Easy Skillet Lasagna

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the comfort of traditional lasagna and transforms it into a quick and convenient weeknight dinner. There’s no need to boil noodles separately or turn on the oven — everything cooks in one skillet on the stovetop. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect solution for busy nights when you still want a homemade meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef or Italian sausage
• Onion
• Garlic
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Olive oil
• Water or beef broth

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant.
2. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Add broken lasagna noodles directly into the skillet. Pour in water or broth, ensuring the noodles are mostly submerged.
5. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
6. Drop spoonfuls of ricotta over the top, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Meatless version: Omit the meat and add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a vegetarian twist.
• Spicy version: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
• Different cheeses: Try cottage cheese instead of ricotta, or use provolone or fontina.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or gluten-free pasta shapes.
• Extra creamy: Stir a little heavy cream or mascarpone into the sauce for added richness.

Storage/Reheating

Let the skillet lasagna cool before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes or reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of lasagna noodles?

Yes, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne or rotini, though it won’t have the same lasagna texture.

Do I have to cook the noodles before adding them?

No, the noodles cook right in the skillet along with the sauce, absorbing all the flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats very well. You can make it a day in advance and simply warm it up when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of ricotta?

Cottage cheese or a mix of cream cheese and sour cream can be used as substitutes.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?

Stir occasionally during cooking and make sure there’s enough liquid in the skillet.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Absolutely. Just replace the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce with your favorite marinara.

Can I make it with chicken or turkey?

Yes, ground chicken or turkey is a great lean alternative to beef or sausage.

Do I need a cast iron skillet?

No, any large nonstick or stainless steel skillet with a lid will work fine.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pan or cook in batches if needed, and adjust liquid amounts slightly.

Conclusion

Easy Skillet Lasagna is the perfect way to enjoy all the rich, cheesy flavors of traditional lasagna without the fuss. It’s quick, satisfying, and requires minimal cleanup, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or looking for an easy comfort food fix, this one-pan wonder is sure to become a regular on your dinner table.

Easy Skillet Lasagna

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Easy Skillet Lasagna delivers all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna in a quick, one-pan stovetop version. It’s cheesy, meaty, and saucy, with no need for oven baking or noodle layering.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4 to 6
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

1. 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
2. 1 small onion, chopped
3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
5. 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
6. 2 tsp Italian seasoning
7. Salt and pepper to taste
8. 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
9. 1/2 cup water or beef broth
10. 1 cup ricotta cheese
11. 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
12. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13. 1 tbsp olive oil
14. Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant (about 2–3 minutes).

1. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine.
3. Add broken lasagna noodles directly into the skillet. Pour in water or broth, ensuring noodles are mostly submerged.
4. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
5. Drop spoonfuls of ricotta over the top. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly.
6. Cover again and cook for 5 more minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

• Stir occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking together.
• You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.
• Use hot sausage or red pepper flakes for added heat.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Great for make-ahead meals and freezes well.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 85mg