Skillet Lasagna
Hola! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls in love with the bold flavors of Italian cooking, this skillet lasagna tells the story. I grew up under the Orlando sun, but the heart of my kitchen has always been filled with bubbling pots, sizzling pans, and laughter shared over comforting food. This recipe blends my love for hearty pasta dinners with the joy of gathering around the table. With tender pasta, a rich herby marinara, and melty cheeses layered right in a skillet, it’s a shortcut lasagna that feels just as special as the classic. If you’re searching for easy beef recipes or quick pasta dinner recipes, this skillet lasagna will hit the spot.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | Italian American |
| Best Season | Year-round |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan magic: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze while still delivering big lasagna flavor.
- Cheesy comfort: With mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan melted together, every bite is creamy and rich.
- Faster than traditional lasagna: No layering and baking required, just 40 minutes from start to finish.
- Customizable: You can swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles.
- Family approved: Perfect for weeknights, this recipe pleases both kids and adults with its hearty taste.
Easy Skillet Lasagna with Three Cheeses
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Browned beef, hearty pasta, and herby marinara sauce all simmered together in a skillet then layered with mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan. The easiest way to make a fantastic lasagna!
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (90–95% lean)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 1/4 cups water, more if needed
- 3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- 3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 9 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Crumble in the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and let it brown. Once nearly cooked through, stir in garlic.
3. Pour in marinara sauce and water, then add parsley, basil, and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in broken lasagna noodles, making sure they are submerged. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more water if needed.
5. Add half the ricotta in dollops, sprinkle in half the mozzarella and parmesan, and stir slightly.
6. Top with remaining ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. Cover and cook 3–5 minutes until cheese melts.
7. Remove from heat, rest 5 minutes, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.
Notes
Break noodles evenly so they cook uniformly.
Simmer gently to avoid sticking.
Let the dish rest before serving to thicken sauce.
Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 437
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 854mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 86mg
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (90–95% lean)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (Classico Four Cheese recommended)
- 1 1/4 cups water, more if needed
- 3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- 3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 9 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Ingredient Tips
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | Use 90–95% lean beef so the skillet doesn’t get greasy. |
| Garlic | Freshly minced garlic boosts flavor compared to jarred. |
| Marinara sauce | Choose a quality jarred Italian sauce or make homemade for depth. |
| Pasta | Breaking lasagna noodles gives the dish that rustic, skillet charm. |
| Ricotta cheese | Cottage cheese can be substituted if you prefer a lighter twist. |
| Mozzarella | Shred your own block for creamier melt instead of pre-shredded. |
| Parmesan | Freshly grated ensures a nutty, salty punch. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
- Crumble in the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and let it brown without stirring too much for a nice sear. Once nearly cooked through, stir in minced garlic.
- Pour in marinara sauce and water, then add parsley, basil, and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in broken lasagna noodles, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. Cover, reduce heat, and let simmer about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more water if the sauce thickens too much.
- Add half the ricotta in dollops across the skillet, sprinkle in half the mozzarella and parmesan, and stir slightly to blend into the sauce.
- Top with the remaining ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. Cover again and cook for 3–5 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.
- Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Break the noodles evenly for quicker, uniform cooking.
- Simmer gently to avoid sticking at the bottom of the skillet.
- Don’t skip the resting time, it allows flavors to settle.
- Add extra basil right before serving for freshness.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Use a wide skillet so the noodles can spread evenly without clumping.
- Cook noodles just until tender since they’ll keep softening in the hot sauce.
- Layer cheese in two stages for a perfect gooey texture throughout.
- Let it rest so the sauce thickens slightly and doesn’t slide apart.
Recipe Variations
- Turkey skillet lasagna: Swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter take.
- Vegetarian skillet lasagna: Use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach instead of beef.
- Spicy version: Add extra chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- White skillet lasagna: Replace marinara with Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
This skillet lasagna reheats well. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, let the lasagna cool completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Love comfort food? Check out our High-Protein Romesco Butter Beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve right in the skillet for a rustic presentation. Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. Garnish with basil and extra parmesan for a restaurant-style touch.
Pairing Ideas
This lasagna pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic knots. For drinks, a glass of red wine like Chianti or a sparkling Italian soda balances the richness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave for 2–3 minutes or gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta? Yes, cottage cheese works well and gives a lighter texture.
Do I need to pre-cook the noodles? No, the noodles cook directly in the sauce, saving time.
What’s the best skillet to use? A large, heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron or stainless steel distributes heat evenly.
Can I double this recipe? Yes, but you’ll need a very large skillet or cook it in two batches.
How do I make it vegetarian? Replace beef with vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Can I make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free lasagna noodles, but monitor cooking time since they may soften quicker.
How do I prevent noodles from sticking? Stir occasionally and make sure there’s enough liquid in the skillet.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 serving (1/6 recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 437 |
| Protein | 33g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 5g |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This skillet lasagna is proof that you don’t need hours to make a comforting Italian classic. With simple ingredients, one pan, and plenty of cheese, you’ll have a hearty family dinner on the table in no time.
