Delicious Skillet Lasagna Recipe: Quick & Easy One-Pan Wonder

Skillet lasagna offers a quick and tasty twist on the classic Italian dish.

This one-pan meal is perfect for anyone looking for an easy way to make dinner.

The usual layered pasta turns into a simple dish that doesn’t take long to prepare.

Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, you can easily create this recipe using just one pan.

Ground meat, pasta, cheese, and marinara sauce combine seamlessly to make a filling meal.

Skillet lasagna brings all the rich flavors of traditional baked lasagna with less mess and more convenience.

Skillet Lasagna Questions Answered

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute. It offers a leaner protein option and will work perfectly with the same seasonings and cooking method.

• Is bone broth necessary for this recipe?

While bone broth adds depth of flavor, you can replace it with chicken or vegetable stock. If you don’t have stock, water with an extra pinch of salt will also work.

• Do I need an oven-safe skillet?

An oven-safe skillet is crucial for this recipe since you’ll be transferring it from stovetop to broiler. If you don’t have one, you can transfer the mixture to a broiler-safe baking dish before adding cheese and broiling.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives or increase the amount of vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to maintain a hearty texture.

Why Skillet Lasagna Is So Satisfying

• Whip Up a Quick Skillet Delight: This one-pan wonder transforms traditional lasagna into a speedy, hassle-free meal that saves time and dishes.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: No layering or multiple pots required – just brown the beef, add ingredients, and simmer everything together for a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Kids and adults will love the cheesy, hearty flavors that capture the essence of classic lasagna without complex preparation.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customize with ground turkey, swap herbs, or add extra vegetables to suit your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.

Everything You Need For Skillet Lasagna

• Cottage Cheese: Soft, creamy base for a rich and tangy layer that adds moisture and texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that brings depth and umami flavor to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that creates a golden, stretchy topping with a mild taste.

• Ground Beef: Hearty meat that provides richness and protein to the skillet lasagna.
• Onion: Sweet, aromatic vegetable that builds a flavor foundation for the sauce.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that adds a deep, robust flavor to the entire dish.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Smooth, tangy base that creates the classic lasagna sauce.
• Bone Broth: Rich, flavorful liquid that enhances the overall depth of the sauce.
• Basil: Fresh herb that brings a bright, sweet, and slightly peppery note to the dish.
• Parsley: Mild herb that adds a fresh, clean finish to the cheese mixture.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that balances and enhances all the flavors.

• Pasta: Main component that absorbs the sauce and creates the signature lasagna texture.

How To Cook Skillet Lasagna In One Pan

Step 1: Prepare Cheese Mixture

• Cottage cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley

Set the mixture aside.

Step 2: Brown Beef

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over high heat. Add ground beef and salt. Cook until beef is completely browned and crumbly, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add diced onions and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté until vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Create Sauce Base

• Crushed tomatoes
• Bone broth
• Fresh basil

Stir ingredients together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Add pasta to the sauce, ensuring all noodles are submerged. Cover the skillet and simmer on medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until pasta becomes tender and sauce thickens.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Remove skillet from heat. Gently dollop the prepared cheese mixture over the pasta without stirring. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 7: Broil and Finish

Place skillet on the second rack from the top of the oven. Broil on high for 3 minutes until cheese melts and develops a light golden-brown color.

Tips That Make Skillet Lasagna Better

• Maximize Meat Browning: Ensure a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust on the beef, enhancing overall flavor and texture.
• Cheese Mixture Magic: Blend cottage cheese and Parmesan thoroughly for a creamy, well-distributed layer that adds richness and depth to the lasagna.
• Pasta Perfection: Submerge pasta completely in the sauce and stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
• Broiling Brilliance: Position the skillet on the second rack from the top and watch closely during broiling to get a perfectly melted and slightly golden cheese topping without burning.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to make this recipe adaptable for different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.

Best Way To Store Skillet Lasagna

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Microwave Reheating: Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Skillet Method: Gently reheat the lasagna in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying and maintain moisture.
• Freezer Storage: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Good Sides To Go With Skillet Lasagna

• Boost Flavor Depth: Pair this skillet lasagna with a bold, medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich tomato and beef flavors, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's savory notes.
• Create Crisp Contrast: Serve a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette alongside the lasagna, providing a bright, peppery counterpoint to the hearty, warm pasta and adding a light, zesty element to the meal.
• Complement Herb Tones: Add roasted garlic bread as a side, brushed with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with fresh parsley, which echoes the basil and parsley in the lasagna while offering a crunchy texture.
• Balance Meal Nutrition: Include a simple roasted vegetable medley like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, which adds color, nutrition, and a subtle grilled sweetness that harmonizes with the lasagna's robust profile.

Skillet Lasagna Variations To Try

• Vegetarian Skillet Lasagna: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to create a celiac-friendly meal without compromising taste and comfort.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use thinly sliced eggplant or spaghetti squash instead of pasta to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the classic lasagna profile and cheesy goodness.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cottage cheese with silken tofu and use dairy-free mozzarella cheese alternative for those with lactose intolerance or following a vegan diet.

Sizzling Skillet Lasagna Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 48 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Irresistible Skillet Lasagna delivers comfort straight from Italian kitchens, melding rich tomato sauce with perfectly layered pasta and melted cheese. Hearty pasta lovers savor this one-pan wonder that brings restaurant-quality flavor directly to home dinner tables.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• ½ lb (226 grams) 93% lean ground beef

Cheeses:

• ¾ cup part-skim cottage cheese
• ¾ cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Liquid and Vegetable Base:

• 2 ½ cups crushed tomatoes
• 2 ½ cups chicken bone broth
• ½ tablespoon olive oil
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (e.g., Mafalda, Campanelle, bow-tie, broken lasagna noodles, or gluten-free pasta)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a creamy herb mixture by blending cottage cheese, Parmesan, and chopped parsley in a small mixing bowl, then set aside.
2. Sear ground beef in a large oven-safe skillet over high heat, seasoning with salt, and cook until the meat develops a rich, brown color, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the browned beef, sautéing until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Pour crushed tomatoes, bone broth, and fresh basil into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to create a harmonious sauce base.
5. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then carefully add uncooked pasta, ensuring each piece is fully submerged in the liquid.
6. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium, allowing the pasta to cook and absorb the sauce, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking, for 18-20 minutes until pasta reaches desired tenderness and sauce thickens.
7. Remove skillet from heat and delicately distribute the prepared cheese mixture across the surface without disrupting the pasta layers.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
9. Position the skillet under the broiler on the second rack, cooking on high for 3 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden-brown crust.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for a more vibrant taste profile.
• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat while maintaining rich, meaty texture in the dish.
• Customize the recipe for vegetarian diets by substituting beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for similar hearty consistency.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium bone broth and adjusting salt

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 33 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg