If you love lasagna but don’t have the time for layers, this easy skillet lasagna is for you! It’s everything you love about traditional lasagna, made faster, easier, and all in one pan. This lazy lasagna recipe is ready in under an hour and packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights.
Grab your skillet and let’s make this one-skillet lasagna recipe that’s comforting, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Skillet Lasagna
- Quick and Easy: This recipe skips the layers but keeps the flavor perfect for fast stove-top dinners.
- Healthy Twist: Made with fresh ingredients and no oven required!
- Minimal Cleanup: All the magic happens in one pot—no extra dishes.
Ingredients
- Ground beef – Ground sausage is a flavorful substitute.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
- Pepper – Adds a hint of spice; adjust to taste.
- Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs; try adding red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Onion – Minced for a sweet and savory base.
- Garlic – Minced fresh garlic adds bold flavor; garlic powder works in a pinch.
- Marinara sauce – Use your favorite store-bought or homemade option.
- Water – Helps cook the noodles and thin the sauce.
- Lasagna noodles – Break into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking.
- Ricotta cheese – Creamy and optional, but adds richness; cottage cheese works too.
- Parmesan cheese – Shredded for a salty, nutty flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for that gooey texture.
- Basil – Freshly chopped for a burst of flavor and garnish.
How to Make One Skillet Lasagna
1. Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it into small pieces as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 7-10 minutes, or until browned.
2. Add the Aromatics
Stir in minced onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and the onions soften.
3. Simmer the Sauce and Noodles
Pour in marinara sauce and water. Stir to combine, then add the broken lasagna noodles. Make sure the noodles are submerged in the sauce.
Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
4. Incorporate the Cheeses
Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted. Add dollops of ricotta cheese over the top.
5. Finish and Serve
Cover the skillet again and simmer for 2 more minutes, allowing the ricotta to warm through. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Skillet Lasagna
- Use a Cast Iron Pan: It heats evenly and keeps the lasagna warm while serving.
- Adjust the Spice: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Substitutions: Swap ground beef with sausage or ground turkey for variety.
- No Noodles? No Problem: Substitute lasagna noodles with any short pasta like penne or rotini.
This lazy lasagna is the ultimate shortcut for lasagna lovers. By deconstructing the dish and making it all in one skillet, you get the same comforting flavors without the effort. Plus, the ricotta adds creaminess, and the fresh basil brings a burst of flavor, making this a standout dish for weeknights.
Easy Skillet Lasagna
Your whole family will love this easy skillet lasagna recipe. The one skillet lasagna recipe has all of the traditional flavors of your favorite lasagna but is so much quicker and easier to make. It's the perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups water
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 8 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat a large cast-iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and break it into small pieces while cooking.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 7-10 minutes, until the beef is browned.
- Stir in the minced onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onions soften.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and water, stirring to combine.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles and ensure they are submerged in the sauce.
- Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
- Mix in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted.
Add dollops of ricotta cheese over the top of the lasagna. - Cover the skillet again and let it simmer for 2 minutes, until the ricotta is warmed through.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.
Notes
You can substitute ground sausage for the beef.
For a spicy version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 619Total Fat: 34gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 142mgSodium: 1583mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 4gSugar: 11gProtein: 49g
Try This Easy Skillet Lasagna Tonight!
Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or a cozy meal to share, this skillet lasagna recipe checks all the boxes. It’s simple, hearty, and packed with cheesy goodness. Give it a try and see why this easy lasagna skillet is a family favorite!
Don’t forget to save this 30-minute skillet lasagna for your next busy evening—it’s comfort food made easy!
