Hearty Skillet Lasagna Recipe for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

Every home cook knows how a quick skillet lasagna can rescue weeknight dinner dilemmas with minimal fuss.

Pasta lovers appreciate shortcuts that deliver maximum flavor without endless kitchen labor.

Layered ingredients melt together creating a one-pan marvel that speaks directly to comfort food cravings.

Juicy tomato sauce coats tender noodles while melted cheese forms irresistible golden patches across the surface.

Minimal cleanup meets maximum satisfaction in this clever cooking approach.

Simple techniques merge traditional Italian inspiration with contemporary convenience.

Make this recipe your new weeknight hero.

Skillet Lasagna That Saves Time And Delivers Flavor

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan lasagna slashes traditional cooking time by half, letting you enjoy a complete meal in under 30 minutes.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Using a single skillet means fewer dishes to wash, making this recipe a lifesaver for those who hate post-dinner kitchen chaos.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese, this dish guarantees clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.
• Adaptable Culinary Adventure: Easily customize by swapping ground beef for turkey, adding different vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to match your family's taste preferences.

What Goes Into Skillet Lasagna

• Ground Beef: Rich protein base for hearty meal, choose lean for less fat.
• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that add depth and aroma to the dish.
• Pasta: Core component providing texture and substance.
• Green Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetable adding crunch and subtle sweetness.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides moisture and tangy flavor profile.
• Pasta Sauce: Enhances overall sauce consistency and taste.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy element that adds richness and smooth texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides depth and salty undertone.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Classic stretchy cheese that creates beautiful melted topping.

• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that adds Mediterranean flavor. – Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that brings brightness and color.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Fat for Draining: Helps remove excess grease from meat.

Skillet Lasagna Cooking Method

Step 1: Brown Meaty Base

Sizzle ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook until meat loses all pink coloration and drain away excess fat.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta Perfection

Boil pasta in salted water until perfectly al dente.

Drain without rinsing and set aside.

Step 3: Add Colorful Vegetables

Toss chopped green bell peppers into the skillet.

Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become tender and slightly soft.

Step 4: Create Robust Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Pasta sauce
• Italian seasoning

Simmer mixture for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and develops rich flavors.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Fold cooked pasta into skillet, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes and absorb delicious sauce.

Step 6: Prepare Cheese Mixture

Blend ricotta and Parmesan cheeses in a separate bowl until well combined.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Topping

• Drop ricotta mixture in dollops across pasta
• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese around surface

Cover skillet and cook until cheese melts completely.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Scatter fresh basil and parsley on top if desired.

Serve piping hot and enjoy your skillet lasagna!

Lasagna Skillet Tips For Fast Cooking

• Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy lasagna and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor.
• Aim for al dente pasta by carefully timing the cooking to prevent mushy or undercooked noodles in the skillet.
• Drop ricotta mixture in small dollops for even distribution and create pockets of creamy goodness throughout the dish.
• Use fresh basil and parsley at the end to add a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire skillet lasagna.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version of the recipe.

Skillet Lasagna That Layers Back Perfectly From the Fridge

• Store leftover skillet lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Let the lasagna cool completely before placing in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth and condensation.
• Consume refrigerated lasagna within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Cover with a lid to help retain moisture and ensure even heating.

Layered Matches For Skillet Lasagna

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the tomato-based sauce and cuts through the richness of the beef and cheeses.
• Serve Crisp Caesar Salad: Create a light, tangy side dish with romaine lettuce, parmesan shavings, and homemade croutons to balance the hearty skillet lasagna and add fresh texture.
• Match Garlic Bread Companion: Prepare crusty, buttery garlic bread to soak up the savory sauce, providing a delightful crunch and additional flavor that enhances the overall meal experience.
• Recommend Herbaceous Garnish: Top the dish with fresh basil and parsley to brighten the flavors, add a pop of color, and introduce a subtle, aromatic freshness that elevates the entire skillet lasagna.

Skillet Lasagna Pasta Types

• Vegetarian Lasagna Skillet: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, lentils, or meat substitute. Add extra vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for more nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or replace pasta with zucchini noodles. Ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta with spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice. Replace traditional tomato sauce with low-carb marinara and use fewer cheese varieties to reduce overall carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Mexican-Inspired Version: Add diced jalapeños, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and incorporate pepper jack cheese. Include black beans or ground turkey for extra protein and southwestern flavor profile.

FAQs

• What makes skillet lasagna different from traditional lasagna?

This version is faster, easier, and uses just one skillet, eliminating the need for multiple pans and layering complex sheets of pasta. It delivers the same delicious flavors in a simplified cooking method.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure you brown it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid to maintain the right sauce consistency.

• Is this dish okay for meal prep?

Yes, skillet lasagna reheats wonderfully. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of extra pasta sauce to keep it moist and prevent the pasta from drying out.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Choose less expensive ground meat, use canned tomatoes on sale, and opt for store-brand cheeses. These simple swaps can significantly reduce the overall cost without compromising taste.

Skillet Lasagna Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Skillet Lasagna brings Italian comfort directly to your kitchen with layered pasta, rich marinara, and melted cheese in one spectacular pan. Quick and satisfying, this one-pot wonder delivers classic flavor without complicated preparation, ensuring you enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 8 ounces (226 grams) medium pasta (rotini, penne, or similar)
• 14 ounces (397 grams) canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 2 cups pasta sauce

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon fresh basil, thinly sliced (optional garnish)
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sauté ground beef with onions and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains.
2. Remove excess grease from the meat mixture to ensure a lighter, less oily dish.
3. Simultaneously, prepare pasta in salted water, cooking until it reaches al dente texture, then drain without rinsing to maintain optimal pasta consistency.
4. Introduce diced green bell peppers to the meat mixture, cooking for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become tender and slightly softened.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, and Italian seasoning, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken for approximately 5 minutes.
6. Incorporate cooked pasta into the skillet, gently mixing and letting it heat through for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
7. Create a creamy cheese blend by combining ricotta and Parmesan in a separate bowl, ensuring smooth integration.
8. Distribute ricotta mixture in gentle dollops across the pasta surface, strategically placing mozzarella cheese around the ricotta.
9. Cover the skillet and cook briefly until cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, gooey top layer.
10. Garnish with fresh basil and parsley for an aromatic finish.
11. Serve immediately while hot, presenting a rustic and comforting one-pan meal.

Notes

• Make sure to drain the excess fat from the ground beef to reduce greasiness and create a lighter dish.
• Cooking pasta al dente prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce in the skillet.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more intense and authentic flavor compared to pre-grated options.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg