Easy skillet lasagna is one of those miracle meals when your day’s spinning out and everyone’s hungry (again) and the clock seems to run twice as fast. Let’s be honest, who wants to boil noodles, mess with layers, and pray nothing sticks to the dish? Not me.
So if you’re looking to whip up a dinner that’s both a crowd-pleaser and chill to make, this is the thing for you. No judgment if you’re cooking in sweatpants. I still do.
How to Make Skillet Lasagna
Okay, let’s get real for a sec. Nobody has time for ten different pots. That’s why the beauty of easy skillet lasagna is all about, you guessed it, one pan. Grab a big ol’ skillet that can handle it all. Brown your ground beef or turkey right in there. After the meat is sizzling and crumbled (don’t burn it!), just toss in some chopped onion and garlic. Let the smells start wafting through your kitchen.
Pour in a jar of your favorite marinara. If I’m being honest, sometimes I go for the cheapest one. Add a pinch of Italian seasoning, and, if you’re feeling bold, a dash of chili flakes makes it lively. Break up some dry lasagna noodles with your hands and push them right into the sauce. No boiling first! It’s kind of messy, but pretty fun (kids love this part).
Pour in just enough water to let those noodles get cozy and soft as you simmer. Next, scatter blobs of ricotta or cottage cheese on top and sprinkle with handfuls of mozzarella. Put a lid on that skillet, simmer, and peek every so often. Maybe sit down with a glass of something and celebrate how little you’re actually working. That’s my favorite part.
“I’ve tried twenty quick lasagna recipes and this is the only one that gets the noodles just right without becoming a gluey mess! My picky kids even ask for seconds.” – Denise from St. Paul
Pro Tips for Perfect Skillet Lasagna
Let me share a few honest-to-goodness real-deal secrets so your easy skillet lasagna doesn’t turn into dinner drama. First, don’t be shy with the cheese. It’s literally the glue to making this more like… lasagna and less like noodles with sauce. If your skillet runs a bit hot, keep an eye out so the bottom doesn’t over-brown. Low and slow works surprisingly well here.
Stir it once about halfway through just to make sure nothing’s sticking — don’t go overboard though or you’ll break up the noodles too much. Taste as you go and don’t let dry noodles poke above the sauce or they’ll get weirdly crunchy. If you like your cheese more browned, pop the whole pan (if it’s oven-safe) under the broiler for two minutes at the end. Watch it though! That thing can go from golden perfection to burnt in the time it takes to sneeze.
Oh, and if you want more protein – toss in a handful of frozen spinach or chopped mushrooms while things simmer. No need to be fancy.
easy skillet lasagna
What Else Can I Add?
Here’s where you can make this skillet lasagna your own. Basically, raid the fridge. Got half a bell pepper lingering in there? Chop it up and toss it in with the onions. I’ve even thrown in kale, zucchini, or a bit of spinach (fresh or from the freezer). Don’t overthink it. If you want to go bolder, sneak in some sausage for a more grown-up flavor. Or stir in some pesto for a herby surprise.
Folks with picky eaters – let them sprinkle on their own favorite cheese at the end. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream on top makes it super creamy, almost too much. My cousin even drizzles hot sauce. Admittedly, that’s not for everyone, but you do you.
easy skillet lasagna
Serving suggestions for Skillet Lasagna
Sometimes you don’t need a side, but if you’re feeling fancy, try one of these:
- Pile your easy skillet lasagna high and serve with extra parmesan. Cheese brings everyone to the table.
- Add crusty bread or garlic toast for soaking up those saucy leftovers. Trust me, don’t skip this.
- Throw together a quick salad with whatever’s rolling around in your veggie bin.
- If you want to get wild, a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley right before eating wakes up the flavors.
easy skillet lasagna
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Just to keep you in the loop — you know, in case anyone cares during their third helping — most skillet lasagna servings clock in under 400 calories, which is wild considering how rich it tastes. Decent protein, too, around 20 grams or so if you use lean beef or turkey. Not too shabby in the iron department either. Yeah, a little more carbs than a salad. But honestly? Way more satisfying. My two cents: treat yourself and don’t sweat the small stuff.
easy skillet lasagna
If you want more ideas or a nifty step-by-step Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe (30 Minutes & One Pot!) – House of …, this guide is gold. Don’t overthink it, just grab what you’ve got and jump right in. And, uh, send leftovers my way if you’ve got any.
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Easy Skillet Lasagna
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Meat
Description
A one-pan wonder that simplifies lasagna preparation without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 9–12 lasagna noodles, broken
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground meat with onion and garlic until cooked through.
- Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes (if using).
- Break the lasagna noodles into pieces and add them directly into the sauce.
- Pour in enough water to cover the noodles and let simmer.
- Dot the top with ricotta or cottage cheese, and sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Cover the skillet and simmer until noodles are tender, stirring halfway through.
- If desired, broil for a couple of minutes to brown the cheese before serving.
Notes
Feel free to add veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg