All the lasagna flavors in one skillet, no layering needed
Skillet Lasagna
Skillet Lasagna
35 minEasy
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6
1 large skillet
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Skillet Lasagna
All the lasagna flavors in one skillet, no layering needed
A deconstructed lasagna cooked entirely in one skillet with broken noodles, meat sauce, and melted cheese. All the flavors of traditional lasagna in half the time.
5m
Prep Time
30m
Cook Time
35m
Total Time
6
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This skillet lasagna delivers everything you love about the classic—meaty sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella—without the tedious layering and long baking time. Broken lasagna noodles cook right in the sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella
- 2 cups water
HeatTool
Test Kitchen Pick
Saute Pan
Helpful Tool
Why a wide pan helps here
Recipes like this come together better when there is room to toss pasta or noodles directly in the sauce instead of crowding a smaller skillet.
A wider pan makes the sauce-and-finish step much easier.
- Better for tossing noodles in sauce
- More useful than a single-purpose pasta gadget
A large saute pan earns its keep quickly if pasta or noodle dishes are in regular rotation.
Shop saute pan options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Brown ground beef in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
- 2
Add marinara sauce, water, and broken lasagna noodles. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- 3
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
- 4
Drop spoonfuls of ricotta over the top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- 5
Cover and cook 3-5 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Substitutions
Ground beefGround turkey or Italian sausage
Turkey lightens it up, sausage adds extra flavor
Lasagna noodlesPenne or rigatoni
Any sturdy pasta works for a deconstructed version
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Olive Oil
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the olive oil matters
On recipes like this, olive oil is not just a background fat. A better bottle gives you cleaner flavor and a better finish.
This is one of the few pantry upgrades that keeps paying off every time you cook in this lane.
- Useful in dressings, sauces, and finishing
- Improves flavor without changing the recipe structure
A good bottle of olive oil is one of the safest pantry upgrades for Mediterranean and Italian cooking.
Shop olive oil for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Break the lasagna noodles into roughly 2-inch pieces for the best fork-friendly bites.
Use a deep, oven-safe skillet and finish under the broiler for a beautifully browned cheese top.
Storage
Refrigerate up to 4 days. Freezes well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat covered in the microwave or in a 350°F oven with a splash of water.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (75mg) · 6 servings
Calories440
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein30g
Carbohydrates18g
Fat42g
Fiber680mg
Sugar3g
Sodium8g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use Italian sausage?
- Yes—sweet or mild Italian sausage is excellent in place of or combined with ground beef.
- Can I add vegetables?
- Spinach, diced zucchini, or mushrooms are great additions—add them with the sauce.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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