Skillet Lasagna offers all the flavors of traditional lasagna but in a quicker, easier-to-make format. This recipe simplifies the process by layering pasta, meat sauce, and cheese in a skillet, delivering a comforting Italian meal without the hassle of baking a casserole.
Ingredients for Skillet Lasagna
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups water
- 10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Skillet Lasagna
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Add Sauce and Noodles
- Stir in the marinara sauce and water, then add the broken lasagna noodles to the skillet. Stir to combine everything well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and cooked through. Add more water if needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 3: Add Cheese Mixture
- In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cheese mixture evenly over the top of the cooked noodles and sauce in the skillet.
Step 4: Finish Cooking
- Cover the skillet again and let it cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish Skillet Lasagna with chopped fresh basil leaves before serving.
- Serve hot directly from the skillet, ensuring each portion has a generous scoop of cheesy goodness and hearty meat sauce.
About the Main Ingredients
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage
Ground beef or Italian sausage provides savory flavor and protein to the dish. You can choose lean ground beef or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference.
Marinara Sauce
Jarred marinara sauce offers convenience and robust tomato flavor. Opt for your favorite brand or homemade sauce for a personalized touch.
Lasagna Noodles
Lasagna noodles are broken into pieces for easy cooking in the skillet. They absorb the flavors of the sauce and become tender during cooking.
Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Cheese
The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates a creamy and gooey cheese layer that’s traditional in lasagna dishes.
Herbs and Seasonings
Dried oregano and basil add Italian herb flavors, enhancing the richness of the sauce and cheese.
Skillet Lasagna is a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner when you crave the comforting flavors of lasagna without the time-consuming assembly and baking process. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone around the table. Enjoy this easy-to-make version of a classic Italian favorite!
