If you are searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together quickly and delivers all the classic flavors you love, this Skillet Lasagna Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines the hearty goodness of lasagna with the convenience of cooking everything in one skillet, saving you time and washing up. From the rich meat sauce infused with garlic and red pepper flakes to the luscious melted cheese layers nestled between perfectly tender noodles, every bite feels like a warm, satisfying hug. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating a delicious Skillet Lasagna Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role: the beef adds savory depth, the onions and garlic layer in aromatic flavor, and the trio of cheeses creates that irresistible creamy, melty texture that defines lasagna.
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the meat evenly without sticking.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides hearty, meaty flavor and keeps it lean to balance the dish.
- 1 small sweet onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and a delicate crunch when cooked.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant base that makes the sauce pop with flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Offers a gentle kick without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances all the flavors and balances seasoning perfectly.
- 3 cups homemade marinara sauce (or 26-ounce jar): Forms a rich tomato foundation soaking into the pasta.
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth): Adds moisture to cook the pasta while deepening the savory notes.
- 8 ounces dry mini lasagna noodles: These petite noodles cook quickly and distribute layers evenly throughout.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Melts smoothly, creating that classic stretchy lasagna texture.
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided: Brings a salty, nutty punch to the cheese layers.
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy pockets of mild, fresh flavor dotted throughout.
- Fresh chopped parsley, for serving: Provides a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness to finish.
How to Make Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Cook the Onions
Start by warming the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small crumbles. Cook until the beef is browned with no pink left and the onions have softened and become translucent, about 3 minutes. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish balanced and prevent greasiness.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Next, stir in the minced garlic along with the crushed red pepper flakes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Cooking the garlic briefly here allows its aromatic qualities to blend beautifully into the meat mixture without burning or becoming bitter.
Step 3: Combine Marinara, Broth, and Pasta
Pour in the marinara sauce and the broth, stirring to combine. Add the dry mini lasagna noodles directly to the skillet, making sure they’re fully submerged in the liquid. This step is key because the pasta will cook right in the sauce, soaking up those rich, meaty flavors.
Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Once your mixture starts to bubble, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 15 to 18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes or so to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom and avoid scorching. This gentle simmer cooks the noodles perfectly, melding all those delicious ingredients together.
Step 5: Melt in Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until well combined into the hot pasta mixture. Then sprinkle the remaining cheeses evenly over the top. This layering ensures gooey cheesiness both melted inside and delightfully golden on the surface.
Step 6: Add Ricotta and Rest Before Serving
Dollop heaping tablespoons of ricotta cheese all over the lasagna in the skillet. Cover it again and let it stand for 3 to 5 minutes. This resting time allows the ricotta to gently melt into creamy pockets, making each spoonful richly indulgent. Finish with a garnish of fresh chopped parsley for a bright, fresh touch.
How to Serve Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley isn’t just pretty on this skillet lasagna; it adds a subtle herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat. You can also sprinkle additional Parmesan or even a pinch of crushed red pepper for an extra kick if you love some heat.
Side Dishes
Serve this skillet lasagna alongside crunchy garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the savory sauce. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette offers a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich main dish, helping balance the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try individual servings baked in small ovenproof skillets or ramekins, topped with a little extra cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden. It’s a charming way to wow guests with a personal lasagna experience right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover skillet lasagna to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving to enjoy the same comforting flavors and creamy textures.
Freezing
This Skillet Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or reheat directly from frozen on low heat, stirring gently as it warms.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat to ensure even warming without drying out. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals for best results.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat in this Skillet Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Just adjust cooking times accordingly until fully cooked.
Do I have to use mini lasagna noodles?
Mini lasagna noodles cook faster and fit well in the skillet format, but you can substitute broken regular lasagna sheets or other short pasta shapes like penne if needed.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ground beef and use a vegetable broth along with extra mushrooms or lentils for heartiness. Adding extra garlic and herbs can boost the flavor in place of meat.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before cooking?
You can assemble all the ingredients in the skillet, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready, just bring to room temperature and cook according to the steps.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
In a pinch, cream cheese or cottage cheese can substitute for ricotta, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly. Mixing cream cheese with a bit of milk helps replicate that creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Skillet Lasagna Recipe is a true lifesaver for anyone craving the layered goodness of traditional lasagna without the fuss of multiple dishes and long bake times. It’s quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, bringing family and friends together over a hearty homemade meal. Give it a try and watch it become one of your all-time favorite comfort dishes that you’ll want to make again and again!
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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 offers a quick and flavorful alternative to traditional baked lasagna. Using a single skillet, ground beef, marinara sauce, broth, and mini lasagna noodles, it creates a tender, cheesy pasta dish with layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Perfect for a comforting dinner on busy nights, it combines the rich flavors of classic lasagna with a convenient, stovetop cooking method.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Base & Pasta
- 3 cups homemade marinara sauce (or 26-ounce store-bought jar)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 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
- Brown the Meat and Onion: Warm the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned, no longer pink, and the onions have softened and become translucent, about 3 minutes. Drain off excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring the spices infuse into the beef mixture.
- Combine Marinara, Broth, and Pasta: Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth, then add the dry mini lasagna noodles to the skillet. Stir well so that the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid to allow even cooking.
- Simmer the Pasta: Once the mixture starts bubbling, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent the noodles from sticking or the mixture from scorching. Cook until the pasta is tender.
- Add Cheeses: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until they melt and blend into the sauce. Then, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
- Add Ricotta and Melt: Place heaping tablespoons of ricotta cheese randomly over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover again and let it stand for 3 to 5 minutes off the heat so the ricotta warms and slightly melts into creamy pockets.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for color and brightness. Serve immediately, ideally paired with garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Use mini lasagna noodles or broken lasagna noodles to ensure they cook properly in the skillet.
- Stirring occasionally while simmering prevents noodles from sticking and burning on the skillet bottom.
- Adjust red pepper flakes amount to control the heat level.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For creamier texture, you can add a splash of milk or cream when stirring in the cheeses.
