Skillet Lasagna

Introduction

This Skillet Lasagna brings all the comforting layers of the classic baked dish to your table in just 30 minutes. You get tender pasta, savory meat, and gooey cheese cooked in a single pan for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. It’s a perfect solution for a hectic weeknight when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.

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 Dutch oven, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. Season the meat with salt and black pepper. Add the diced zucchini, summer squash, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Add the broken lasagna noodle pieces, pushing them down into the sauce to submerge them. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the noodles are tender.
5. Uncover the skillet and dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the shredded Italian blend cheese and the Parmesan cheese.
6. Cover the skillet again and let it cook for 3-5 more minutes, or until the cheeses are melted. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil, and serve immediately.

Variations

• Vegetable Swap: Swap the zucchini and summer squash for 2 cups of sliced mushrooms or chopped bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
• Creamy Twist: Instead of dolloping, stir the ricotta cheese directly into the hot sauce with the noodles for a creamier, more integrated texture.
• No-Boil Alternative: If you don’t have curly-edged noodles, use regular oven-ready lasagna noodles and increase the simmering time by 3-5 minutes.
• Serve It Up: For a complete meal, serve the skillet lasagna over a bed of fresh baby spinach, which will gently wilt from the heat.

Tips for Success

• Break Noodles Evenly: Break the lasagna noodles into roughly equal-sized pieces (about 1.5-inch squares) for even cooking.
• Don’t Rush the Simmer: Ensure the liquid is at a gentle simmer, not a rapid boil, when cooking the noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy on the outside before softening inside.
• Use a Deep Skillet: A 12-inch deep skillet or Dutch oven is essential to comfortably fit all ingredients and allow for stirring.
• Let It Rest: Allow the finished dish to sit off the heat for 5 minutes before serving; it will thicken slightly and be easier to portion.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or in the microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring between each.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it through step 4 (cooking the noodles). Let it cool, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture on the stove, adding a splash of water if dry, then proceed with steps 5 and 6.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

It’s best to stick with the broken lasagna noodles as they are designed to cook in the sauce and hold their shape. Substituting other pasta types will alter the cooking time and texture.

My skillet lasagna seems too dry while cooking.

Ensure your skillet is covered tightly to trap steam. If it still seems dry before the noodles are tender, add an additional ¼ cup of water and continue simmering.

Can I freeze skillet lasagna?

Yes, though the texture of the vegetables and noodles may soften slightly upon thawing. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh basil?

You can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning added with the sauce in step 3, or simply omit it. Fresh parsley makes a good fresh herb substitute.

Is the 1 cup of water necessary?

Yes, the water is crucial to create enough liquid to properly cook the dry lasagna noodles directly in the skillet.