I absolutely love this Skillet Lasagna Recipe because it brings all the cozy flavors of traditional lasagna without the fuss of layering and baking in multiple steps. It’s an easy, one-pan wonder that’s especially perfect when you want comfort food on the table fast without sacrificing taste. When I first tried this method, I was amazed at how tender the pasta got right in the skillet and how the cheese melted beautifully on top under the broiler.
You’ll find that this recipe works wonders for weeknight dinners or anytime you want that classic lasagna feel with minimal cleanup. Plus, the combination of ground beef, fresh herbs, and bubbling cheeses is just irresistible. Once you make this skillet lasagna, it might just become your go-to lasagna shortcut!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple One-Pan Cooking: You don’t need an oven dish or multiple pots—everything cooks right in your skillet.
- Fast Prep and Cook Time: From start to table in under an hour, perfect for busy nights or casual dinners.
- Classic Flavors without Fuss: All the comforting tastes of traditional lasagna, but easier to make and clean up.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can swap pasta shapes, add veggies, or adjust cheeses to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here come together to build layers of flavor, from the rich beef sauce to the creamy cheese mixture, making this skillet lasagna recipe a breeze. Be sure to choose good-quality crushed tomatoes and fresh herbs—they really brighten the dish.
- Part-skim cottage cheese: This adds creaminess without weighing the dish down, and pairs beautifully with parmesan for richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Boosts umami and adds that classic Italian punch in the cheese layer.
- Chopped parsley: Fresh parsley keeps the dish bright and fresh, both cooked in and as garnish.
- Lean ground beef (93%): Lean beef means less grease but plenty of meaty flavor.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
- Olive oil: Use good quality for sautéing onion and garlic — it adds subtle fruitiness.
- Diced yellow onion: Provides sweetness and foundational flavor when sautéed.
- Chopped garlic: Garlic is a must for authentic Italian flavor, just be careful not to burn it.
- Crushed tomatoes: I personally like Tuttorosso for their bright flavor and low acidity.
- Chicken bone broth: Using bone broth instead of water adds extra savory depth to the sauce.
- Fresh basil (chopped): Basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous layer that makes the sauce pop.
- Pasta (like Mafalda, Campanelle, or bow-tie): These shapes hold sauce well; broken lasagna noodles are a fun way to keep it lasagna-inspired.
- Part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts creamy on top giving that perfect bubbly texture you expect from lasagna.
Variations
I love how versatile this skillet lasagna recipe is! Feel free to swap in different ingredients based on what’s in your fridge or your dietary preferences—making it truly your own is half the fun.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty, veggie-forward meal that my family enjoys just as much.
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle heat that wakes up the entire dish.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure the broth and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Try mixing in ricotta cheese with the cottage cheese for a richer filling that melts beautifully.
How to Make Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
Start by mixing the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, and 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley in a small bowl. I always give it a good stir so the cheeses blend well — this creamy mix will be your lasagna’s cheesy layer later.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large 12-inch oven-safe nonstick skillet with a fitted lid over high heat. Add the ground beef and kosher salt, then break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. I like to keep stirring and breaking it down until the beef is fully browned, about 5 minutes. This step builds a great flavor base, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add olive oil, diced onion, and chopped garlic to the browned beef. Sauté everything together for 4-5 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant—you’ll start smelling those classic Italian aromas here. Just watch closely so the garlic doesn’t burn.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Basil
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the chicken bone broth, sprinkle in the chopped fresh basil, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting all those ingredients meld together. This step elevates your sauce from simple to spectacular.
Step 5: Add and Cook the Pasta
Add your pasta (broken lasagna noodles or your chosen shape) straight into the skillet. Mix it gently so the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid sauce. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and let everything simmer for about 18-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and keep an eye on the pasta’s tenderness—it should soak up the sauce and be just tender when done.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Broil
Remove the skillet from heat, then use a small spoon to dollop the cottage cheese mixture evenly on top of the pasta—you don’t want to stir it in. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top. Now transfer the skillet to your oven’s broiler set on high, placing it on the second rack from the top. Broil until the cheese melts and gets a little golden brown, about 3 minutes. Keep a close eye here so it doesn’t burn!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by garnishing with extra chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color, and serve straight from the skillet. I love how this keeps that rustic, homemade feel—plus, everyone enjoys digging right in!
Pro Tips for Making Skillet Lasagna Recipe
- Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: This lets you go straight from stovetop to broiler without extra dishes.
- Don’t Rush the Simmering: Gently cooking the pasta in sauce lets it soak up maximum flavor and prevents mushiness.
