Easy One Pot Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Introduction
Easy One Pot Skillet Lasagna is a delicious and comforting meal that combines all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna without the fuss. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a hearty, satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, Italian sausage, or a vegetarian alternative
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 oz lasagna noodles (broken into smaller pieces)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups water or broth
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 cup chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers (for extra nutrition)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a deep, large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Step 2: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in marinara sauce, water or broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Break lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and layer them directly into the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce for even cooking.
- Step 5: Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help cook the noodles evenly.
- Step 6: Once the noodles are tender, stir in the ricotta cheese until well combined.
- Step 7: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 8: Cover and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 9: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, then serve hot straight from the skillet. Enjoy it with garlic bread or a side salad.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat or extra vegetables in place of the meat.
- Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
- If the sauce thickens too much during simmering, add a little more water or broth to maintain proper moisture.
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles to make layering easier and cut down on cooking time.
Storage
Store leftover skillet lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a covered skillet or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist during reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables like spinach or mushrooms work well. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding them to avoid making the sauce watery.
Do I need to pre-cook the lasagna noodles?
No, breaking the noodles into smaller pieces and simmering them directly in the sauce with enough liquid allows them to cook fully without boiling separately.
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Easy One Pot Skillet Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Easy One Pot Skillet Lasagna is a delicious and convenient twist on traditional lasagna, combining hearty ground meat or a vegetarian alternative with marinara sauce, broken lasagna noodles, and a blend of cheeses, all cooked together in a single skillet for an effortless yet comforting meal.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef, Italian sausage, or a vegetarian alternative
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers (optional for extra nutrition)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Carbohydrates
- 8 oz lasagna noodles (broken into smaller pieces)
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep the Protein. Heat a deep, large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, Italian sausage, or your vegetarian alternative and cook until browned, breaking the meat apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Simmer the Sauce. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce, water or broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Noodles. Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them directly into the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce for even cooking. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the Cheese. Once the noodles are tender, stir in ricotta cheese thoroughly. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the skillet.
- Finish Cooking. Cover the skillet again and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy. Garnish your skillet lasagna with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor. Serve hot straight from the skillet, accompanied by garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables.
- Breaking noodles into smaller pieces helps them cook faster and absorb more sauce flavors.
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent noodles from sticking to the pan.
- Use broth instead of water for extra flavor in the noodles.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables for added nutrition and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: one pot lasagna, skillet lasagna, easy lasagna recipe, quick dinner, stovetop lasagna, Italian comfort food
