Quick and Easy Skillet Lasagna: A Delicious Weeknight Meal

There’s nothing quite like a classic lasagna, but let’s face it, making a full lasagna from scratch can be time-consuming. That’s where this quick and easy skillet lasagna comes in, bringing you all the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna in a fraction of the time. Made entirely in one skillet, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving comfort food without all the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This quick and easy skillet lasagna has quickly become a favorite in many households for its simplicity, taste, and minimal cleanup. Imagine layers of pasta, rich marinara sauce, seasoned ground beef, and a cheesy topping—all bubbling together in one pan. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

• Made in one skillet, which means less cleanup
• Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings
• Rich, hearty flavors similar to a traditional lasagna
• Customizable with your favorite ingredients and spices

Quick and Easy Skillet Lasagna

This skillet lasagna combines classic Italian flavors with a simplified cooking process. It’s ideal for serving a family dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup water
• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Ingredient Substitutions

Make this skillet lasagna your own by using some of these ingredient swaps:

• Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Marinara Sauce: Use any pasta sauce you love, whether it’s homemade or store-bought.
• Lasagna Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles work best, but you can use penne or other short pasta in a pinch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the meat: In a large, deep skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it browns. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat.
2. Add onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add sauce and noodles: Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and water, then add the broken lasagna noodles. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer the lasagna: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
5. Add the cheeses: Dollop ricotta cheese over the lasagna, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top, and cover for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve and garnish: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few helpful tips to make this skillet lasagna even easier:

• Break up lasagna noodles into smaller pieces before adding them to the skillet to help them cook evenly.
• If your skillet isn’t deep enough, transfer the mixture to a larger pot to avoid spills.
• Covering the skillet helps the noodles cook faster and keeps the sauce from drying out.

Cooking Times

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Skillet lasagna is a filling dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with side dishes like:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with Italian dressing balances the rich lasagna.
• Grilled Vegetables: Add more veggies to your meal with some grilled zucchini or bell peppers.

Serving Size

This recipe serves about 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover skillet lasagna can be stored and enjoyed later with these tips:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled lasagna to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick, or microwave individual servings until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use other short pasta if lasagna noodles aren’t available. Penne or rigatoni work well, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

How do I prevent the lasagna from sticking to the skillet?

Stirring occasionally during cooking helps prevent noodles from sticking. Adding a bit of extra water can also keep the sauce from thickening too much and causing sticking.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute with cottage cheese, or simply add more mozzarella and Parmesan. It will still be delicious!

Conclusion

This quick and easy skillet lasagna recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave the classic comfort of lasagna without the lengthy preparation. It’s a dish that delivers big flavors with minimal fuss, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Give it a try, and don’t forget to leave a comment with your thoughts or any creative variations you come up with. We’d love to hear how it turns out, and stay tuned for more easy, one-pan recipes!