Skillet Lasagna

This Skillet Lasagna offers all the hearty, cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna, but in a fraction of the time and with minimal cleanup. With savory ground beef and sausage, perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, and a rich tomato sauce, this stovetop version will satisfy all your lasagna cravings. The best part? It’s all made in one pan, making it the perfect option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Skillet Lasagna combines the rich, comforting flavors of classic lasagna with the convenience of a one-pan meal. The layers of melted cheese, seasoned meat, and tender noodles come together effortlessly, while the rich tomato sauce ties everything together. This version is ready in just under an hour, making it perfect for a satisfying, family-friendly meal without the need for baking. Plus, the minimal cleanup makes it even more convenient!

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound lean ground beef

• 1/2 pound sweet beef sausage

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 9 full-size lasagna noodles, broken into 1 to 1 1/2-inch pieces

• 23.75 to 24 ounces jarred pasta sauce

• 1 1/2 cups water

• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (8 ounces)

• 1/3 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

• 1 1/4 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Meat:

In a 10 to 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart and stir often. Once the meat is no longer pink, drain any excess grease and return the meat to the skillet.

2. Add Garlic:

Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant.

3. Add the Noodles and Sauce:

Add the broken lasagna noodles, pasta sauce, water, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine.

4. Simmer the Lasagna:

Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the sauce to a low boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the lasagna simmer for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring often to prevent the noodles from sticking. Add up to 1/2 cup of water if the lasagna becomes too thick or begins to dry out.

5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

In a small bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, shredded Parmesan, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined.

6. Add the Cheese:

Once the noodles have softened and the sauce has thickened, drop spoonfuls of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the lasagna. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the cheese mixture.

7. Melt the Cheese:

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt and become bubbly, about 5-8 minutes.

8. Garnish and Serve:

Once the cheese is melted, garnish the lasagna with minced fresh basil and serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a veggie-packed lasagna.

• Spicy Version: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

• Different Cheeses: Swap out mozzarella or Parmesan with other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or cheddar for different flavors.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the lasagna in the skillet over low heat with a splash of water or sauce to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave individual servings.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?

Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles, but you’ll need to add a little extra liquid to ensure they cook properly. Add 1/2 to 1 cup of water to the sauce while simmering.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this skillet lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Just reheat it before serving.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to beef and works well in this recipe.

Can I freeze skillet lasagna?

Yes, you can freeze this dish after cooking. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.

What if I don’t have a skillet large enough?

If your skillet isn’t large enough, you can cook the ingredients in batches or use a larger pot. You’ll just need to adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Conclusion

This Skillet Lasagna is a quick and satisfying twist on the classic dish. With all the layers of flavor you love in lasagna—rich tomato sauce, hearty meat, creamy cheese, and tender noodles—it’s the perfect one-pan meal for busy nights. With minimal prep time and easy cleanup, it’s the ideal way to enjoy lasagna without the fuss!

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