This easy, delicious Skillet Lasagna recipe takes only 30 minutes and cooks in one pan. Smaller mess, and all of the flavors of that true traditional lasagna you crave; pasta, marinara sauce, and lots of cheese!

Contents

Skillet Lasagna: Your Ultimate 30-Minute One-Pan Weeknight Wonder

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for a delicious, homemade meal can feel like a daunting task. Between work, family commitments, and the endless demands of daily life, it’s often tempting to resort to quick, unhealthy takeout options. But what if you could enjoy all the comforting flavors of a classic lasagna – rich pasta, savory meat sauce, and an abundance of gooey cheese – in just 30 minutes, all cooked in a single pan? This Skillet Lasagna recipe is here to make that dream a reality, offering a hassle-free solution for busy weeknights and relaxed weekends alike.

Forget the endless layering, multiple pots, and lengthy baking times of traditional lasagna. Our one-pan skillet lasagna streamlines the entire process without sacrificing any of the beloved taste. This recipe isn’t just about saving time; it’s about reclaiming your evenings, reducing kitchen cleanup, and bringing your family together around a wholesome, satisfying meal. It’s truly 100% possible to ditch the drive-thru and create a memorable dinner experience with this incredibly simple, family-favorite dish.

The Magic of One-Pan Skillet Lasagna

The concept of “one-pan” or “one-pot” cooking has revolutionized home kitchens, and for good reason. It’s a culinary game-changer that promises less time spent on dishes and more time enjoying what truly matters. This Skillet Lasagna exemplifies this philosophy perfectly. From browning your seasoned ground beef and sautéing onions to simmering your favorite marinara sauce with uncooked lasagna noodles, every step happens in one large skillet. Finally, a generous topping of creamy ricotta and a blend of Italian cheeses melts into a golden, irresistible crust, all within about 30 minutes. It’s a winning situation for anyone craving maximum flavor with minimum effort.

If you’re as passionate about convenient and delicious one-pot meals as we are, you’ll love exploring other favorites like Skillet Pad Thai, Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo, Skillet Tamale Pie, or a Roasted Salmon Sheet Pan Meal.

Why This Skillet Lasagna is Your New Go-To Dinner

This Skillet Lasagna recipe first debuted in July 2017, just in time to celebrate National Lasagna Day. It was conceived out of a desire for a quicker, more accessible way to enjoy this beloved Italian classic. Since then, it has become a staple, proving that incredible flavor doesn’t require hours of kitchen labor.

This dish is not only perfect for those bustling school nights we all dread but also for those cherished weekends when relaxation is a priority. Who wants to be stuck in the kitchen for hours when you could be unwinding with loved ones? Whether it’s a demanding Tuesday or a lazy Saturday afternoon, simply pour yourself a glass of your favorite beverage, quickly assemble this skillet lasagna, and settle in for a delightful, home-cooked meal that tastes like it took all day. It’s the ultimate comfort food experience without the fuss.

Essential Ingredients for Your Skillet Lasagna

One of the best aspects of this no-sweat skillet lasagna recipe is its reliance on readily available, simple ingredients. You likely have most of these staples in your pantry already. The only item you might need to pick up is ricotta cheese, but even that has easy substitutes! Below, we’ll detail each ingredient and offer tips for common variations, ensuring you can whip up this dish no matter what’s in your fridge.

Find the full step-by-step instructions and precise measurements in the comprehensive recipe card located at the end of this post.

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic meal:

Lean Ground Beef: This forms the hearty base of our meat sauce. Lean ground beef is preferred to avoid excessive grease, but you can also use ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Onion: Half a chopped onion adds essential aromatic depth. For convenience, two tablespoons of dried minced onion can be used, but fresh onion provides a more vibrant flavor. Avoid onion powder as it won’t yield the same texture or taste.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors. Adjust to your personal taste; a teaspoon of salt and a generous touch of black pepper are good starting points.
Garlic: Three cloves of fresh minced garlic impart an irreplaceable pungent aroma. While garlic powder can work in a pinch, fresh garlic offers a superior, more intense flavor.
Italian-Style Diced Tomatoes (Undrained): A 14.5 oz can of undrained diced tomatoes adds texture and a burst of tomato flavor to the sauce. The liquid helps cook the noodles.
Water: Use the empty diced tomato can to measure out one can of water, ensuring the perfect liquid-to-pasta ratio for cooking the lasagna noodles directly in the sauce.
Pasta Sauce: A 32 oz jar of your favorite store-bought pasta sauce makes this recipe incredibly quick. For a homemade touch, you can use plain tomato sauce and add Italian seasoning, or thicken a thinner sauce with a tablespoon of tomato paste. For the ultimate homemade flavor, try my simple Homemade Marinara Sauce recipe.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy Italian cheese is a lasagna hallmark. If ricotta isn’t available, cottage cheese is an excellent substitute, offering a similar texture and tang.
Italian Blend Cheese: A pre-shredded blend of Italian cheeses (like mozzarella, provolone, parmesan) makes melting easy. Alternatively, use fresh mozzarella combined with some grated parmesan cheese for a custom blend.
Lasagna Noodles: Approximately 10 lasagna noodles, broken into manageable pieces. This recipe eliminates the need to boil noodles separately, saving a significant amount of time and effort compared to classic lasagna.
Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh basil is added at the end for a bright, aromatic finish. Adjust the amount to your liking.

