Skillet Lasagna: Quick and Cheesy One-Pan Comfort
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Craving lasagna but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Skillet lasagna is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. You can make this cheesy, comforting dish in just 30 minutes using one pan. It’s a simpler way to enjoy all the flavors of traditional lasagna without the fuss.
This easy recipe combines ground beef or sausage, pasta sauce, noodles, and plenty of cheese. You’ll love how quickly it comes together with minimal prep and cleanup. Give skillet lasagna a try for a fast and delicious family meal.
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
Here’s what you’ll need to make skillet lasagna:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
For extra flavor, try these optional add-ins:
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Don’t have everything on hand? No worries! You can swap out some ingredients:
- Use ground pork or Italian sausage instead of beef
- Try ricotta or cottage cheese in place of mozzarella
- Swap marinara for crushed tomatoes and Italian herbs
- Use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly
Want to sneak in some veggies? Add diced zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers when cooking the meat. You can also use whole wheat lasagna noodles for a healthier twist.
Remember, the beauty of skillet lasagna is its flexibility. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have in your pantry!
Instructions
Ready to make skillet lasagna? Let’s get started! Here’s how to whip up this tasty dish:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Brown ground beef and sausage, crumbling as you cook. Add diced onions and garlic. Cook until meat is no longer pink and onions are soft.
Stir in pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasonings like oregano and basil. Bring to a simmer.
Break lasagna noodles into pieces and add to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Cover partially and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring often. The noodles will absorb liquid as they cook.
Once pasta is tender, add spinach if desired. Cook for 5 more minutes until wilted.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Remember to season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Enjoy your quick and easy skillet lasagna!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Want to make the best skillet lasagna? Here are some handy tips:
Use a large, deep skillet with a lid. This helps the noodles cook evenly and keeps everything moist.
Break the lasagna noodles into small pieces before adding them to the skillet. This makes stirring easier and ensures even cooking.
Stir frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and burning. Don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the pan.
For extra flavor, try adding some Italian herbs or red pepper flakes to your sauce.
To store leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely. Then transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it from drying out. Microwave in short bursts, stirring between each one.
You can also freeze skillet lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
For a crispy top, finish your lasagna under the broiler for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.