Skillet Lasagna Recipe

If you love the hearty comfort of classic lasagna but want to skip the fuss of layering and baking, skillet lasagna will be your new go-to weeknight hero. This irresistible recipe delivers all the saucy goodness, creamy cheese, and savory Italian flavors you crave, but with far less effort and only one pan to wash. Picture bubbling mozzarella, rich meat sauce, and perfectly tender noodles coming together right on your stovetop—no oven required! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing friends on a cozy evening, skillet lasagna brings warmth, ease, and joy straight to your dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients, you can create this dish any night of the week. Each one plays a special role—whether it’s adding depth, creaminess, or a pop of color, these essentials come together for a truly memorable skillet lasagna experience.

• Lean ground beef: Adds a meaty, savory base; try to use lean to keep the sauce from getting too greasy.
• Sweet Italian sausage: Infuses the sauce with classic Italian flavor and a hint of sweetness.
• Minced garlic: Gives that wonderful aromatic kick every Italian dish deserves.
• Lasagna noodles: Broken into pieces, they soak up the sauce and make this uniquely “skillet style.”
• Jarred pasta sauce: Offers a shortcut to deep, slow-cooked tomato flavor; use your favorite variety.
• Water: Keeps the sauce loose enough for the noodles to cook and absorb all that flavor.
• Italian seasoning: Brings the classic herb blend that defines lasagna’s unique taste.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that lifts the flavors—add more or less as you like.
• Ricotta cheese: Lends ultra-creamy texture and mild, rich flavor to the cheese blend.
• Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, savory edge to the creamy cheeses.
• Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper: Enhances every layer of flavor throughout the dish.
• Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesy, gooey topping.
• Minced fresh basil: Finishes the skillet lasagna with a burst of bright, herbal freshness.

How to Make Skillet Lasagna

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Heat a 10 to 12 inch skillet over medium-high, then add your ground beef and sweet Italian sausage. Use a sturdy wooden spoon to break up the meat—this is your opportunity to get that hearty, flavorful base just right! Cook, stirring often, until everything is nicely browned and no longer pink. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease so your skillet lasagna stays perfectly balanced and not oily.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Turn the heat down to medium and toss in the minced garlic. Give it a good stir and let it cook for about a minute, just until fragrant. You want to draw out all that wonderful garlic flavor without letting it burn. This tiny step makes a big impact on the aroma and depth of your dish.

Step 3: Build the Lasagna Base

Now for the fun part! Scatter your broken lasagna noodles right into the skillet, then pour in the jarred pasta sauce and 1 ½ cups of water. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and a dash of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat. Stir everything together—your noodles should be mostly covered by the sauce. This is when skillet lasagna starts looking and smelling irresistible.

Step 4: Simmer It Up

Cover the skillet with a lid and let it come to a low boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the lasagna simmer for about 30 to 35 minutes. Give it a gentle stir every so often to make sure the noodles aren’t sticking to the bottom. If things get a bit thick or dry, go ahead and add up to ½ cup more water. By the end of this step, your noodles will be tender and your sauce will have thickened nicely.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Blend

While everything’s simmering, quickly mix up your ricotta cheese, freshly shredded Parmesan, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. The mix will be creamy and full of flavor—the perfect touch to take this skillet lasagna over the top.

Step 6: Add Cheese Layers and Finish

When the noodles are perfectly al dente and the sauce is reduced, drop spoonfuls of the ricotta-Parmesan mixture all over the top of the lasagna. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over everything. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet again, and let the cheese melt until it’s bubbly and gooey (about 5 to 8 minutes). Scatter the fresh minced basil over the top just before serving for an incredible finish.

How to Serve Skillet Lasagna

Garnishes

Right before bringing your skillet lasagna to the table, scatter a generous handful of minced fresh basil or chopped parsley across the top. A final flutter of extra Parmesan is always welcome, and a hit of freshly cracked black pepper makes each bite pop. If you’re a fan of color, don’t hold back on the herbs!

Side Dishes

Pair your skillet lasagna with a simple green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette, or some garlic bread that’s perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables, like zucchini or broccoli, are also a lovely addition for an all-in-one weeknight dinner spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve skillet lasagna straight from the pan for a rustic, shareable feel right at the table—it’s casual and inviting! If you prefer, spoon portions into wide bowls and top with a dollop of ricotta and more fresh basil. Or, for a party, make individual ramekin portions for an adorable, personal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Skillet lasagna saves beautifully! Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and place in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to three days, and the flavors might deepen even more as they meld together.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze skillet lasagna, allow it to cool completely, then scoop into freezer-safe containers. Double-wrap to prevent freezer burn and store for up to two months. This is absolutely perfect for quick future meals—just be sure to label your containers!

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the noodles have soaked up a lot of sauce. You can also microwave individual portions; cover loosely and heat until hot and bubbly again.

FAQs

Can I use all beef or all sausage instead of a mix?

Absolutely! Go with just beef for a milder, classic flavor, or stick with all sausage if you want extra Italian flair. The blend is traditional, but this recipe is flexible—just keep the total weight at one pound.

Do I have to use ricotta, or can I substitute something else?

While ricotta gives that signature creamy layer, you can use cottage cheese for a lighter spin, or even mascarpone for an ultra-luxe texture. Each option brings its own delicious character to skillet lasagna.

What kind of skillet works best for skillet lasagna?

A heavy, wide (10 to 12 inch) skillet with a lid is ideal to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron makes cleanup super easy, but any large pan works in a pinch!

Can I add vegetables to skillet lasagna?

Definitely! Try stirring in a handful of chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms when you add the sauce and noodles. They’ll blend right in and add color, flavor, and extra nutrition.

Is it possible to make skillet lasagna ahead for a party?

You sure can—just assemble the dish through the noodle-cooking step, then let it cool and refrigerate. When ready to serve, finish with the cheeses and basil, cover, and gently warm on the stovetop until heated through and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

It’s amazing how a handful of pantry staples and one trusty skillet can whisk you straight to comfort food heaven. If you haven’t tried skillet lasagna yet, let this be the week you give it a whirl—your taste buds and your family will thank you!

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