Easy One Pot Skillet Lasagna

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Requires only one skillet for easy cleanup

• Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights

• Customizable with your choice of protein or veggies

• Comforting and rich like classic lasagna without the fuss

• Great for family dinners and meal prep

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb ground beef, Italian sausage, or a vegetarian alternative
• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups water or broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper

Optional:

• 1 cup chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition

Directions

1. Prep the Protein
   Heat a deep, large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.

2. Simmer the Sauce
   Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce, water or broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.

3. Cook the Noodles
   Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them directly to the skillet. Ensure they are submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Add the Cheese
   Once the noodles are tender, stir in the ricotta cheese. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top, then cover and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve and Enjoy
   Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot straight from the skillet with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

Servings and timing

Servings: 5
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 450 kcal

Variations

• Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat or skip the meat entirely and load up on vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant.

• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.

• Cheese swap: Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.

• Pasta alternatives: Use oven-ready lasagna noodles or even penne if you’re in a pinch.

• Sauce flavors: Try a roasted garlic or spicy arrabbiata sauce for a twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, or warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dish and refrigerate it. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.

2. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, but you may need to reduce the liquid slightly and watch the cooking time, as they cook faster than regular noodles.

3. What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese or even a béchamel sauce can be used as an alternative to ricotta.

4. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then portion and freeze in airtight containers for easy future meals.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella alternatives, and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan version.

6. What kind of skillet should I use?

A large, deep, non-stick or cast-iron skillet with a lid works best for even cooking and easy cleanup.

7. Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely. This dish is flexible—try adding zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Will this work with gluten-free noodles?

Yes, just make sure they can hold up to simmering, as some gluten-free noodles may become mushy.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, if your skillet is large enough. Otherwise, cook in two batches or transfer to a Dutch oven.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking to the pan?

Stir occasionally while simmering to ensure the noodles don’t stick or clump together.

Conclusion

Easy One Pot Skillet Lasagna is the ultimate solution for when you’re craving comfort food without the mess or time commitment. With simple ingredients, flexible variations, and minimal cleanup, it’s a winning recipe that brings lasagna to your table in just 30 minutes. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

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