Skillet Lasagna Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself longing for the deep, savory flavors and cheesy satisfaction of classic lasagna but dreading the time and fuss of layering noodles and firing up the oven, this Skillet Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. You still get everything you crave: tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and bubbling, golden cheese, but it all comes together in a single skillet—no complicated assembly required. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe serves up comfort in every bite and is endlessly adaptable to your favorite add-ins and flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Skillet Lasagna Recipe is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients, but each plays a crucial role in building those classic Italian flavors and textures. A few key items come together to deliver all the melty, saucy, meaty goodness you love, with some clever shortcuts to save you time.

• Part-skim cottage cheese: Adds a creamy, protein-rich layer that mimics ricotta, but with a lighter twist.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends a sharp, nutty depth that enriches every bite of the lasagna.
• Fresh parsley: Brings brightness and a pop of color, both in the cheese mix and as a fresh garnish.
• Lean ground beef (93%): Delivers hearty, savory flavor while keeping things lighter and not greasy.
• Kosher salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the meat and sauce.
• Olive oil: Sautéing the onion and garlic in olive oil creates a rich base for the sauce.
• Yellow onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth as it softens in the pan.
• Fresh garlic, chopped: Infuses the sauce with unmistakable Italian aroma and zing.
• Crushed tomatoes: Forms the backbone of the sauce, delivering a classic lasagna tang and texture.
• Chicken bone broth: Adds savory depth and ensures the pasta cooks up perfectly tender and full of flavor.
• Fresh basil, chopped: Contributes sweet, peppery notes that wake up the whole dish.
• Pasta (Mafalda, Campanelle, bow-tie, broken lasagna noodles, Reginetti, or gluten-free): Any sturdy noodle works here, so use what you love or have on hand.
• Part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese: The essential gooey, golden topping that makes every bite irresistible.

How to Make Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Mix Up the Cheese Filling

Start your Skillet Lasagna Recipe by combining cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. A quick mix is all it takes to create a tangy, creamy base that you’ll dollop on at the end, just like traditional ricotta—only lighter and quicker.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Get your biggest, deepest nonstick skillet heating on high and toss in the lean ground beef with a sprinkle of kosher salt. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Within five minutes, you’ll have juicy, browned morsels as the first flavorful layer of your skillet masterpiece.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Lower the heat just a touch and add olive oil, then your diced onion and chopped garlic. Let them gently sizzle, softening until translucent and fragrant. This foundational step makes your entire kitchen smell like you’ve been simmering a family recipe all day long.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce and Pasta

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken bone broth, and chopped basil, mixing well so everything is evenly distributed. Scatter your chosen pasta over the top, then stir thoroughly and nudge the noodles into the sauce, making sure they’re all submerged. Cover and simmer on medium, stirring occasionally, for 18 to 20 minutes until the pasta is perfectly al dente and the sauce is thick and bubbly.

Step 5: Finish Under the Broiler

Once the pasta’s tender and the sauce is luscious, pull your skillet off the heat. Drop spoonfuls of the cottage cheese mixture across the top—don’t stir! Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella, then slide the skillet under the broiler. Just a few intense minutes, and your lasagna will be browned and bubbling. Garnish with more fresh parsley and get ready to dig in.

How to Serve Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

Give your Skillet Lasagna Recipe that restaurant-worthy finish with a fresh shower of chopped parsley or sweet basil. A light dusting of extra Parmesan adds another salty layer, and if you love a bit of heat, try a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes over each serving.

Side Dishes

This dish is pure comfort on its own, but a crisp green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette makes a perfect side to cut through the richness. A slice of crusty garlic bread or a warm, buttery roll is fantastic for mopping up the extra sauce—you’ll want every last drop!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Skillet Lasagna Recipe straight from the pan at the table for a rustic, family-style meal. You can also portion it into small ramekins for individual servings at a dinner party, or scoop it into shallow bowls over a swirl of extra sauce for a modern take that looks as irresistible as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, scoop them into an airtight container once cooled. Stashed in the fridge, your Skillet Lasagna Recipe will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so some say day two is even better!

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Divide into portions and wrap well or pack into freezer containers. When frozen, it’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results and to keep those luscious noodles from getting mushy.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm portions in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen things up. Alternatively, microwave individual servings, covered, until piping hot. If you want that signature cheesy top again, pop it under the broiler or add a dash more mozzarella before warming.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat or make it vegetarian?

Definitely! Feel free to swap in ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for different flavor profiles, or skip the meat entirely and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for a vegetarian spin on the Skillet Lasagna Recipe.

What’s the best type of pasta for this recipe?

Any sturdy, short pasta that can stand up to simmering works well—Mafalda, Campanelle, bow-tie, broken lasagna noodles, or even gluten-free varieties hold their shape and soak up the sauce perfectly.

Can I make this Skillet Lasagna Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Try using your favorite dairy-free mozzarella shreds and swap the cottage cheese for a plant-based alternative or even a blend of tofu and nutritional yeast for a similar creamy effect.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking or getting clumpy?

Make sure to give the pasta a good stir once it’s added and keep the noodles submerged in the sauce. Stir a couple of times during simmering so the noodles cook evenly and don’t stick together.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

You can absolutely double the Skillet Lasagna Recipe! Just use a very large, deep skillet or Dutch oven and allow for a bit of extra time for the noodles to cook evenly. Watch the liquid levels to keep everything saucy and tender.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to beat the cozy, cheesy satisfaction of this Skillet Lasagna Recipe, especially when it’s so easy and mess-free. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this is the kind of reliable, delicious dish that brings everyone to the table smiling. Give it a try—you might never go back to traditional lasagna again!

Print