- Watch the Broiler Closely: Cheese can brown quickly—3 minutes is usually perfect, but keep an eye on it!
- Use Bone Broth, Not Water: This little trick makes the sauce richer and deeper without extra effort.
How to Serve Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishing, I stick with fresh chopped parsley—its peppery brightness contrasts beautifully with the rich, cheesy pasta. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan right before serving to boost the savory notes.
Side Dishes
I like pairing this skillet lasagna with simple sides like a crisp Caesar salad or steamed green beans tossed with lemon and olive oil. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also complements the meal perfectly, soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I sometimes serve this skillet lasagna in individual small skillets or ramekins to make it feel extra special. Garnishing each with a sprig of basil and a little drizzle of good olive oil makes it look restaurant-worthy without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover skillet lasagna stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I let it cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess. When you dig in later, the flavors have actually had time to develop and deepen.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this recipe, I recommend doing so before the broiler step. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then broil the top cheese just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I like warming them gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to keep the pasta moist. Alternatively, a quick visit to the microwave works in a pinch. If you want that melty top again, pop leftovers under the broiler for a minute or two.
FAQs
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Can I make this skillet lasagna recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Sauté them thoroughly before adding the tomato sauce and pasta, and you’ll still get all the wonderful layers of flavor without the meat.
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What’s the best pasta to use in this recipe?
I suggest pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like Mafalda, Campanelle, bow-tie, or broken lasagna noodles. These shapes catch the sauce, giving you that rich, saucy bite in every forkful. Just make sure the pasta fits comfortably in your skillet!
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Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of broken noodles?
Yes, but you’ll want to break them into smaller pieces to fit the skillet and cook evenly. Whole sheets might not submerge well in the sauce or cook uniformly in this method.
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Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?
Nope! The pasta cooks right in the skillet with the sauce and broth, absorbing those delicious flavors while it softens. Just be sure to keep the noodles submerged and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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How do I prevent the cheese from burning under the broiler?
Keep a close eye during the broiling step—it only takes about 3 minutes. Stay nearby and watch for the cheese to get bubbly and golden brown, then remove immediately to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
This skillet lasagna recipe is a real gem in my kitchen—it’s quick, satisfying, and brings that comforting feel of classic lasagna without the usual hassle. I love sharing it with friends because they’re always surprised at how easy and delicious it is. Give it a try next time you’re craving something hearty and cheesy, but want to keep things simple at the same time. Trust me, once you master this, it might just become your favorite weeknight meal!
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Skillet Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 33 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Skillet Lasagna is a quick and flavorful twist on traditional lasagna, combining ground beef, a blend of cheeses, herbs, and pasta cooked entirely in one skillet for convenience and rich taste. Perfect for a comforting meal with minimal cleanup, it offers layers of cheesy goodness and savory tomato sauce, finished with a melty, browned mozzarella topping achieved under the broiler.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 3/4 cup part-skim cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 pound 93% lean ground beef (raw)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 2 ½ cups crushed tomatoes (such as Tuttorosso)
- 2 ½ cups chicken bone broth
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 8 ounces pasta (such as Mafalda, Campanelle, bow-tie pasta, broken lasagna noodles, Reginetti, or gluten-free pasta)
- ¾ cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley. Set aside for later use as a creamy topping.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large 12-inch oven-safe nonstick skillet with a fitted lid over high heat. Add the raw ground beef and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is fully cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add ½ tablespoon olive oil, diced yellow onion, and chopped garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté the mixture until the onions are tender and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Simmer Sauce and Pasta: Pour in 2 ½ cups crushed tomatoes, 2 ½ cups chicken bone broth, and ¼ cup chopped fresh basil into the skillet. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Add the 8 ounces of pasta, ensuring that the noodles are submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens with the liquid mostly absorbed, approximately 18 to 20 minutes.
- Top with Cheese and Broil: Remove the skillet from heat. Dollop the cottage cheese mixture over the cooked pasta evenly without stirring it in. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Place the skillet under the broiler on the second rack from the top and broil on high until the cheese melts and becomes slightly browned, about 3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the broiler, garnish with additional chopped parsley, and serve hot for a comforting and hearty skillet lasagna experience.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to ensure it can go from stove to broiler without issues.
- If using thicker pasta shapes, adjust the simmering time slightly to ensure pasta cooks through.
- Bone broth adds depth of flavor, but chicken broth or vegetable broth can be substituted if unavailable.
- Broil carefully to avoid burning the cheese—keep a close eye during the last few minutes.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
