Skillet lasagna is a cozy one-pan meal that’s both easy to make and full of flavor! It layers pasta, rich sauce, and melty cheese, all cooked together in a skillet.
Who knew lasagna could be this simple? No boiling noodles here; just toss everything in, and in no time, dinner is ready! I love serving it with a salad for a complete meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Sausage: I usually go for Italian sausage because it adds amazing flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try ground turkey or chicken instead!
Marinara Sauce: A store-bought jar is perfect to save time. However, if you have homemade sauce, that works even better. If you prefer a meatless option, look for vegetable marinara sauces.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess to the dish. If you’re lactose intolerant, a dairy-free ricotta or cottage cheese can be good substitutes. For a richer flavor, some people like to add a dash of cream cheese!
Pasta: While typical lasagna noodles are great, using broken mafaldine or any short pasta works well too. You can even use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for healthier or dietary needs.
How Do You Get the Cheese Perfectly Melted?
The cheese topping makes this dish special, but getting it perfectly melted is key. Here’s how to do it right:
- Once the pasta is tender, dollop the ricotta and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Don’t rush this step—distributing the cheese evenly ensures everyone gets a taste!
- Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for about 5-7 minutes. This traps steam and helps melt the cheese nicely.
- If you love bubbly cheese, finish it under the broiler for a few minutes. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Let your skillet lasagna sit for a few minutes after taking it off the heat. This allows the cheese to set just a bit, making it easier to serve!
How to Make Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 2 cups water or broth
- 8 oz (about 3 cups) broken lasagna noodles or broken mafaldine pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10-15 minutes to prepare and another 30 minutes to cook. Overall, you should set aside about 45 minutes to enjoy this delicious one-pan meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell its wonderful aroma!
2. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Use a spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Stir and cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, which should be about 6-8 minutes. If there’s too much fat, you can drain a bit off before moving to the next step.
3. Add Sauce and Noodles:
Next, stir in the marinara sauce, water (or broth), dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring it all to a gentle simmer. Then, add the broken lasagna noodles to the skillet. Gently stir to ensure the noodles are covered with the sauce. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 15-20 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Add the Cheeses:
Once the noodles are done, drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly over the top. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over everything.
5. Melt the Cheese:
Cover the skillet again and let it cook on low heat for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and looks delicious. If you like a slightly browned, bubbly topping, you can pop the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes (just keep a close watch to avoid burning!).
6. Garnish and Serve:
After cooking, remove the skillet from the heat, and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a lovely touch. Let the skillet lasagna sit for about 5 minutes before serving so it sets up beautifully.
Enjoy your comforting skillet lasagna! It’s a fantastic meal packed with flavor and all cooked in one pan—what’s not to love?
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for Skillet Lasagna?
Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as gluten-free pasta can cook more quickly. Check the package instructions for the best guidance.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skillet lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a sprinkle of water to keep it moist.
Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat and sauce mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply add the noodles and follow the cooking steps!
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese, cream cheese, or even a dairy-free alternative to keep the dish creamy and rich. Just blend it slightly if you want a smoother texture.