Name: Skillet Lasagna: 5 Easy Steps to Cheesy Perfection
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound ground Italian sausage; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 4 large cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 (24-ounce) jar good-quality marinara sauce; 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 1 cup water or chicken broth; 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil (plus extra for garnish); 8 lasagna noodles, broken into large pieces; 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan; fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper

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Skillet Lasagna is a game-changer for busy weeknights, combining the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with the simplicity of a one-pan meal. This easy skillet lasagna recipe delivers layers of cheesy goodness and savory ingredients in just 45 minutes. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how to make skillet lasagna that will impress everyone at your dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Lasagna

This Skillet Lasagna offers numerous benefits that make it a go-to meal for busy families:

Quick and Easy: Prepare this dish in just 45 minutes.
One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time with family.
Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to cater to dietary needs.
Comfort Food: Rich flavors and cheesy goodness everyone loves.
Healthy Alternatives: Make it vegetarian or reduce calories as needed.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy layers and pasta.

It perfectly fits within the Italian cuisine and serves as a delicious option for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients for Skillet Lasagna

Gather these items:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground Italian sausage
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
4 large cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (24-ounce) jar good-quality marinara sauce
1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 cup water or chicken broth
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil (plus extra for garnish)
8 lasagna noodles, broken into large pieces
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper

How to Make Skillet Lasagna Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet (12-inch) or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, 5–6 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in marinara sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, and 1 cup water or broth. Bring to a simmer. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Nestle broken lasagna noodles into the sauce, pressing so they’re mostly submerged. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding a splash more water if needed, until noodles are just tender.
Step 5: Stir in fresh basil. Dollop ricotta over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover again and cook for 3–5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. If you’d like the cheese a bit more golden, you can turn on the broiler for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on the cheese so that it doesn’t burn.
Step 6: Top with extra fresh basil and a few twists of black pepper, if you’d like. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Skillet Lasagna

Keep these in mind:

Use high-quality marinara for the best flavor.
Feel free to substitute ground beef or turkey for the sausage.
Make it vegetarian by adding more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.

Best Ways to Serve Skillet Lasagna

Here are a few serving ideas:

Pair with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Serve with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Top with fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.

Delicious Skillet Lasagna served with fresh basil and cheese

How to Store and Reheat Skillet Lasagna

To store leftovers, let the skillet lasagna cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it back on the stovetop over low heat or microwave for a few minutes until warmed through. This dish is also a great option for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Skillet Lasagna

What’s the secret to perfect Skillet Lasagna?

The secret lies in using quality ingredients and ensuring the lasagna noodles are fully submerged in the sauce for proper cooking. This way, they absorb all the flavors and become tender.

Can I make Skillet Lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and noodles in advance, then combine them just before serving. This saves time and allows the flavors to meld.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Skillet Lasagna?

One common mistake is not adding enough liquid. Make sure the noodles are well-covered in the sauce to ensure they cook properly and don’t become gummy.

Variations of Skillet Lasagna You Can Try

Here are some delicious variations:

Skillet Lasagna with Meat: Use ground beef or turkey instead of sausage.
Skillet Vegetarian Lasagna: Load it up with veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach.
Skillet Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese: Add extra ricotta for a creamier texture.
Skillet Lasagna with Spinach and Sausage: Combine flavors for a nutritious twist.

These variations ensure that you can enjoy a different taste every time you make skillet lasagna!

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage for a delightful twist!

Additionally, learn more about Lasagna Soup for a comforting variation of this classic dish.

Skillet Lasagna: 5 Easy Steps to Cheesy Perfection

Author: basmer
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This one-pan skillet lasagna delivers all the cozy, cheesy comfort of classic lasagna with a fraction of the effort.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet (12-inch) or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, 5–6 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in marinara sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, and 1 cup water or broth. Bring to a simmer. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Nestle broken lasagna noodles into the sauce, pressing so they’re mostly submerged. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding a splash more water if needed, until noodles are just tender.
Stir in fresh basil. Dollop ricotta over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover again and cook for 3–5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. If you’d like the cheese a bit more golden, you can turn on the broiler for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on the cheese so that it doesn’t burn.
Top with extra fresh basil and a few twists of black pepper, if you’d like. Serve warm and enjoy!