Why Make This Recipe
One Pan Skillet Lasagna is a fantastic weeknight meal that brings the heartiness of traditional lasagna without the hassle of boiling noodles and assembling layers. This dish is perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a simple, filling meal that is packed with flavor. With just one skillet to clean up, you can enjoy a cozy dinner with minimal effort. Plus, it’s customizable; add your favorite veggies or cheeses to make it your own.
How to Make One Pan Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Brown the Meat: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook them together until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning.
Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped bell pepper and zucchini. Cook this mixture for an additional 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender. This adds a nice texture and flavor to your dish.
Add the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the Italian seasoning. Mix well, ensuring that the seasoning is evenly distributed. Let the sauce come to a slight simmer as it combines with the meat and veggies.
Insert the Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into small pieces and add them to the skillet. Make sure the pieces are submerged in the sauce. This is essential to ensure the noodles cook thoroughly and absorb all the delicious flavors.
Simmer: Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the noodles to cook properly and soak in the tomato sauce.
Add Cheese: After 20 minutes, dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the entire dish. The ricotta adds creaminess, while mozzarella provides that gooey, cheesy top we all love.
Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet again. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the mozzarella cheese melts and becomes bubbly. You might see some golden spots forming where the cheese is browning – that’s perfect!
Season and Serve: Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot. The aroma of freshly baked cheese and herbs will make it hard to wait to dig in.
How to Serve One Pan Skillet Lasagna
Serve One Pan Skillet Lasagna hot from the skillet. It’s perfect on its own, but you can enhance the meal by adding a simple side salad or garlic bread. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top can also elevate the flavors. For a bit of freshness, a few leaves of basil make a lovely garnish.
How to Store One Pan Skillet Lasagna
If you have leftovers, this dish stores well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Portion it into individual containers for easy reheating later. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or stove until heated through.
Tips to Make One Pan Skillet Lasagna
Cook the Noodles Just Right: Make sure the noodles are submerged in the sauce while simmering. If they aren’t, they might not cook properly.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to include other vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or even kale for added nutrition and flavor.
Check Seasoning: Always remember to taste your sauce before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. Sometimes, a dash more salt or Italian seasoning makes a big difference.
Use Different Meats: Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage can be excellent substitutes for ground beef. Each will add its unique flavor to the dish.
Make it Low-Carb: If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using zucchini or eggplant slices in place of the lasagna noodles.
Variation Ideas
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative if desired.
- Cheese Lover’s Lasagna: Add layers of different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or feta for an extra cheesy experience.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños if you enjoy a little heat in your meals.
FAQs
1. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. Just make sure there’s enough sauce in the skillet for them to absorb as they cook.
2. Can I reheat One Pan Skillet Lasagna in the oven?
Absolutely! To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
3. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it cool completely before covering. Reheat it on the stove or in the oven before serving.
4. What can I serve with this lasagna?
A light salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables would make great sides to complement the flavors of the lasagna.
5. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free noodles or use sliced zucchini as a noodle alternative. Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Enjoy creating and savoring this One Pan Skillet Lasagna recipe—it’s a simple way to bring comfort food into your busy week!
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One Pan Skillet Lasagna
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Beef
Description
A simple and hearty one pan skillet lasagna that’s perfect for busy weeknights, packed with flavor and customizable to your tastes.
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic; cook until meat is browned and onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in chopped bell pepper and zucchini; cook for another 4-5 minutes until tender.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and add Italian seasoning; mix well and let simmer.
- Break lasagna noodles into small pieces and add to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce.
- Cover and reduce heat to low; let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 20 minutes, dollop ricotta cheese and sprinkle mozzarella generously on top.
- Cover again and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste; garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Use different meats or vegetables to customize your lasagna. You can also substitute gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg