Cozy Cheesy Skillet Lasagna Recipe: A Scrumptious Shortcut

Crafting a mouthwatering cheesy skillet lasagna recipe doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

My kitchen experiments have proven that one-pan meals can be seriously delicious.

Layers of pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheese come together in a single skillet with minimal cleanup.

Busy home cooks will appreciate how quickly this comfort food classic comes together on a hectic weeknight.

Perfectly seasoned and bubbling with gooey cheese, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your dining table.

Creamy, satisfying, and packed with bold Italian-inspired flavors, this skillet lasagna promises to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every single bite of this irresistible meal.

Cheesy Skillet Lasagna: Why People Love It

• This one-pan lasagna transforms dinner drama into delightful simplicity.
• Delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families needing quick, delicious meals.
• Cheesy, saucy layers guarantee smiles from picky eaters, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.
• Single skillet preparation means less dishwashing, more relaxing after a hearty, satisfying dinner.

What You Need for Cheesy Skillet Lasagna

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat option that provides rich flavor and protein for the main dish.
• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic base to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Brings intense, warm flavor that complements the beef.

• Lasagna Noodles: Classic pasta that creates a comforting, layered texture in the skillet.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides classic Italian tomato flavor and moisture for cooking.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds extra tomato chunks and fresh taste to the sauce.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that adds rich, smooth texture to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates stretchy, gooey cheese topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, salty flavor and helps create golden cheese crust.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that gives authentic Italian taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Herbs: Adds bright, fresh finish to the completed dish.
• Water or Broth: Helps cook pasta and create sauce consistency.

Cooking Up Cheesy Skillet Lasagna Right

Step 1: Brown the Meat

• Ground beef
• Onion

Sizzle ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat until meat turns golden brown. Drain any extra grease if needed.

Step 2: Unleash Garlic Magic

Toss minced garlic into the skillet and cook for a quick minute until the aroma fills your kitchen.

Step 3: Create Sauce Symphony

• Marinara sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Pour in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together for a flavor explosion.

Step 4: Add Noodle Adventure

• Lasagna noodles
• Water or broth

Break lasagna noodles and add them into the sauce along with water or broth. Press noodles down gently, ensuring they’re coated with sauce.

Step 5: Simmer and Soften

Cover the skillet and let it simmer on medium-low heat for 15-18 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Introduce Creamy Ricotta

Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese across the top and swirl lightly, creating beautiful marble-like patterns without fully mixing.

Step 7: Cheese Cascade

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the dish. Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts into gooey perfection.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Scatter fresh herbs on top and serve this skillet lasagna piping hot straight from the pan.

Kitchen Know-How for Cheesy Skillet Lasagna

• Drain Fat Thoroughly: Remove excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and ensure a cleaner, lighter texture.
• Noodle Breaking Technique: Break lasagna noodles into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent bite throughout the skillet.
• Liquid Ratio Matters: Add just enough water or broth to cook noodles without making the dish too watery; the sauce should be thick and clingy.
• Cheese Swirling Trick: Gently fold ricotta in without fully mixing to create delightful pockets of creamy cheese throughout the lasagna.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley right before serving to add a burst of fresh flavor and beautiful green color to the dish.

How to Save and Serve Cheesy Skillet Lasagna Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the lasagna fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled lasagna to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
• Warm individual portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Side Picks for Cheesy Skillet Lasagna

• Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, tomato-based lasagna, enhancing its savory flavor profile and cutting through the cheesy texture.
• Create a perfectly crunchy side of toasted garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a textural contrast to the creamy, cheesy skillet dish.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty lasagna, adding a fresh, zesty element that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant with olive oil and herbs to create a nutritious and flavorful side that echoes the Italian-inspired main course.

Ways to Change Up Cheesy Skillet Lasagna

• Vegetarian Skillet Lasagna: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or chopped mushrooms for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta or use zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Spicy Mexican-Inspired Skillet: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use no-salt-added marinara sauce, reduce added salt, and increase herbs like basil and oregano for flavor complexity.

Cheesy Skillet Lasagna: Your Top Questions

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute lasagna noodles with other pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat, crumbled tofu, or extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms to maintain the hearty texture.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños during the meat cooking stage. You can also use a spicy marinara sauce to increase the heat level.

• Can I prepare this skillet lasagna ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can partially cook the dish and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat in the skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and restore moisture.

Cheesy Skillet Lasagna Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Melted cheese cascades through layers of this irresistible cheesy skillet lasagna, bringing Italian comfort right to your dinner table. Quick preparation and bold flavors make this one-pan wonder a perfect weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (453 grams) ground beef (or Italian sausage)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 (24 ounces/680 grams) jar marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups water or low-sodium beef broth

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) lasagna noodles, broken into pieces

Cheese:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

• Optional garnish: fresh basil or parsley

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Instructions

1. Sear ground beef and onions in a spacious skillet, rendering them golden and caramelized while eliminating any surplus grease.
2. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the meat mixture for approximately 60 seconds.
3. Incorporate marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, creating a robust and flavorful foundation.
4. Fracture lasagna noodles and nestle them into the sauce, ensuring complete submersion and even distribution.
5. Pour liquid (water or broth) into the skillet, gently pressing noodles to guarantee uniform cooking.
6. Reduce heat, secure with a lid, and allow the mixture to simmer, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching.
7. Once pasta reaches an al dente consistency and liquid substantially reduces, strategically distribute ricotta cheese across the surface.
8. Delicately swirl ricotta, creating elegant marbled patterns without completely integrating the cheese.
9. Generously shower mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the skillet, creating a molten, golden blanket.
10. Return lid and continue cooking until cheese melts into a luxurious, bubbling layer.
11. Finish by adorning with freshly chopped herbs and serve immediately for maximum flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Customize the meat by using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option.
• Swap traditional noodles with gluten-free or whole wheat lasagna noodles to suit different dietary needs.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium marinara sauce and reducing added salt.
• Enhance flavor complexity by incorporating fresh herbs like basil or oregano directly into the sauce during cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg