This Skillet Lasagna is a simple yet hearty dish that brings all the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna to the table in a fraction of the time. Made in a single skillet, this lasagna features layers of marinara sauce, seasoned ground beef, and plenty of cheese, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Garnish with fresh basil for a beautiful finishing touch.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 85/15)
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons salt-free Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt, more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, more to taste
- 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
- 8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (more for serving)
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, thinly sliced, for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil on medium-high in a large, oven-safe, straight-sided skillet with a lid.
- Cook the beef:
- Once the oil begins to shimmer, add 1 pound ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Marinara Sauce
- Add seasonings:
- Add 3 large cloves garlic (minced), 2 teaspoons salt-free Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until the garlic is aromatic.
- Add marinara, water, and noodles:
- Add 24-ounce jar marinara sauce, 1 cup water, and 8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles (broken into pieces). Stir to combine, ensuring the noodles are coated and submerged in the sauce as much as possible.
- Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Simmer the Lasagna Mixture
- Simmer the noodles:
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20-23 minutes, stirring halfway through. If the sauce starts to dry out, add splashes of water as needed.
- Preheat the broiler:
- Meanwhile, position a rack about 6 inches below the broiler and heat the broiler to high.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
- Add ricotta and Parmigiano-Reggiano:
- Add 1 cup ricotta in dollops over the top of the lasagna mixture.
- Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.
- Top with mozzarella:
- Evenly top with 2 cups shredded mozzarella.
Step 5: Broil the Lasagna
- Broil:
- Transfer the skillet to the broiler and broil until the cheese melts and is golden brown and bubbly, about 1 1/2 to 3 minutes, depending on the strength of your broiler.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Add fresh basil:
- Remove the skillet from the oven and top with thinly sliced fresh basil.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with more grated Parmigiano-Reggiano on top.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with garlic bread for an even more comforting meal.
- Serve with a Caesar salad for added greens and crunch.
- Enjoy with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot.
- Add a side of steamed vegetables for a nutritious balance.
- Top each serving with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Cooking Tips:
- Break the lasagna noodles into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Stir halfway through simmering to prevent noodles from sticking together.
- If using a different skillet, ensure it’s oven-safe to withstand broiling.
- Add water as needed during simmering to keep the sauce from drying out.
- Use high-quality marinara for the best flavor—homemade marinara is a great option too!
Nutritional Benefits:
- Rich in protein from ground beef, supporting muscle growth and repair.
- High in calcium from ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano, promoting bone health.
- Good source of vitamins from the marinara sauce, which contains tomatoes rich in vitamin C.
- Balanced meal with carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
- Customizable recipe, allowing for leaner meats or plant-based alternatives for dietary needs.
Dietary Information:
- Contains dairy from ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
- Contains gluten from lasagna noodles; can be made gluten-free with gluten-free pasta.
- Nut-free, suitable for those with nut allergies.
- Vegetarian option: Use plant-based ground beef for a meatless version.
- Lower-fat option: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, approximately):
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
Storage:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a skillet with a little water or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freeze: Portion the lasagna into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- All-in-one meal: Classic lasagna flavors cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup.
- Quick and simple: No need to layer or bake for hours—ready in just 45 minutes.
- Family favorite: Gooey cheese, savory meat, and tasty noodles—perfect comfort food.
- Customizable: Easily swap out the meat or add veggies to suit your taste.
- Minimal effort, maximum flavor: The broiled cheese topping adds an irresistible texture.
Conclusion:
This Skillet Lasagna brings all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna into a quick, easy, and delicious one-skillet meal. With layers of seasoned beef, tender noodles, marinara sauce, and lots of cheese, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want a hearty, comforting dish without all the fuss of traditional lasagna. Garnish with fresh basil and serve with your favorite sides for a complete, satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use hot Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even plant-based ground beef. - Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or add more vegetables like mushrooms and spinach. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave. - Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Short pasta shapes like rotini or rigatoni work well—just avoid long noodles like spaghetti. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire skillet and reheat it when ready to serve. It’s also great for meal prep!