Skillet Lasagna is a delicious and convenient twist on the classic Italian dish, offering all the rich, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with a fraction of the effort and time. This one-pan wonder combines layers of savory ground beef, tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, all simmered together in a robust marinara sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, Skillet Lasagna delivers a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will love, without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Meat:
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Noodles:
- Pour in the marinara sauce and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the broken lasagna noodles, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
- Add Cheeses:
- Dollop the ricotta cheese over the top of the lasagna mixture. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the skillet.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Cover the skillet again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Enjoy this comforting and easy Skillet Lasagna as a hearty meal that brings all the classic flavors of lasagna to your table in a fraction of the time.
