Description
This easy skillet lasagna recipe offers a quick and flavorful take on traditional lasagna, cooking all the layers in one pan for a convenient and delicious meal. Perfectly tender noodles simmered in a savory tomato and beef sauce are topped with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheese, garnished with fresh basil for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce and Meat
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 Tablespoon dried parsley
- 1/2 Tablespoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 can (16 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (29 ounces) crushed tomatoes
Lasagna Layers
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into fourths
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 4 ounces fresh Mozzarella cheese, sliced thin
- Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a large 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add dried parsley, dried basil, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes; cook and stir for about 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Cook the beef and prepare layers: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook and crumble it until no longer pink. Pour in half of the tomato sauce (8 ounces) and stir to combine. Evenly distribute the broken lasagna noodles over the beef mixture. Pour the remaining tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes over the noodles, ensuring they are completely covered with sauce.
- Simmer the noodles: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Let it simmer gently for 20 minutes or until the noodles are tender and cooked through. Remove the lid and add dollops of ricotta cheese on top. Gently stir the ricotta into the lasagna filling.
- Add cheese and melt: Arrange thin slices of fresh mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it steam for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the mozzarella to melt perfectly.
- Serve: Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and serve warm. Enjoy your one-pan skillet lasagna!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer spicier lasagna, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
- Fresh basil on top adds a bright, fresh flavor—don’t skip it!
- Allow the skillet to simmer gently to ensure noodles cook evenly and sauce thickens.
