Name: Easy Skillet Lasagna
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes or 3 cups marinara sauce; 8–10 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces; 1 1/2 cups water or broth; 3/4 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This skillet lasagna is everything you love about classic lasagna made easier and faster. There’s no need to boil noodles separately or bake in the oven. It all comes together in one pan, which means less cleanup and more flavor as everything simmers together. It’s rich, cheesy, and endlessly comforting—ideal for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef or Italian sausage
Onion (diced)
Garlic (minced)
Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
Uncooked lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
Water or broth
Ricotta cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened.
Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Pour in crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce and water or broth. Stir to combine.
Add broken lasagna noodles directly into the sauce. Make sure they’re submerged.
Cover and simmer for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover again and cook for 3–5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people and takes about 35 minutes total, including prep and cook time.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Use lentils or chopped mushrooms instead of meat.
Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
More Veggies: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Cheese Swap: Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.
White Sauce Version: Use a creamy Alfredo-style sauce instead of tomato-based.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or rewarm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, just make sure they’re fully covered in liquid so they cook evenly.

What kind of skillet should I use?

A large, deep nonstick or cast-iron skillet with a lid works best.

Can I use jarred marinara sauce?

Absolutely. It’s a great shortcut and adds plenty of flavor.

Do I need to cook the noodles separately?

No, the noodles cook right in the skillet with the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the full dish and reheat when ready to serve.

Is ricotta necessary?

Ricotta adds creaminess, but you can substitute with cottage cheese or omit if preferred.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your skillet is large enough, or use a second pan.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?

Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent clumping.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and check that your sauce is gluten-free.

What can I serve with skillet lasagna?

Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Easy Skillet Lasagna is the perfect solution when you’re craving classic comfort food but need a quicker, simpler way to make it. With rich layers of meat, cheese, and pasta all cooked in one pan, it’s a satisfying dish the whole family will love—and one you’ll want to make again and again.