Skillet Lasagna Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for a way to enjoy all the hearty, comforting flavors of classic lasagna without the fuss of layering and baking, then you’re in for a treat with this Skillet Lasagna Recipe. It’s a one-pan wonder packed with rich ground beef, tender noodles, creamy cheeses, and a luscious tomato sauce, all cooked together to create a dish that feels both homemade and spectacular. The beauty here is how quick and straightforward it is, making it perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave that cozy, cheesy Italian goodness in a flash.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly essentials that come together to make an incredibly flavorful, comforting dish. Each plays a crucial role in balancing taste, texture, and richness, ensuring your skillet lasagna shines from the very first bite.

• 1 lb ground beef: The savory base that adds meaty richness and depth to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic flavor without the texture of fresh onion.
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano: Brings a classic Italian herb note that enhances the tomato sauce.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes: Provides the bright, tangy tomato base for the sauce.
• 2 ½ cups beef broth: Adds extra flavor and enough liquid to cook the noodles directly in the pan.
• 10 uncooked lasagna noodles (broken into pieces): The star pasta that cooks perfectly in the skillet, absorbing all the savory sauce.
• ¼ cup cream cheese (soft): Adds creamy richness and a subtle tang to the cheesy mixture.
• ¼ cup heavy cream: Creates a silky texture and helps meld the cheeses smoothly.
• ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty kick that builds flavor complexity.
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese (divided): Half cubed for melting into the sauce, half sliced for a gooey, beautiful topping.

How to Make Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding your ground beef. Cook it until the meat is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This step builds the savory foundation essential for a truly satisfying lasagna experience.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Sprinkle in the onion powder, dried oregano, and salt. Stir everything together so the beef absorbs the aromatic herbs and seasoning evenly, deepening the flavor of your sauce.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the beef broth. Bring this mixture to a boil — this is your flavorful cooking liquid for the noodles, packed with savory beef and bright tomato goodness.

Step 4: Stir in the Noodles

Next, add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the boiling stew. It may look unconventional, but this is the clever heart of the skillet lasagna method, letting the pasta cook right in the sauce, soaking up all those rich flavors.

Step 5: Cook Noodles Gently

Give everything a good stir, ensuring the noodles are submerged and covered in liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent noodles from sticking together. Don’t skip this stirring — it’s key to perfect noodle texture and even cooking.

Step 6: Mix in Cheeses and Cream

Once the noodles are tender but still have a slight bite, stir in the cubed mozzarella, parmesan, heavy cream, and cream cheese. This creamy, cheesy infusion elevates the dish, making the sauce luxuriously thick and indulgent.

Step 7: Melt Topping Cheese

Arrange the sliced mozzarella on top and cover the skillet again. Turn the heat to medium-high for just 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts to a bubbly, golden finish. This step creates that irresistible cheesy crust without turning on the oven.

Step 8: Let It Rest

Turn off the heat and allow the skillet lasagna to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time lets the dish set up nicely, helping it hold together better when you scoop it onto plates.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your skillet lasagna hot, optionally topped with freshly chopped basil and extra parmesan for a fresh and flavorful finish. It’s all about enjoying every cheesy, saucy bite with friends or family.

How to Serve Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped basil or parsley adds a vibrant splash of green and a burst of herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. A little extra parmesan on top also adds a perfect salty punch to complete each portion beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or classic garlic bread. The fresh, crunchy textures and bright acidity of these sides perfectly complement the rich, creamy skillet lasagna.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the skillet lasagna in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for sweetness. It also works well plated alongside roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto platter to turn your meal into an Italian feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover skillet lasagna in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover skillet lasagna gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream if it seems dry to bring back that creamy texture, stirring occasionally to heat evenly without overcooking the noodles.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and will work nicely. Just be mindful it cooks a little faster and may need a touch of extra seasoning for depth of flavor.

Do I need to pre-cook the lasagna noodles?

Nope! One of the best things about this skillet lasagna recipe is using broken uncooked noodles that cook right in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors as they soften.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles for a satisfying meatless version. Just adjust the broth and seasoning accordingly.

What kind of pan works best?

A large, heavy-bottomed skillet with a lid works best to evenly cook the noodles in the liquid and melt the cheese on top without burning. Cast iron or non-stick pans are both great choices.

Is this recipe spicy?

This skillet lasagna is mild and comforting by default, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking for some extra heat if you like.

Final Thoughts

This Skillet Lasagna Recipe is truly a game changer when it comes to making lasagna fast without sacrificing any of that classic comfort you love. It’s rich, cheesy, and delightfully simple to prepare, making it the perfect weeknight dinner to share with the people you care about. Give it a try and fall in love with lasagna all over again — but this time, in just one skillet!

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