Skillet Lasagna One Pot: Easy Recipe and Cooking Guide

Skillet Lasagna One Pot: Imagine sinking your fork into layers of rich, savory goodness, the kind that only a classic lasagna can deliver. But what if you could achieve that same comforting flavor in a fraction of the time, with minimal cleanup? That’s the magic of this recipe! Forget the fussy layering and long baking times; we’re bringing the beloved taste of lasagna to your table in a single skillet.

Lasagna, a dish deeply rooted in Italian culinary tradition, has evolved over centuries, with each region boasting its own unique twist. While the traditional method is undeniably delicious, it can be a bit daunting for a weeknight meal. That’s where our Skillet Lasagna One Pot recipe shines. It captures the essence of this classic dish – the hearty meat sauce, the creamy ricotta, and the perfectly melted mozzarella – all cooked together in one pan for ultimate convenience.

People adore lasagna for its comforting flavors and satisfying texture. The combination of tender pasta, flavorful sauce, and creamy cheese is simply irresistible. This one-pot version retains all of those qualities while offering a streamlined cooking process. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, who doesn’t love fewer dishes to wash? Get ready to experience the joy of lasagna, simplified!

Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: 1 pound
• Italian Sausage: 1/2 pound, removed from casings
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Crushed Tomatoes: 28 ounces
• Tomato Sauce: 15 ounces
• Tomato Paste: 6 ounces
• Beef Broth: 1 cup
• Dried Oregano: 2 teaspoons
• Dried Basil: 2 teaspoons
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
• Lasagna Noodles: 9 ounces, broken into roughly 2-inch pieces (about half a box)
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces, whole milk or part-skim
• Egg: 1 large
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
• Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated

Browning the Meats and Aromatics

1. Get Started: Place a large, oven-safe skillet (at least 12 inches in diameter) over medium-high heat. I like to use cast iron for this, but any heavy-bottomed skillet that can go in the oven will work. Make sure it has high sides!
2. Brown the Beef and Sausage: Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the hot skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the meat apart into smaller pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy final product.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned meat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Creating the Sauce

1. Add the Tomato Base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste into the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
2. Incorporate the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the sauce simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and deepen. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be!

Assembling the Skillet Lasagna

1. Add the Noodles: Stir in the broken lasagna noodles into the simmering sauce. Make sure the noodles are submerged in the sauce as much as possible. If needed, add a little more beef broth or water to ensure the noodles are covered. This is important for them to cook properly.
2. Cook the Noodles: Cover the skillet again and continue to simmer over low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. Check the noodles for doneness – they should be al dente, not mushy.

Preparing the Ricotta Mixture

1. Combine the Ricotta Ingredients: While the noodles are cooking, prepare the ricotta cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. The egg helps to bind the ricotta and gives it a creamier texture.

Adding the Cheese and Baking

1. Top with Ricotta: Once the noodles are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the top of the lasagna.
2. Add Mozzarella and Parmesan: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the ricotta cheese. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a cheesy, bubbly topping.
3. Bake the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.
4. Let it Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the lasagna to set slightly and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Serving Suggestions

1. Garnish (Optional): Before serving, you can garnish the skillet lasagna with some extra fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
2. Serving: Carefully slice the lasagna directly from the skillet and serve hot.
3. Sides: This skillet lasagna is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.

Conclusion:

This Skillet Lasagna One Pot recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a game-changer! Seriously, if you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that the whole family will devour, then you absolutely must give this a try. Forget layering noodles and simmering sauces for hours. This recipe delivers all the classic lasagna flavors in a fraction of the time, and with minimal cleanup. What’s not to love?

I know what you might be thinking: “Can a one-pot lasagna really be as good as the real thing?” And my answer is a resounding YES! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By cooking everything together in one skillet, the flavors meld and deepen, creating a rich and satisfying dish that rivals even the most elaborate lasagna recipes. Plus, the slightly crispy edges of the pasta add a delightful textural contrast that you just don’t get with traditional lasagna.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it to your liking! For a vegetarian version, swap out the ground beef for crumbled plant-based meat or add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. If you’re a cheese lover (and who isn’t?), experiment with different types of cheese. A blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan is always a winner, but you could also try adding a touch of ricotta for extra creaminess.

Serving suggestions are endless! A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment to this hearty dish. Or, for a more substantial meal, serve it with some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. You could even top it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of freshness.

And speaking of variations, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a splash of red wine to the sauce for added depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, you can even use pre-made marinara sauce, but I highly recommend making your own if you have the time. It really does make a difference!

I’m confident that this Skillet Lasagna One Pot recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a comforting and satisfying meal.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear what you think! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] and let me know what variations you tried. Did you add extra veggies? Did you use a different type of cheese? I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to make this recipe even better.

I truly believe that cooking should be fun and accessible to everyone, and this recipe embodies that philosophy perfectly. It’s a simple, straightforward, and incredibly rewarding dish that anyone can make. So, go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think! Happy cooking!