Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Getting a wholesome homemade meal ready in under 30 minutes feels like a triumph, especially when it involves everyone’s favorite comfort food — lasagna. This easy skillet lasagna recipe lets you enjoy all the layers of rich flavors with minimal cleanup, making it the perfect weeknight dinner for busy families.
Growing up, my family had a lasagna night tradition every Sunday. I remember my grandmother laboring in the kitchen, layering noodles with care. Now with busy lifestyles, this quick version still brings us together without the wait — capturing those memorable flavors in a fraction of the time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This skillet lasagna is a game-changer for the busy home cook. Firstly, it eliminates the need for pre-boiling noodles and extensive baking times. Besides its convenience, this one-pan meal significantly reduces cleanup time. Additionally, the skillet method enhances the flavors, allowing the ingredients to meld perfectly and produces those delicious crispy edges everyone loves. It’s great for weeknights or any time you crave a comfort meal without the fuss.
Ingredients Notes
For this recipe, you’ll need a mix of classic lasagna ingredients but with simple, accessible adjustments. Ground beef is a staple, but ground turkey is a leaner substitute that works well. Opt for no-boil lasagna noodles to save time. Canned tomato sauce with Italian herbs simplifies seasoning. Feel free to use fresh mozzarella to enhance creaminess. Here’s a tip: if fresh herbs are available, they can take the flavor profile up a notch!
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2
Add chopped onions and garlic to the skillet, sautéing until onions are translucent and aromatic. This typically takes about 3 minutes.
Step 3
Pour in tomato sauce and herbs, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Step 4
Break the lasagna noodles into manageable pieces and layer them over the sauce. Ensure they are submerged by stirring lightly.
Step 5
Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15 minutes. Add spoonfuls of ricotta and slices of mozzarella cheese, covering again until melted. Serve hot, topped with fresh basil.
Storage Options
Keep any leftover lasagna in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, portion the lasagna into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can thaw it overnight in the fridge or bake directly from frozen at a low temperature until heated through.
Variations & Substitutions
To adapt this dish for a vegetarian diet, swap the meat for diced mushrooms or zucchini. Add a handful of spinach for extra nutrition. For a spicier twist, incorporate red pepper flakes or add sliced sausages. Experiment with different cheese like cheddar or gouda for a new flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free noodles? Yes, gluten-free no-boil lasagna noodles are widely available and work perfectly in this recipe. Ensure they’re fully immersed in sauce to soften correctly.
What’s the best skillet size? A 12-inch skillet is ideal to accommodate all ingredients comfortably and ensures even cooking. If using a smaller skillet, you may need to adjust quantities or cook in batches.
Can this be made ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the meat sauce in advance and keep it refrigerated. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, add the noodles, and follow the rest of the steps. It’s a great time-saver for busy evenings.
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Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe
IngredientsÂ
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce 24 oz jar
- 8 oz ricotta cheese
- 9 sheets lasagna noodles broken into pieces
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and stir to combine with the beef.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles and 1/2 cup of water. Stir to combine.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Stir in the ricotta cheese, and then top with mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook until the cheese has melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy your easy skillet lasagna!
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