How to Master This Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Preparing this Skillet Lasagna is incredibly straightforward, designed for efficiency without compromising on taste. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result:

Brown the Beef and Aromatics: In a large, deep skillet (preferably cast iron or a heavy-bottomed pan for even heating), brown the lean ground beef over medium-high heat. As it cooks, break it apart with a spoon. Add the chopped onion, along with salt and pepper to taste, and cook until the onion softens and the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmer the Sauce Base: Pour in the undrained Italian-style diced tomatoes and an equal amount of water (using the empty tomato can to measure is perfect). Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors.
Add Noodles and Sauce: Evenly scatter the broken lasagna noodle pieces over the top of the ground beef mixture in the skillet. There’s no need for precise layering like traditional lasagna. Carefully pour your jar of pasta sauce over the noodles, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid.

Cook Until Al Dente: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the lasagna noodles are tender but still have a slight bite (al dente). Stir periodically throughout the cooking process to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking.

Stir in Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in one cup of the shredded Italian cheese blend until it’s fully incorporated and melted, creating a creamy texture throughout the lasagna.
Melt Remaining Cheese: Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the top of the lasagna. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Italian cheese blend generously over the ricotta. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, easy meal. We love pairing it with a refreshing Italian Bean Salad for a complete and balanced dinner.

Don’t Miss Out! Pin This Recipe Now!

You’ll be so glad you saved this incredible 30-minute Skillet Lasagna recipe when those busy weeknights roll around and you need a delicious dinner in a flash! Make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board, so it’s always just a click away when you’re searching for quick, comforting, and family-approved meal ideas!

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Lasagna Noodles

This Skillet Lasagna recipe is not only fantastic on its own but also an excellent solution for utilizing those few “leftover” lasagna noodles that often remain in the box after making a traditional lasagna. We’ve all been there – a half-empty box with just a few sheets that feel wasted if not used. Instead of letting them gather dust, toss them into a zip-lock bag and save them for versatile, quick meals like this stovetop lasagna.

Beyond this skillet version, those spare noodles are perfect for transforming into other comforting dishes, such as my popular Lasagna Soup or the incredibly simple Easy Weeknight Lasagna Toss. Alternatively, feel free to get creative with other pasta shapes you might have on hand. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! We’ve found it equally delicious when made with bow-tie pasta, penne, or even large pasta shells. Just remember that cooking times might vary slightly for different pasta types, so keep an eye on them until they reach your desired al dente tenderness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skillet Lasagna

To help you perfect your Skillet Lasagna, here are answers to some common questions:

How long does skillet lasagna keep in the fridge? When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftovers of this simple recipe will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. This makes it an ideal option for meal prepping and enjoying throughout the week. If you find it a bit dry when reheating, a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil can help restore its moisture.
Can I freeze leftover skillet lasagna? Absolutely! This 30-minute skillet lasagna freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I use a different type of pasta if I don’t have lasagna noodles? Yes, this recipe is quite flexible! If you don’t have lasagna noodles, you can experiment with other sturdy pasta shapes like bowtie pasta (farfalle), penne, rigatoni, or even large pasta shells. Be aware that different pasta shapes absorb liquid and cook at varying rates, so you may need to add an extra cup of water or broth to ensure they cook through without drying out the sauce. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Can I make my own pasta sauce instead of using store-bought? For sure! While a good quality jarred marinara sauce speeds up the process, making your own sauce from scratch can elevate the flavor even further. Feel free to use your favorite homemade marinara or a simple tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs.
Can I cook this one-pot lasagna in a Dutch oven? A Dutch oven is an excellent alternative if you don’t have a large skillet on hand. Its heavy bottom and tight-fitting lid are perfect for simmering and ensure even cooking. However, if you’ve never made lasagna in a skillet, we highly recommend giving it a try – there’s truly nothing easier than a one-skillet lasagna!
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking? Stirring the lasagna periodically (every 5-7 minutes) during the simmering phase is key to preventing the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to each other. Ensure there’s enough liquid to cover most of the noodles when you add them.

