Skillet Lasagna Recipe – Recipes Simple

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s easy to make and is full of delicious flavor, this Skillet Lasagna recipe is just the ticket. It has all the classic lasagna flavors you love, but with a fraction of the effort and time. This one-pan meal is sure to be a hit with the whole family!

The best part about this dish is how simple it is. Instead of layering noodles, ricotta, and sauce like traditional lasagna, you cook the noodles right in the sauce. This infuses them with rich, savory flavor. Then, you dollop the top with a ricotta mixture, sprinkle with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly and golden.

I love this Skillet Lasagna recipe because it’s a real time-saver. You can have a comforting, satisfying meal on the table in under an hour, which is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something substantial but don’t want to spend a ton of time cooking.

But just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it skimps on flavor. The key is building a flavorful sauce with ground beef, onions, garlic, and aromatic basil. Cooking the noodles in this sauce allows them to soak up all that deliciousness.

And then there’s the ricotta mixture. Made with ricotta cheese, parmesan, black pepper, and an egg to bind it together, it adds a lovely creaminess that balances the rich tomato sauce.

While the recipe uses traditional lasagna noodles, you can easily swap in other shapes like penne or fusilli for a fun twist. And feel free to experiment with the fillings, too! Add some sautéed mushrooms, use Italian sausage instead of beef, or toss in a handful of baby spinach for extra veggies.

Ingredient Notes

See the printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease.
• Onions and Garlic: These aromatics add depth to the sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought variety or homemade marinara.
• Chicken Broth: Cooking the noodles in broth adds extra flavor. Water or vegetable broth will work too.
• Lasagna Noodles: I like to break them into 2-3 inch pieces. You can also use other pasta shapes if you prefer.
• Ricotta, Parmesan, and Mozzarella: The perfect trio of lasagna cheeses.
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture together.
• Basil and Parsley: Fresh herbs add a nice pop of color and freshness.

How To Make This Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Start by browning the ground beef with onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s mostly cooked, add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Turn the heat down to medium and stir in the salt, marinara sauce, basil, and chicken broth. Add the broken lasagna noodles, stirring to submerge them in the sauce.

Cover the skillet and let it simmer until the noodles are al dente – about 20 minutes. They’ll continue to cook in the next steps, so no need to cook them fully here.

While the noodles simmer, mix together the ricotta, parmesan, egg, and black pepper in a separate bowl.

Once the noodles are ready, uncover the skillet and dollop the ricotta mixture over the top. You can swirl it into the sauce a bit if you like.

Finally, sprinkle the mozzarella over the top and place the skillet under the broiler for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown. Keep an eye on it, as broilers can work quickly!

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot right from the skillet.

Substitutions and Variations

• Change up the meat. Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or plant-based crumbles.
• Change the noodles. Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or your favorite pasta shape.
• Give it a kick. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Change the cheese. Top with fresh ricotta or burrata cheese instead of shredded mozzarella.
• Add vegetables. Try mushrooms or spinach for an extra flavor.

Storing and Freezing

Store: Leftover Skillet Lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole skillet in a low oven until heated through.

Freeze: To freeze this dish, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a covered skillet over low heat until bubbly.

Recipe Notes

• Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease in the sauce.
• Don’t overcook the noodles during the simmering step, as they’ll continue to soften while broiling.
• Broilers can vary, so keep a close eye on the lasagna to avoid burning the cheese.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese makes a good substitute for ricotta. For a smoother texture, pulse it a few times in a food processor before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Do I have to use a skillet?

A large, oven-safe skillet works best for this recipe, as it allows you to cook the sauce and pasta and then broil the cheese all in one pan. However, a Dutch oven would work too.

You can also make my Italian Pasta Bake and Pizza Pasta Bake when you need an easy weeknight meal.

This Skillet Lasagna proves that comfort food can be easy to make. With its simple one-pan preparation, rich flavors, and cheesy goodness in every bite, it’s sure to become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation.