This one-pan skillet lasagna delivers all the cozy Italian flavors you adore in just 35 minutes! Skip the tedious layering and endless dishes – this clever stovetop version brings together al dente pasta, savory meat, and gooey cheese in a single skillet.
Perfect for busy weeknights when you want the comfort of traditional lasagna without the fuss. With 26g of protein per serving and minimal cleanup required, this family-favorite recipe proves that delicious homemade meals don’t need to be complicated.
Fresh & Simple One-Pan Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients
- Olive Oil (1 Tbsp): Use high-quality oil for better flavor
- Ground Beef (1 lb): 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best
- Aromatics: Minced garlic (1 clove), dried minced onion (1 Tbsp)
- Sauce Base: 24 oz pasta sauce, oregano (¼ tsp), dried basil (¼ tsp)
- Seasonings: Garlic powder (⅛ tsp), red pepper flakes (⅛ tsp, optional)
- Pasta (8 oz): Choose penne, rigatoni, or farfalle
- Cheese Blend: Parmesan (¼ cup), mozzarella (¾ cup), ricotta (½ cup)
- Fresh Basil: 2-3 Tbsp for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, season with salt and pepper, and brown thoroughly
- Create the Sauce: Mix in garlic, onion, sauce, and all dried herbs. Let it simmer to blend flavors
- Cook Pasta: Add pasta and water, bring to boil. Cover and simmer 13-15 minutes until pasta is tender
- Cheese Magic: Remove from heat, stir in parmesan and mozzarella. Top with dollops of ricotta
- Final Touch: Cover briefly to warm cheese, garnish with fresh basil, and serve while hot
Quick Tips for Perfect Results
Want your skillet lasagna to turn out amazing? Keep your eye on the pasta while it cooks – you’ll want it just tender, not mushy. When adding the cheeses at the end, drop small spoonfuls of ricotta around the pan instead of one big blob.
This gives everyone a nice taste of that creamy goodness in each serving. If the sauce seems too thick while cooking, just add a splash more water, about 2 tablespoons at a time.
Simple Swaps & Changes
This recipe is super flexible! Try ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef for a different flavor. Not a fan of ricotta? Use cream cheese or skip it altogether. Any short pasta works great here – try rotini, shells, or bow ties.
For a veggie boost, toss in some spinach or mushrooms when you’re cooking the meat. Want it spicier? Double up on those red pepper flakes!
Make It a Meal
This cozy skillet meal shines with a simple side salad and warm garlic bread. A basic green salad with Italian dressing matches perfectly. Love extra sauce? Keep some warm marinara on the side for anyone who wants more. And don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh basil on top – it adds such a lovely touch of color and fresh flavor!
Storage & Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish stays yummy for 3-4 days in the fridge in a sealed container. When you’re ready to eat, warm it up in the microwave with a splash of water or pasta sauce to keep it from drying out. The pasta might soak up more sauce as it sits, so you might want to add a bit more sauce when reheating.
One Pan Skillet Lasagna
Equipment
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 Tablespoon dried minced onion
- 24 ounces pasta sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 8 ounces bite-size pasta penne, rigatoni or farfalle
- 1 1/2 cups water
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2-3 Tablespoons fresh basil leaves for topping
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Brown meat and remove some of the grease.
- Stir in garlic, minced onion, pasta sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Bring sauce to a simmer and stir in pasta and water. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked through, about 13-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Spoon a few scoops of ricotta on the top, and cover for a few minutes to allow the cheese to warm. Top with fresh basil. Serve immediately.
