One-Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Introduction

One-Skillet Lasagna is a simple, yet incredibly satisfying twist on the classic Italian dish. It’s a comforting, cheesy, and savory meal that comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Packed with layers of pasta, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella, this dish has all the flavors you love from traditional lasagna but in a much quicker and easier format.

Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, One-Skillet Lasagna is a great way to enjoy the rich taste of homemade lasagna without the hassle of layering and baking for an hour. This recipe delivers the same comforting lasagna experience but in a fraction of the time. You can also customize it to suit your tastes, making it versatile enough for any occasion. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious one-pan wonder!

Why You’ll Love One-Skillet Lasagna

• Quick and Easy: This recipe eliminates the need for multiple pots and baking dishes. Everything cooks in one skillet, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes!
• Rich, Comforting Flavors: With layers of savory meat sauce, gooey cheese, and tender pasta, this skillet lasagna hits all the right notes of flavor and texture. It’s a comforting, satisfying dish that everyone will love.
• No Need to Boil Pasta: Unlike traditional lasagna, where you need to boil and drain noodles, this recipe uses uncooked lasagna noodles that cook directly in the skillet with the sauce. This makes the process even faster.
• One-Pan Cleanup: All of the ingredients are cooked in one skillet, so cleanup is minimal. No need to worry about washing multiple pots, pans, or baking dishes.
• Customizable: Whether you want to add extra vegetables, swap out the meat, or adjust the cheese, this recipe is versatile and can easily be tailored to your preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 450-500 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3-5g
• Sugar: 6-8g

Ingredients

For the One-Skillet Lasagna:

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination of both)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 ½ cups water (or beef broth for extra flavor)
• 9 lasagna noodles, broken into thirds (uncooked)
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Meat and Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage, or a mix of both) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes.

Once the meat is browned and cooked through, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. The combination of the savory meat and aromatic onion and garlic will build the flavor base for your sauce.

2. Add the Sauce and Seasonings

Once the meat and vegetables are cooked, add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and water (or beef broth) to the skillet. Stir everything together until combined.

Next, add the oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the sauce. Stir again to incorporate the seasonings evenly. The sauce should be slightly liquidy at this point, as it will cook down with the noodles.

3. Layer in the Noodles

Break the lasagna noodles into thirds (about 3 pieces per noodle). Add the uncooked pasta pieces directly to the skillet, making sure they’re evenly distributed and submerged in the sauce. Don’t worry about the noodles being perfectly aligned—they’ll cook and soften as they absorb the sauce during the cooking process.

Gently press the noodles down into the sauce, making sure they are well-covered. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the noodles cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they don’t stick to the pan or each other.

4. Add the Cheese

While the noodles are cooking, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Once the noodles are cooked through (tender but not mushy), spoon dollops of the cheese mixture over the top of the lasagna. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread it out into an even layer.

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese and the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan over the top of the lasagna. The cheese will melt and bubble as it finishes cooking, creating a gooey, cheesy topping.

5. Finish Cooking the Lasagna

Cover the skillet again and allow the lasagna to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes on low heat, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. This will allow the cheese to fully melt and meld with the sauce. The lasagna should be piping hot when it’s ready.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped basil, if desired, and serve hot. The one-skillet lasagna is now ready to enjoy!

Tips for Perfect One-Skillet Lasagna

• Use Good Quality Marinara Sauce: The marinara sauce is the base of your lasagna, so using a high-quality, flavorful sauce will really elevate the dish. If you prefer, you can also make your own sauce from scratch using canned tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs.
• Break the Noodles into Pieces: Since you’re not layering full lasagna noodles, break them into smaller pieces before adding them to the skillet. This ensures the noodles cook evenly and absorb all the flavors of the sauce.
• Add Extra Veggies: For added nutrition and flavor, consider adding sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the meat mixture. These veggies will add a healthy touch to your lasagna and enhance the flavor profile.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: If your skillet is too small, it might be difficult to cook everything evenly. If needed, you can use a larger skillet or prepare the lasagna in batches to ensure the ingredients cook properly.
• Use Fresh Ricotta: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh ricotta cheese in your lasagna. It will make the filling creamier and more delicious.
• Watch the Cooking Time for the Noodles: Every skillet and stovetop is different, so be sure to check the noodles for doneness periodically while cooking. Stir gently to prevent them from sticking together or to the skillet.

Variations of One-Skillet Lasagna

• Vegetarian One-Skillet Lasagna: Skip the meat and load up the skillet with more vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, and spinach. A vegetarian lasagna is just as delicious and satisfying without the meat.
• Chicken One-Skillet Lasagna: Use ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken in place of beef or sausage for a lighter, leaner version of this dish. The flavors will still be rich and satisfying.
• White Sauce One-Skillet Lasagna: Swap out the marinara sauce for a creamy white sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and Parmesan cheese. This variation gives the lasagna a rich and comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheesy layers.
• Spicy One-Skillet Lasagna: Add a bit of heat by stirring in some red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or even a spoonful of spicy marinara sauce to the mix. This variation is perfect for those who love a bit of spice in their meals.
• Gluten-Free One-Skillet Lasagna: To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap out the regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free noodles. Be sure to check the cooking times for the gluten-free noodles, as they may cook slightly differently.

Storage and Shelf Life

One-Skillet Lasagna is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for later. Allow the lasagna to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the lasagna in the skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

For longer storage, you can freeze the lasagna. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for One-Skillet Lasagna

This one-skillet lasagna pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes to complete your meal:

• Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread is the perfect complement to lasagna. The crispy, buttery texture pairs wonderfully with the creamy lasagna.
• Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad with crispy romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons adds a nice contrast to the rich lasagna.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts offer a healthy and flavorful side to balance out the heaviness of the lasagna.
• Wine: A glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of lasagna. The acidity of the wine complements the savory flavors of the dish.

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Conclusion

One-Skillet Lasagna is a fast, easy, and delicious take on the traditional lasagna that everyone will love. It combines all the hearty flavors of lasagna but eliminates the need for lengthy prep and multiple pans. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or serving it at a casual gathering, this dish is sure to impress. With its rich flavor, gooey cheese, and minimal cleanup, One-Skillet Lasagna will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation!