Skillet Lasagna

Introduction

This skillet lasagna brings all the comfort of the classic baked dish to your table in under 45 minutes. By cooking everything in one pan, you create incredibly flavorful layers while saving time and cleanup. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (can substitute turkey Italian sausage)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup diced zucchini
• 1 cup diced summer squash
• ½ cup diced yellow onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 25 ounces marinara sauce
• 14 ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup water
• 10 curly edged lasagna noodles (each broken into 4 pieces)
• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese (like mozzarella/provolone or 4-cheese Italian)
• ⅓ cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions

1. In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage. Season with the salt and black pepper while cooking. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced zucchini, summer squash, and yellow onion to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and 1 cup of water. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Add the broken lasagna noodle pieces, stirring to submerge them in the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Uncover and dollop the ricotta cheese evenly over the top.
7. Sprinkle the shredded Italian blend cheese and the Parmesan cheese over the ricotta.
8. Cover the skillet again and let it sit off the heat for 3-5 minutes, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheeses.
9. Garnish with the chopped fresh basil just before serving.

Variations

• Crispy Top: After adding the cheeses in Step 7, place the uncovered skillet under a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes for a bubbly, golden-brown finish.
• Creamier Version: Mix the ricotta cheese with one egg before dolloping it in Step 6 for a richer, firmer texture.
• Single-Serve: Divide the finished lasagna into individual oven-safe bowls or mini skillets before adding the cheese, then broil for a personalized presentation.
• Herb Swap: Replace the fresh basil with an equal amount of fresh chopped parsley or oregano for a different herbal note.

Tips for Success

• Use a deep 12-inch skillet to ensure there is enough room for all the ingredients without bubbling over.
• Break the lasagna noodles directly into the pot for even cooking; curly-edged noodles hold the sauce beautifully.
• Let the skillet sit covered off the heat after adding the cheeses. This melts them perfectly without over-cooking the sauce.
• For a richer flavor, use hot or sweet Italian sausage instead of plain ground beef.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave single portions until hot.

FAQ

Can I use no-boil lasagna sheets?

Yes, you can. The simmering time might be slightly less, so check for tenderness starting at 12 minutes.

What if I don’t have a lid for my skillet?

You can use a large baking sheet or a piece of aluminum foil to cover the skillet tightly during the simmering step.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure your marinara sauce is certified gluten-free.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply omit the ground meat and consider adding a cup of sliced mushrooms or another cup of diced vegetables when you sauté the squash and zucchini.

Why add water to the sauce?

The water is crucial for cooking the broken lasagna noodles directly in the skillet, creating a starchy, thick sauce.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can brown the meat and sauté the vegetables ahead of time. When ready to serve, proceed from Step 4, noting you may need to add an extra splash of water if the mixture is too thick.