If you’re craving all the comfort and flavor of traditional lasagna but want a quicker, easier dinner, this Skillet Lasagna Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It captures every delicious layer of lasagna—from savory ground beef and rich marinara to gooey mozzarella and creamy ricotta—all cooked together in a single skillet. The result is a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy meals without the fuss of assembling multiple pans. Trust me, once you try this skillet lasagna, it’ll become a regular go-to for irresistible, fuss-free Italian goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, straightforward, and each one plays a vital role in building the hearty, comforting flavors and melt-in-your-mouth textures in your skillet lasagna. From the olive oil that starts everything off to the fresh parsley that adds a bright pop at the end, every element is there for a reason.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps brown the beef and onions perfectly.
- Lean ground beef (1 pound): Provides the meaty base that makes this dish satisfyingly substantial.
- Small sweet onion, diced (1): Brings natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the dish with classic Italian aroma and a savory punch.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon): Adds just the right hint of heat to balance the richness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors alive.
- Homemade marinara sauce (3 cups) or store-bought (26-ounce jar): The heart of the dish, packed with tomato goodness and herbs.
- Low-sodium beef broth or chicken broth (2 cups): Keeps the pasta perfectly tender while adding depth to the sauce.
- Dry mini lasagna noodles (8 ounces): These little noodles absorb the sauce beautifully and cook directly in the skillet.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup, divided): Melts into gooey delight throughout and on top.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, divided): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella.
- Ricotta cheese (¾ cup): Dolloped in for creamy, tender bites that perfectly balance the meaty sauce.
- Fresh chopped parsley, for serving: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish to brighten every forkful.
How to Make Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Warm your olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss in the ground beef and diced sweet onion, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions turn translucent, about three minutes. This step lays the flavorful foundation, so don’t rush the browning. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Next, stir in minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The garlic will become wonderfully fragrant, while the red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick that balances the richness of the beef and cheese. Mixing these now lets the flavors infuse evenly as you move to the next steps.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in your marinara sauce and broth, stirring until combined. Nestle the dry mini lasagna noodles right into the mixture, submerging them fully beneath the liquid. This is the brilliant part—no boiling noodles ahead, the pasta cooks tender right in the saucy skillet, soaking up every bit of flavor.
Step 4: Simmer
When the mixture starts to bubble, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Let everything cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring every five minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The pasta will become perfectly tender, absorbing those rich tomato and meat juices.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in half of your mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and combined. This ensures gooey cheese is incorporated throughout the dish, making every bite satisfying. Then sprinkle the remaining cheeses evenly over the top for a beautifully cheesy crust when served.
Step 6: Add Ricotta and Serve
Dollop heaping spoonfuls of ricotta cheese across the skillet, then cover again and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes off the heat. This gentle resting melts the ricotta just right, adding creamy pockets that contrast beautifully with the savory meat and melted mozzarella. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a fresh, colorful flourish. Serve straight from the skillet with garlic bread for an unforgettable meal.
How to Serve Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh chopped parsley not only add a burst of color but also a subtle herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. For extra flair, a light drizzle of good quality extra-virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate each serving with layers of flavor and a little spice kick.
Side Dishes
This skillet lasagna recipe shines as a main event, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is a classic side that’s perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd or special occasion, serve your skillet lasagna family-style right from the pan, letting everyone help themselves to the melty layers of goodness. Alternatively, scoop portions into individual ramekins and broil briefly to get bubbly golden tops for an elegant presentation that feels extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Let it cool completely before sealing to maintain its best texture and flavor. Reheat gently to keep the pasta from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover skillet lasagna in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Because it’s already all cooked in one pan, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick and satisfying meal later on.
Reheating
The best way to reheat this skillet lasagna recipe is in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist. Microwaving works too—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally to warm evenly and keep that creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and will work well in this recipe, although you might want to add a bit more seasoning or a touch of olive oil for extra moisture and flavor.
Do I have to use mini lasagna noodles?
Mini noodles are ideal because they cook quickly and fit perfectly in the skillet, but if you can’t find them, you can break regular lasagna noodles into smaller pieces to fit. Just be sure they’re submerged during cooking for even tenderness.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the ground beef and use plant-based crumbles or add sautéed mushrooms and extra vegetables. Adjust seasonings and broth accordingly to maintain a rich, satisfying flavor.
What if my sauce is too thick or thin during cooking?
If the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is cooked, add a little more broth or water to loosen it. If it’s too thin at the end, remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken up.
Is ricotta cheese necessary?
I highly recommend it because ricotta adds a creamy, luscious texture that balances the melty mozzarella and hearty meat sauce, but if you’re not a fan, you can skip it or substitute with cottage cheese for a similar effect.
Final Thoughts
This Skillet Lasagna Recipe is an absolute game changer, combining the best parts of classic lasagna with the ease of a one-pan dinner. Whether you need a satisfying weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser for family and friends, it’s sure to bring smiles and full bellies. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite way to enjoy lasagna!
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Skillet Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Skillet Lasagna recipe is a quick and comforting one-pan pasta dish that layers the classic flavors of traditional lasagna into a simple, hearty skillet meal. Ground beef, aromatic onions, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes simmer together with mini lasagna noodles in a savory marinara and broth mixture before being enriched with layers of gooey mozzarella, Parmesan, and creamy ricotta cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave the cozy taste of Italian comfort food with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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)
- 8 ounces dry mini lasagna noodles
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- 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 sweet onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until the beef is browned, fat has rendered, and the onions are translucent, about 3 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Cook briefly until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the marinara sauce, beef broth, and add the dry mini lasagna noodles to the skillet. Stir gently to combine ensuring the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid to cook evenly.
- Simmer: Once the mixture starts bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 15 to 18 minutes until the pasta is tender, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and scorching on the bottom of the pan.
- Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses until combined into the sauce and pasta mixture. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
- Add Ricotta and Serve: Dollop heaping tablespoons of ricotta cheese all over the skillet lasagna. Cover and let the dish rest for 3 to 5 minutes until the ricotta slightly melts. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately, optionally with garlic bread.
Notes
- Using mini lasagna noodles speeds up cooking time and eliminates the need to boil noodles separately.
- Stir the simmering lasagna mixture frequently to avoid pasta clumping or burning at the bottom.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and use vegetable broth with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
