Easy Skillet Lasagna
This skillet lasagna has all the cheesy, meaty, saucy goodness of traditional lasagna but without the hour of assembly and baking time. Everything cooks together in one pan, the broken lasagna noodles absorb all that delicious sauce, and you get that same comfort food satisfaction in a fraction of the time.
I developed this recipe for those nights when nothing but lasagna will do but I absolutely do not have the energy for the real deal. It hits all the same notes - seasoned meat, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce - just in a much more weeknight-friendly format.
The key is breaking the noodles into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and are easy to eat. No layering required, no waiting for an hour while it bakes. Just quick, satisfying comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Brown the Beef
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned and no pink remains, about 6-7 minutes. Add garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- 2
Add Noodles and Sauce
Add marinara sauce and water to the skillet, stirring to combine. Add the broken lasagna noodles, pushing them down into the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- 3
Add the Cheeses
Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta over the top of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over everything. Cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.
- 4
Broil and Serve
For a golden bubbly top, place skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully. Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil and serve directly from the skillet.
Bella's Tips
- Break noodles small. About 2-inch pieces work best for even cooking.
- Stir occasionally. This prevents noodles from sticking to the bottom.
- Use an oven-safe skillet. Cast iron works great for the broiler step.
- Make it meatless. Swap beef for mushrooms and spinach.
- Leftovers are amazing. Reheat covered with a splash of water.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving