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If you’ve ever wished for a classic lasagna that comes together quickly, without all the fuss of layering and baking, then this Skillet Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Picture tender mini lasagna noodles cooking right in a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, rich marinara, and broth, all bubbling away in one pan. Creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan cheese finish the dish with that irresistible lasagna comfort you crave. It’s lasagna magic, simplified and speeded up, delivering all the cozy flavors in a fraction of the time and cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great dish starts with a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component here is essential—adding layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this skillet lasagna sing.
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a flavorful base and helps brown the beef evenly.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds hearty protein and a rich, meaty foundation.
- 1 small sweet onion, diced: Brings a gentle sweetness and texture contrast.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Offers a subtle kick to brighten the flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning stones that amplify every ingredient’s taste.
- 3 cups homemade marinara sauce (or 26-ounce store-bought jar): Creates a rich, tangy tomato base that ties everything together.
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth): Keeps the pasta moist and enriches the sauce with a savory depth.
- 8 ounces dry mini lasagna noodles: The pasta backbone that soaks up all those delicious flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Adds that classic gooey, melty texture lasagna lovers crave.
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided: Sharp and nutty, it enhances the cheesy goodness on top.
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese: Creamy dollops to swirl throughout and elevate the richness.
- Fresh chopped parsley, for serving: A fresh herbaceous pop to brighten each bite.
How to Make Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Soften the Onion
Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon. Cooking it down until the beef is nicely browned and the onions turn translucent takes about 3 minutes. Don’t rush this step—it’s where the flavor foundation is built. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Infuse with Garlic and Spice
Next, stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This combination wakes up the skillet with its inviting aroma and a gentle spicy warmth that elevates the whole dish without overpowering it.
Step 3: Add Sauce, Broth, and Pasta
Pour in your marinara sauce and beef broth, then nestle the dry mini lasagna noodles gently into the mixture. Stir everything gently to combine, ensuring the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid. This step is crucial for even cooking and perfect tenderness.
Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
When the mixture starts to bubble, reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook gently for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent the noodles from sticking or the sauce from scorching. Patience here means perfectly tender pasta soaking up all those rich flavors.
Step 5: Mix and Top with Cheese
Once the noodles are tender, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses; this way, the cheese melts evenly throughout the lasagna. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top for a beautifully cheesy crust.
Step 6: Dollop Ricotta and Melt
Finally, dollop generous spoonfuls of ricotta evenly across the skillet. Cover again and let the heat gently melt the ricotta into creamy pockets that add luxury to every bite. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley finishes it off with a touch of color and brightness.
How to Serve Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh chopped parsley is a simple step that brings a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top for guests who love a sharper edge to their cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This skillet lasagna pairs wonderfully with crisp garlic bread to sop up every last bit of sauce. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast and lightens the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, portion the skillet lasagna into individual ramekins and broil the tops with extra cheese for a bubbly, golden finish. Or serve it family-style straight from the pan for a cozy, communal dining experience that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it tastier the next day.
Freezing
This Skillet Lasagna Recipe freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months—perfect for busy nights when you crave comfort food without effort.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, covered, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to maintain creamy, even warmth without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted if you prefer a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the flavor and fat content will change slightly, so you might want to adjust seasonings accordingly.
Do the mini lasagna noodles need to be pre-cooked?
No pre-cooking needed! The dry mini lasagna noodles cook perfectly right in the skillet as they absorb the sauce and broth, making this recipe even simpler and quicker.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the ground beef for a plant-based protein or add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. Using vegetable broth instead of beef broth will keep the flavors balanced and delicious.
Is this recipe spicy?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a subtle hint of heat that brightens the dish without making it overly spicy. You can always adjust or omit the flakes to suit your spice preferences.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a soft fresh cheese like mascarpone for a similar creamy texture. Each option brings a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so delightful about a dish that captures the soul of traditional lasagna but strips away the fuss and busy work. This Skillet Lasagna Recipe is a total winner—bringing comfort, convenience, and cheesy joy all in one pan. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your dinner rotation. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love, one savory bite at a time.
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Skillet Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Skillet Lasagna recipe is a quick and hearty twist on the classic layered lasagna, cooked entirely in one pan. Ground beef, savory marinara, and tender mini lasagna noodles come together in a rich sauce, topped with a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and creamy ricotta cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that’s both easy and family-friendly.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids and Sauces
- 3 cups homemade marinara sauce (or 26-ounce store-bought jar)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth)
Pasta
- 8 ounces dry mini lasagna noodles
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Beef and Onions: Warm the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced sweet onion. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small crumbles, cooking until the beef is browned with no pink remaining and the onions are translucent, about 3 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet. Cook briefly to release the garlic’s aroma, about 30 seconds.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta: Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth, then add the dry mini lasagna noodles. Stir carefully to fully submerge the noodles in the liquid, ensuring even cooking.
- Simmer and Cook Pasta: When the mixture starts to bubble, reduce heat to a low simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally every 5 minutes to prevent sticking or scorching. The noodles should become tender and absorb the flavors.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and combined. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
- Add Ricotta and Melt: Place heaping tablespoons of ricotta cheese across the surface of the skillet mixture. Cover again and let it stand for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the ricotta to soften and melt into the lasagna.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot, ideally with garlic bread on the side for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use mini lasagna noodles for this skillet recipe to ensure quick even cooking without layering.
- If marinara is too thick, thin with a splash of water or additional broth to keep the noodles submerged.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent noodles from sticking and to cook evenly.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with plant-based protein or sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