Flavorful Substitutions and Additions

This Skillet Lasagna is wonderfully versatile, allowing for numerous substitutions and additions to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand:

Protein Variations: Instead of lean ground beef, you can use ground chicken, ground turkey, or mild or spicy Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Each will bring its own unique taste to the dish.
Ricotta Alternatives: If you realize you forgot ricotta cheese at the store, cottage cheese is an excellent, readily available substitute. It offers a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor. For a richer, more decadent taste, consider adding a dollop of mascarpone cheese.
Tomato Base Creativity: Don’t have diced tomatoes? A combination of tomato sauce, tomato paste, or crushed tomatoes can work beautifully. Similarly, if you’re out of marinara sauce, blend different tomato products and enhance them with dried Italian spices (oregano, basil, thyme) and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a zesty kick. A classic Bolognese sauce or a basic spaghetti sauce can also be used.
Pasta Adventures: While broken lasagna noodles are perfect, explore other pasta possibilities. You could make a “ravioli lasagna” by using cheese or meat-stuffed ravioli instead of flat noodles. This creates a delightful texture and simplifies the dish even further.
Vegetable Boost: For added nutrients and flavor, consider stirring in some roasted bell peppers (my personal favorite addition!), sautéed mushrooms, or fresh spinach into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Fresh zucchini or eggplant can also be thinly sliced and added along with the noodles.
Extra Cheese Please: Beyond the Italian blend, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving for an extra layer of salty, umami flavor.

More Easy Weeknight Meal Inspiration

My website is a treasure trove of simple, wholesome recipes designed to make weeknight dinners a breeze. If you loved the convenience and flavor of this Skillet Lasagna, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic options:

Stuffed Pepper Skillet (pictured above)
Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Skillet
Easy Sweet & Sour Chicken
Chili Mac Skillet
5 Ingredient Chicken Parmesan Bake

This Skillet Lasagna is more than just a recipe; it’s a fantastic solution for busy households seeking a complete, comforting meal that comes together in a fraction of the time of traditional oven-baked lasagna. It’s the perfect casserole-style dish that bypasses hours in the oven, delivering rich, savory flavors with minimal fuss. We highly recommend serving it with some crusty homemade garlic bread on the side – ideal for soaking up every last drop of that delicious, cheesy sauce. Enjoy the ease and the incredible taste!

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Print Recipe

Skillet Lasagna

This SKILLET LASAGNA takes only 30 minutes and cooks in one pan. Smaller mess, and all of the flavors of that true lasagna you crave; Pasta, tomato sauce, and LOTS of cheese!

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Course: Pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: 30 minute lasagna, broken lasagna pieces, easy lasagna, easy weeknight meals, how to make lasagna in a skillet, Italian skillet meals, lasagna, one pan, one pot, simple recipes, skillet lasagna

Servings: 8

Calories: 496 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

Lodge 3.6 Quart Enamel Cast Iron Casserole Dish with Lid (Caribbean Blue)

Ingredients

1.5 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 cup onion chopped (or sub 2 Tablespoons dry minced onion)
Salt & Pepper to taste
3 cloves garlic minced
1 14.5 ounce Italian style diced tomatoes, UNdrained
1 can water
1 32 ounce jar pasta sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups Shredded Italian blend cheese
10 lasagna noodles broken into pieces
fresh basil chopped, to taste

Instructions

In a large skillet brown hamburger with onion and salt and pepper. Add in your garlic diced tomatoes and water. Give it a stir.
Top with your uncooked noodles, spread over the top of the ground beef. Pour pasta sauce over the top. Cover and simmer on medium-high heat. Stir periodically, so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of your pan. Cook until noodles are done. About 20 minutes.
Stir in 1 cup of the Italian cheese. Remove from heat.
Top with dollops of ricotta cheese and the remaining shredded Italian cheese, cover and allow to melt for about 3 minutes.
Top with fresh basil. Serve hot.

Nutrition

This recipe was originally posted on July 27, 2017. It has been updated to improve user experience and re-shared on February 1, 2023.