Skillet Lasagna
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This Skillet Lasagna is a game-changer for weeknight dinners, offering all the hearty flavors of traditional lasagna but ready in just 30 minutes! Savor the layered goodness of meat, pasta, and melted cheese, all effortlessly prepared in one pan.
![overhead shot of a serving spoon taking a scoop of skillet lasagna.](https://www.jocooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/skillet-lasagna-1-11.jpg)
Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe
This Skillet Lasagna will completely revolutionize your weeknight cooking. Imagine indulging in the rich, layered textures of traditional lasagna, but with the convenience of a 30-minute dish, all cooked in one pan. No fuss, no endless cleanup – just pure, comforting flavors that dance on your palate.
The combination of ground beef, three types of cheese, crushed tomatoes, and perfectly seasoned herbs delivers a meal that’s both satisfying and elegant. Add the minced garlic and fresh basil, and you’ve got an instant family favorite that will have everyone clamoring for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Skillet Lasagna
- One-Pan Convenience: This Skillet Lasagna simplifies the entire cooking process into one pan, cutting down on both preparation time and cleanup. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Ready in 30 Minutes: Forget the hours of traditional lasagna-making; this dish brings all those delicious flavors to your table in a mere 30 minutes.
- Rich and Satisfying Flavor: Combining ground beef, three types of cheese, and a blend of savory herbs, this dish delivers a full, luxurious taste that will please even the most discerning palate. Experience gourmet dining from the comfort of your home!
- Ground Beef (Extra Lean): Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter touch.
- Garlic: Imparts a rich, aromatic flavor; minced fresh garlic is preferred, but garlic powder can be used.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning; adjust to taste.
- Oregano, Basil, Rosemary (Dried): These herbs create the classic Italian seasoning. Feel free to use fresh herbs or an Italian seasoning blend.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Provides a tangy base for the sauce; canned diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
- Water: Helps to cook the pasta within the skillet; consider substituting with chicken or beef broth for added flavor.
- Pasta (Shells): Use your favorite pasta, preferably small shaped such as penne or rotini.
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy richness; cottage cheese can be used as an alternative.
- Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, savory punch to the dish; substitute with Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano if needed.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Offers a gooey, melty texture; Provolone cheese is a good substitute.
- Fresh Basil: For garnish and a touch of freshness; fresh parsley can be used if basil is not available.
Here’s a skillet lasagna recipe that’s incredibly easy to whip up, perfect for when you want something delicious but don’t have much time. You’ll be chatting and laughing with your friends in no time as you put this together.
First, preheat your oven to 450℉. Then, grab your favorite oven-safe skillet and cook up the ground meat. You’ll want to make sure it’s nice and brown, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, throw in the garlic, salt, pepper, and dry herbs, and give it a good stir.
Now, add your crushed tomatoes, water, and pasta right into the skillet. Make sure the pasta is swimming nicely in that liquid so it cooks evenly. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally for about 10 to 12 minutes. We’re going for that perfect al dente texture.
Here comes the fun part! Dollop the ricotta cheese over the top and then sprinkle on the Parmesan and mozzarella. Into the oven it goes for about 5 to 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens, as the cheese melts into a gooey masterpiece.
Take that beauty out of the oven, and garnish it with some fresh basil. There you have it, a skillet lasagna masterpiece ready to enjoy with friends and family. Now dig in and enjoy the fruits of your (minimal) labor!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even a meatless alternative like crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding the cheese and placing it in the oven.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs will give a more vibrant flavor. Just remember to use about three times the amount, as fresh herbs are less concentrated than dried.
Expert Tips
- Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to get your desired flavor profile. A blend of Italian cheeses would work well too.
- Pasta Choice: While shells are mentioned in the recipe, other pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like penne or rotini, can be used.
- Adding Veggies: For added nutrition, consider sautéing some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the meat.
What To Serve With Lasagna
Easy Garlic Bread
Italian Roasted Mushrooms and Veggies
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
No Knead Bread
Storage
Leftover skillet lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a little water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Discover Other Lasagna Recipes
- Taco Lasagna
- Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna)
- Zucchini Lasagna
- The Best Lasagna
- Lasagna Dip
- Skillet White Chicken Lasagna
- Easy Beef Lasagna
- Lasagna Soup
- Instant Pot Lasagna
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Skillet Lasagna
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (extra lean)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 2 teaspoon oregano (dried)
- 1 teaspoon basil (dried)
- 1 teaspoon rosemary (dried)
- 28 ounce crushed tomatoes (1 can)
- 4 cups water
- 1 pound pasta (I used shells)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 4 ounce Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon basil (fresh, chopped)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450℉.
- In a large oven safe skillet add the ground meat and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the meat is no longer pink. Drain the meat if you need to. Add the garlic, salt, pepper and dry herbs. Stir to combine and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add crushed tomatoes, water and pasta to the skillet. Make sure there's enough water so that the pasta is fully submerged. Cook until pasta is al dente about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir the pasta occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Dollop the ricotta cheese over the top then top with Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for about 5 to 10 minutes until cheese has melted and it's slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
- Pasta Choice: Shells were used in this recipe, but feel free to substitute with any pasta of similar size. Penne or rotini would work well too.
- Cheese Variations: If ricotta isn’t your favorite, you can use cottage cheese as a substitute. The blend of Parmesan and mozzarella gives a nice flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses.
- Herb Flexibility: Dried herbs were used here, but fresh herbs can add an extra punch of flavor. Just multiply the amount by three when using fresh herbs.
- Make it Vegetarian: Want to skip the meat? You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or even some sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a little water if needed to keep the pasta from drying out.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.