One-Pot Skillet Lasagna

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One-Pot Skillet Lasagna: Easy, Cheesy & Perfect for Busy Nights

This One-Pot Skillet Lasagna is everything you love about classic lasagna but without all the fuss! Tender pasta is simmered in a rich, hearty meat sauce, then topped with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella. It’s the ultimate comfort food, ready in under 40 minutes — no layering, no baking, just pure cheesy perfection in one skillet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: No need to pre-cook noodles or bake for hours.
  • One-Pot Convenience: Less cleanup, more flavor.
  • Rich and Satisfying: All the traditional lasagna flavors in a simplified form.
  • Family Favorite: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Skillet Lasagna:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 700 ml (24 oz) marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
  • 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 ½ cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
  • 300 g (10 oz) short pasta (mafalda, campanelle, or broken lasagna noodles)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Ricotta Topping:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 egg (optional for extra richness)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

  • Extra parsley for serving

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Meat Sauce

  • In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add ground beef, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.

2️⃣ Build the Lasagna Base

  • Pour in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and broth. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  • Stir in the uncooked pasta, making sure it’s submerged in the sauce.
  • Reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.

3️⃣ Make the Ricotta Topping

  • In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped parsley, egg (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.

4️⃣ Assemble and Melt the Cheese

  • Once the pasta is cooked, gently dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the skillet.
  • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
  • Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted and gooey.
  • Alternatively, place under a broiler for 2-3 minutes for a golden, bubbly top.

5️⃣ Garnish & Serve

  • Sprinkle with extra chopped parsley.
  • Serve hot directly from the skillet and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

  • Make Ahead: You can fully cook the meat sauce and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before adding the pasta and finishing the recipe.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with plant-based ground or sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.
  • Storage: Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate, based on 6 servings.

  • Calories: 485
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g

This skillet lasagna brings all the flavor and satisfaction of traditional lasagna with none of the hassle. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners and will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.

 

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