If you love the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna but dread the hours of layering and baking, this Skillet Lasagna is your perfect solution. You get all the cheesy, hearty goodness in just one pan and thirty minutes. It’s ideal for a busy weeknight when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—you cook everything together, making clean-up quick and easy while still delivering layers of flavor and comfort.
Why We Love This Skillet Lasagna Recipe
This recipe takes everything you love about lasagna and simplifies it without losing flavor. You don’t need multiple dishes or a long bake time, making it convenient for families or anyone short on time. The combination of ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and three kinds of cheese creates a creamy, savory experience that everyone will enjoy. It’s flexible too—you can swap in ground turkey, add vegetables, or change up the cheeses to match your preferences. Every bite is warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it a guaranteed favorite.
Ingredients for Skillet Lasagna
To make this dish, you will need simple pantry ingredients and a few fresh items. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 24 ounces pasta sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 ounces bite-size pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, for topping
These ingredients come together to create a simple, flavorful lasagna that cooks entirely in one pan. You’ll love how quickly the meal comes together while keeping the classic lasagna flavors intact.
How to Make Skillet Lasagna
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season it with salt and black pepper. Cook the meat until it is browned, breaking it up as it cooks, and drain excess grease if necessary.
Next, stir in the minced garlic and dried onion. Add the pasta sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Season again with salt and pepper if needed.
Once the sauce is simmering, stir in your bite-size pasta and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet, reduce heat, and let it cook for about 13–15 minutes. Check the pasta to ensure it’s tender and cooked through.
After the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and evenly distributed. Dollop ricotta cheese on top, cover the pan for a few minutes to allow it to warm, then sprinkle with fresh basil leaves. Your skillet lasagna is now ready to serve—creamy, cheesy, and packed with rich flavor in every bite.
How to Serve Skillet Lasagna
This dish is perfect on its own, but you can pair it with a few simple sides to make it a complete meal. Serve it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the cheese. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls complement the tomato sauce beautifully and soak up the extra flavors. For family meals, serve directly from the skillet to keep it warm and cozy. Individual portions are easy to scoop, and the melted cheese on top makes every serving look as good as it tastes.
Expert Tips for Skillet Lasagna
To get the best results, always cook the ground beef fully and season it well before adding the sauce. Use fresh herbs if you have them—they elevate the flavor significantly. Don’t skip stirring in the cheeses at the end; this creates a creamy, rich texture that makes this dish so comforting. If you want to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, sauté them along with the garlic and onion for extra flavor. Finally, let the skillet rest a few minutes after cooking—this allows the flavors to meld together and makes serving easier.
How to Store Skillet Lasagna
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain the sauce’s consistency. This lasagna also freezes well—portion it into freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations of Skillet Lasagna
You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences. Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Change the cheeses to cottage cheese, provolone, or cheddar if you prefer. Adding vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers boosts nutrition and adds extra texture. For a lighter version, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. You can also increase the spice level by adding crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili powder to the sauce.
FAQ About Skillet Lasagna
Can I make Skillet Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and meat mixture ahead of time, then refrigerate. Add the pasta and water when ready to cook.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Bite-size pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle works best because it cooks evenly in the skillet.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Chopped spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers can be added to the sauce. Sauté them with the garlic and onion for best results.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can swap ricotta for cottage cheese and mozzarella for provolone or cheddar. The dish will still be delicious.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to two months.
Is this recipe suitable for a family meal?
Definitely. It serves about six people and is simple enough to make on a weeknight, making it perfect for family dinners.
Skillet Lasagna
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Colander
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 24 oz pasta sauce
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 8 oz bite-size pasta penne, rigatoni, or farfalle
- 1½ cups water
- to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh basil leaves for topping
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Stir in minced garlic and dried onion. Add pasta sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in bite-size pasta and water. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and cook for 13-15 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in parmesan and mozzarella until melted. Dollop ricotta on top, cover for a few minutes to warm, then sprinkle with fresh basil.
- Serve directly from the skillet.
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