I’m always looking for ways to simplify dinner without sacrificing flavor, and my one-skillet lasagna recipe is a game-changer! Have you ever craved lasagna but dreaded the cleanup? This version delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness you love in just one pan. I’ve perfected the technique after many family dinners, balancing those perfectly tender noodles with the right ratio of meats and cheeses. Ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine?
Your Complete Ingredients List
Ready to make this quick and easy one skillet lasagna? This recipe is a game changer when you’re craving traditional lasagna flavors but don’t have time for all that layering and baking. You’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (90-95% lean) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 to 1 1/4 cups water or broth
- 9 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into 1-2 inch pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, fresh basil
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters, especially for the sauce and cheeses. You can certainly customize based on what you have on hand—ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative to beef, and vegetable broth adds a nice depth of flavor compared to water. Remember to use regular uncooked lasagna noodles rather than the no-boil variety, as they’ll give you the best texture in this quick-cooking method. And if you’re dairy-sensitive? Well, that’s a whole different recipe, my friend.
Cooking Instruction
Begin by heating 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant—trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing at this point.
Then add o1 lb of ground beef or Italian sausage, season with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s nicely browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, and you’ll want to break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the meat is done, drain off any excess fat that might make your lasagna greasy.
Now comes the magic of the one-pot method. Stir in a 24 oz jar of marinara sauce and 1 to 1¼ cups of water or broth, which will help cook those 9 uncooked lasagna noodles you’ve broken into bite-sized pieces.
Make sure all the noodle pieces are submerged in the liquid, then bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll want to stir occasionally to prevent sticking, but not too much or you’ll break up the noodles further.
The noodles should become tender during this time, but if they’re still a bit firm, add a splash more water and cook a few minutes longer.
When the noodles are tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Time for the cheese trifecta! Dollop 1 cup of ricotta cheese evenly over the top—no need for perfect precision here.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ⅓ cup of grated parmesan over everything, then cover the skillet again to let the residual heat melt all that cheese into gooey perfection. This usually takes just 2-3 minutes.
Want to take it over the top? Garnish with some fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and maybe a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. The beauty of this recipe is how it captures all the classic lasagna flavors, but without the fuss of layering and multiple dishes.
For an even more authentic cooking experience, consider using a premium wok set that provides excellent heat distribution and versatility for one-pan meals like this.
Tips & Variations
Let’s talk about ways to customize this one-skillet wonder!
I’ve found that regular uncooked lasagna noodles work better than no-boil varieties, giving you that perfect al dente texture.
Need it vegetarian? Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms and zucchini instead! For a spicier kick, why not mix in some Italian sausage with the ground beef?
You can also play with different cheese combinations – smoked mozzarella adds amazing depth!
Remember to stir gently after adding those gorgeous cheese layers, and don’t be afraid to adjust the liquid if your noodles need a bit more time to soften.
Weeknight lasagna has never been so flexible!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve mastered this easy one-skillet technique, what’s the best way to serve up your masterpiece?
I love pairing this hearty lasagna with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for balance. Garlic bread is non-negotiable in my house – perfect for sopping up that delicious sauce!
For a complete meal, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli work beautifully alongside.
Want to make it special? Serve in warmed bowls with an extra sprinkle of fresh basil and parmesan.
Trust me, no one will believe this restaurant-worthy dish came from just one pan!
Smart Storage Solutions
When you’ve enjoyed your fill of this delicious skillet lasagna, storing leftovers properly makes tomorrow’s lunch even better!
I recommend letting it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. They’ll keep in your refrigerator for up to 3-4 days – perfect for quick weekday meals!
Want to extend that deliciousness? Portion individual servings in freezer-safe containers, where they’ll last up to 3 months.
When reheating, add a splash of water to keep things moist, then microwave until heated through (about 2-3 minutes). For best texture, try reheating in a covered skillet with a tablespoon of water.
Doesn’t day-two lasagna taste even better?
Nutrition Information
Beyond storing your delicious leftovers, understanding what’s actually in this one-skillet wonder helps you plan your meals thoughtfully!
Each serving of this easy lasagna contains approximately 480 calories, 26g protein, 44g carbs, and 21g fat. Not bad for such a hearty meal, right?
I’ve kept the fat content reasonable by using lean ground beef, but you’ll still get that rich flavor we all crave! The ricotta and mozzarella combo delivers calcium while the pasta provides energy-sustaining carbs.
Want to lighten it up? Try ground turkey instead, or add extra veggies for more fiber and vitamins!
