Description
This Easy One-Pan Skillet Lasagna offers a quick and comforting twist on traditional lasagna. Using a single skillet, ground beef, and broken lasagna noodles cooked directly in a flavorful blend of marinara and cheeses, this recipe delivers a cheesy, satisfying meal in just 40 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave classic Italian flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound Ground Beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 medium Onion, chopped (shallots can be used for sweetness)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (fresh recommended)
Sauces and Cheese
- 24 ounces Marinara Sauce (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
- 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese (or low-fat ricotta/cottage cheese)
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, divided
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese
Other Ingredients
- 9 ounces Lasagna Noodles, broken into pieces (gluten-free option available)
- 2 cups Water (or broth for enhanced flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (or fresh oregano)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil (or substitute with fresh basil)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup Fresh Basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring frequently until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat to keep it lean.
- Add Sauces and Cheese: Stir in the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Incorporate Noodles and Water: Carefully stir in the broken lasagna noodles and 2 cups of water. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil. The noodles will begin to absorb the flavorful sauce as they cook.
- Simmer Until Noodles are Tender: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes or until the noodles are tender and have fully soaked up the sauce.
- Melt Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and allow the cheese to melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped basil. Slice into portions and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter, leaner option.
- Gluten-free lasagna noodles can be used for dietary restrictions.
- Substitute water with low-sodium broth to deepen the flavor.
- Ensure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all ingredients without overcrowding.
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
