If you are craving all the comforting layers of traditional lasagna without the fuss of baking and waiting, this Skillet Lasagna Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender lasagna noodles cooked right in a savory, meaty marinara sauce, bubbling away with gooey mozzarella and creamy ricotta all in one pan. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and cheesy with a quick 30-minute turnaround that makes dinner feel effortless yet indulgent. Whether it’s a weeknight or a casual weekend meal, this skillet lasagna will become a go-to recipe that brings everyone to the table with smiles and happy appetites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Skillet Lasagna Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building that classic lasagna flavor and texture in a simplified way. From the robust ground beef to the creamy ricotta and the blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, every component is essential for perfect harmony.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Used to sauté the beef and onions, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a meaty base for the sauce.
- Sweet onion: Adds natural sweetness and texture contrast to the savory beef.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and a slight bite.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for a gentle, warm kick that wakes up the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the dish.
- Marinara sauce: The rich tomato base that ties the flavors and noodles together; homemade or store-bought works beautifully.
- Beef broth: Keeps the noodles moist while cooking and adds a savory depth.
- Dry mini lasagna noodles: The star pasta element that cooks right in the sauce for convenience and flavor absorption.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey layers of irresistible, stretchy cheese goodness.
- Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty contrast that complements the creamy textures.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds luscious creaminess that perfectly balances the tangy tomatoes and savory meat.
- Fresh chopped parsley: A bright, herbaceous finish that elevates the dish visually and taste-wise.
How to Make Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Start by warming the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You’ll want to cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions have become soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. This step builds the savory foundation of your dish. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the flavors clean and hearty.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes along with a pinch of salt and pepper. The garlic immediately releases its fragrance while the pepper flakes add a subtle warming heat that complements the richness of the beef and onions. This layer of flavor is what makes your skillet lasagna stand out.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth, then gently nestle in the dry mini lasagna noodles. It’s important to stir well to fully submerge the pasta in the sauce and broth mixture. This step allows the noodles to absorb loads of flavor as they cook without the need for pre-boiling, simplifying the process immensely.
Step 4: Simmer the Noodles
Once the mixture begins to bubble, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally every 5 minutes. This prevents the pasta from sticking to the pan and ensures even cooking. By the end, the noodles will be tender and infused with the delicious savory sauce.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until they melt into the sauce beautifully. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for a gorgeous, gooey layer that will melt to perfection during the final resting stage.
Step 6: Add Ricotta and Serve
Dollop heaping spoonfuls of ricotta cheese all over the skillet lasagna. Cover and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes so the ricotta softens and mingles with the other cheeses and sauce. Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with warm garlic bread to complete this comforting feast.
How to Serve Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a simple but stunning garnish that brightens each serving, cutting through the richness of the cheeses and meat. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan on top or add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving. This really wakes up the flavors and adds a beautiful shine.
Side Dishes
Skillet lasagna pairs delightfully with crisp, fresh salads like a classic Caesar or mixed greens tossed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty main dish. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus bring texture contrast and a healthy touch. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is a must-have to sop up every bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this skillet lasagna straight from the pan family-style, letting everyone help themselves. Alternatively, portion it into individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for charming personal servings. You can also sprinkle on some chili flakes or fresh basil for a colorful flair right before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover skillet lasagna is fantastic for next-day meals. Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as delicious, if not more so, when reheated.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, which makes it a perfect candidate for meal prep. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to evenly distribute heat and ensure the cheese remains melty and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use different types of ground meat in this Skillet Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage can be great substitutes. Each will bring a unique flavor profile, so choose based on your preference or dietary needs.
Do I need to pre-cook the lasagna noodles before adding them to the skillet?
No, the beauty of this Skillet Lasagna Recipe is that the dry mini lasagna noodles cook right in the sauce and broth mixture, absorbing all the savory flavors without any extra steps.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the beef and use a robust vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to keep it hearty and satisfying.
Is it possible to use regular lasagna noodles instead of mini ones?
You can, but you’ll want to break them into smaller pieces and ensure they fit comfortably in your skillet. Cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the noodles for doneness.
What is the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking to the skillet during cooking?
Stirring the skillet every 5 minutes during the simmering phase helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. Also, making sure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce and broth helps it cook through smoothly.
Final Thoughts
This Skillet Lasagna Recipe is pure culinary magic in a pan—a perfect combination of comforting flavors and convenient cooking. It’s a dish that invites warmth, joy, and satisfaction with every spoonful, making it impossible not to fall in love. I encourage you to give it a go and watch how it quickly becomes a household favorite for you and your loved ones. Happy cooking!
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Skillet Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Skillet Lasagna recipe is a simplified, quick version of classic lasagna, cooked entirely in one pan. Ground beef is browned with onions and garlic, then simmered with marinara sauce, beef broth, and dry mini lasagna noodles until tender. Layers of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese are added for a creamy, cheesy finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting, hearty meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups homemade marinara sauce (or 26-ounce store-bought jar)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth)
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces dry mini lasagna noodles
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Onions: Warm the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion; cook, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small crumbles, until the fat renders and the beef is no longer pink and the onions turn translucent, about 3 minutes. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Cook briefly until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth, then add the dry mini lasagna noodles. Mix everything together to combine thoroughly, ensuring the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Simmer: Once the mixture starts to bubble, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the skillet and cook gently for about 15 to 18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking and the mixture from scorching on the bottom. Continue until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until well combined and creamy. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Add Ricotta and Serve: Dot heaping tablespoons of ricotta cheese all over the cooked mixture. Cover again and let the skillet stand for 3 to 5 minutes off the heat to allow the ricotta to warm and slightly melt. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot, optionally alongside garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based ground alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- If you prefer a spicier lasagna, increase crushed red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon.
- Using mini lasagna noodles is key since they cook fully in the skillet; otherwise, regular-sized noodles may need to be pre-cooked.
- Stir the skillet regularly during simmering to avoid noodles sticking to the pan and burning.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
