Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Skillet Lasagna! This dish is a total game-changer in my kitchen. It’s all about that rich, hearty flavor without the fuss of traditional lasagna. I love that I can whip it up in just one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy the meal! The moment the cheese melts and everything starts bubbling, my heart skips a beat! I started making this when I had friends over for dinner, and it was such a hit that now I make it at least once a week. Trust me, once you try this Skillet Lasagna, you’ll be hooked too!
Ingredients List
- 12 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 pound ground beef, preferably lean
- 1 onion, chopped finely
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, with juices
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese, for creaminess
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, for that melty goodness
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, for a burst of flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste, don’t forget to season!
How to Prepare Skillet Lasagna
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Trust me, the aroma will be heavenly!
- Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes along with their juices and stir in the broken lasagna noodles. This is where the magic begins! Give everything a good mix, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Now, cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll want to check in occasionally, giving it a stir to ensure the noodles are cooking evenly and soaking up all that flavor.
- Once the noodles are tender, drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top. Don’t be shy—this adds such a creamy texture! Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over.
- Cover the skillet again and let it cook for another 5 minutes, or until the mozzarella is perfectly melted and bubbly. Ooh, the suspense is killing me! Once it’s ready, serve it hot and enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation that fits into even the busiest schedules
- One-pan meal means minimal cleanup—yay for less dishes!
- Deliciously rich flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds
- Versatile—you can easily customize with your favorite veggies or protein
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing friends at gatherings
Tips for Success
To get the best results with your Skillet Lasagna, start with high-quality ingredients—fresh garlic and good canned tomatoes make a world of difference! If you want a little extra depth of flavor, consider browning the beef with some Italian sausage mixed in. Don’t hesitate to add in your favorite veggies like spinach or bell peppers; they’re a great way to sneak in some nutrition! And remember, taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to your liking; everyone’s palate is different. Lastly, let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow those flavors to meld beautifully!
Nutritional Information
This Skillet Lasagna is not only delicious but also provides a satisfying meal! Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, with 20g of fat and 30g of protein. You’ll also get about 40g of carbohydrates and 3g of fiber. Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on common ingredient usage, so they may vary depending on your choices. It’s a hearty dish that won’t leave you feeling guilty!
FAQ Section
Can I make Skillet Lasagna ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Just store it covered in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors will actually deepen, which is a nice bonus!
What can I use instead of ground beef? If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using ground turkey or chicken. You can even go vegetarian by swapping in your favorite plant-based protein or adding more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
Can I freeze Skillet Lasagna? Yes, it freezes well! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll last for about three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the oven.
How do I know when it’s done? The Skillet Lasagna is ready when the noodles are tender, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Give it a little peek under the lid—trust me, you’ll know when it’s time to dig in!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
One of the best things about Skillet Lasagna is how adaptable it is! If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, cottage cheese works beautifully as a substitute—just blend it a bit for that creamy texture. Feel free to get creative with your veggies; adding spinach or mushrooms can boost flavor and nutrition. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even try a plant-based protein if you’re aiming for a vegetarian dish. The key is to make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Skillet Lasagna, I love pairing it with a simple side salad. A fresh arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and brightness! If you’re in the mood for something heartier, garlic bread is always a hit, perfect for soaking up those delicious sauce remnants. And don’t forget a glass of red wine to elevate your meal—it’s such a delightful combination! Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Skillet Lasagna is super simple! Just let it cool completely, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you prefer the oven, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. This method helps keep the moisture in and the cheese nice and melty! Oh, and don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before reheating for that extra gooey goodness!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For tips on cooking techniques, you can refer to this pasta cooking guide.
And for nutritional information, visit USDA FoodData Central.
Print
Skillet Lasagna: 5 Reasons You’ll Crave This Delicious Meal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy skillet lasagna recipe made in one pan.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles, broken
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic.
- Add crushed tomatoes and broken lasagna noodles.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 20 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover and cook for 5 minutes until cheese melts.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- Can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Skillet Lasagna, Easy Lasagna, One Pan Meal