Skillet Lasagna: The Easiest One-Pan Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Skillet Lasagna: Forget everything you think you know about making lasagna! Are you craving that classic, comforting taste of lasagna but dreading the hours of layering and baking? I have the perfect solution for you. This one-pan wonder delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness of traditional lasagna in a fraction of the time and with minimal cleanup.

Lasagna, with its rich history rooted in Italian culinary tradition, has evolved from a simple dish of layered pasta to a globally beloved comfort food. While its exact origins are debated, variations of layered pasta dishes have existed since ancient times. The modern lasagna we know and love gained popularity in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, becoming a staple at family gatherings and celebrations.

What makes lasagna so irresistible? It’s the harmonious blend of flavors and textures – the creamy ricotta, the tangy tomato sauce, the perfectly cooked pasta, and the melted mozzarella. People adore it for its satisfying heartiness and its ability to feed a crowd. But let’s be honest, the traditional method can be a bit daunting. That’s where this Skillet Lasagna comes in! It captures all the essence of the classic dish, simplifying the process without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. Get ready to enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal on the table in under an hour!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 15 lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large, deep skillet (at least 12 inches in diameter) over medium-high heat, crumble the Italian sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the richer the sauce will become.

Cooking the Lasagna:

1. Add the Noodles: Stir the broken lasagna noodles into the simmering meat sauce. Make sure the noodles are mostly submerged in the sauce. If needed, add a little bit of water (about 1/2 cup) to ensure the noodles cook properly.
2. Simmer Until Noodles are Tender: Cover the skillet and continue to simmer over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the lasagna noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water. If it’s too thin, remove the lid and let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce.

Preparing the Ricotta Mixture:

1. Combine the Ingredients: While the lasagna is simmering, prepare the ricotta mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. This mixture adds a creamy, cheesy layer to the lasagna.

Assembling and Baking:

1. Dollop the Ricotta Mixture: Once the noodles are tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture evenly over the top of the lasagna. Gently spread the ricotta mixture to cover as much of the surface as possible.
2. Add the Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the ricotta mixture. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a nice, cheesy topping.
3. Bake or Broil (Optional): At this point, you have two options:
   • Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the skillet with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly golden brown.
   • Broil: If you prefer a quicker method and a more browned cheese topping, you can broil the lasagna. Turn on your broiler. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching very carefully to prevent the cheese from burning. The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
4. Let it Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven or broiler and let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the lasagna to set slightly and makes it easier to cut and serve.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (if using) and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious and easy skillet lasagna!

Tips and Variations:

• Meat Variations: Feel free to substitute ground beef, ground turkey, or a combination of meats for the Italian sausage. You can also add cooked and crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
• Vegetable Additions: Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the meat sauce for extra nutrients and flavor. Sauté the vegetables along with the onion and garlic.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder lasagna, omit the red pepper flakes altogether. For a spicier lasagna, add a pinch or two more.
• Herb Variations: Add other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or marjoram to the meat sauce for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs are always a great addition, but dried herbs work well too.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
• Freezing: Skillet lasagna can be frozen for later. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Noodle Alternatives: If you don’t have lasagna noodles, you can use other types of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or ziti. Just cook the pasta according to the package directions before adding it to the sauce.
• Ricotta Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese as a substitute. Just make sure to drain the cottage cheese well before using it.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the skillet lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s also great as leftovers!

Detailed Explanation of Key Steps:

Browning the Sausage:

Browning the sausage is a crucial step because it develops a deep, savory flavor that forms the foundation of the entire dish. Make sure to break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks, ensuring even browning. Don’t overcrowd the skillet, as this can cause the sausage to steam instead of brown. If you’re using a particularly fatty sausage, you may need to drain off some of the excess grease during the cooking process. Leaving too much grease in the skillet can make the lasagna greasy and heavy.

Simmering the Sauce:

Simmering the sauce is where the magic happens. This allows the flavors of the tomatoes, herbs, and spices to meld together and create a rich, complex sauce. The longer you simmer the sauce, the better it will taste. However, be careful not to let the sauce burn. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking and add a little water if it becomes too thick. The consistency you’re looking for is a thick, but still pourable sauce that will coat the noodles evenly.

Cooking the Noodles in the Sauce:

Cooking the lasagna noodles directly in the sauce is what makes this recipe a true skillet lasagna. It eliminates the need to pre-cook the noodles, saving you time and effort. However, it’s important to make sure the noodles are mostly submerged in the sauce to ensure they cook properly. If needed, add a little extra water to the skillet. The noodles should be tender, but not mushy. Check them periodically during the cooking process and adjust the cooking time as needed.

The Importance of Resting:

Letting the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes after baking is crucial for several reasons. First, it allows the lasagna to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve. Second, it allows the flavors to meld together even further, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Finally, it prevents the lasagna from being too hot to eat immediately. Be patient and resist the urge to dig in right away. The wait will be worth it!

Choosing the Right Skillet:

The size and type of

Conclusion:

This Skillet Lasagna isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need this in your recipe repertoire. We’ve taken all the comforting, cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna and streamlined it into a one-pan wonder that’s ready in a fraction of the time. Forget layering, forget hours of baking – this recipe delivers all the satisfaction with minimal effort.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s ridiculously easy, incredibly delicious, and endlessly adaptable. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables or that half-used jar of marinara sauce lurking in the fridge. Plus, the crispy edges you get from cooking it in a skillet are simply divine!

But the best part? It’s completely customizable to your tastes. Feeling adventurous? Add some spicy Italian sausage or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers would be fantastic additions. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and load up on your favorite vegetables. You could even swap out the ricotta cheese for cottage cheese for a lighter option.

Serving suggestions are endless. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the lasagna. Or, for a truly indulgent meal, serve it with some crusty garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as good the next day, making this a great option for meal prepping. You can even portion it out and freeze it for a quick and easy lunch or dinner down the road.

I’ve made this Skillet Lasagna countless times, and it’s always a hit. My family raves about it, and I love how easy it is to throw together. It’s become a staple in our household, and I have a feeling it will become one in yours too.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience lasagna like never before. I promise you won’t be disappointed. This recipe is a game-changer, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and let me know what you think. Share your photos, your variations, and your tips in the comments below. I’d love to hear how you made it your own. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you try a different cheese? Did you serve it with a particular side dish? I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I can’t wait to see what you create. Happy cooking! And remember, the best meals are the ones shared with loved ones. Enjoy!