten-free noodles to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Vegetarian option: Use a vegetarian protein alternative and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- For extra nutrition and flavor, add chopped vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- To reduce fat, drain excess grease after browning the meat or use lean ground beef.
- If the noodles are still firm after simmering, add a splash more water or broth and cook a few minutes longer.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
