One Skillet Lasagna Recipe – Easy & Delicious Dinner

You may not realize that lasagna didn’t originally include pasta; it actually hailed from ancient Greece, where layers of meat and sauce were the stars. In our modern twist on this classic, the One Skillet Lasagna simplifies the cooking process, allowing you to create a comforting meal without the fuss of multiple pots. Imagine enjoying a rich, cheesy dinner ready in just 30 minutes—your weeknight routine might never be the same. What makes this dish even better is its flexibility, which allows for creative variations to suit any palate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Why will you love this One Skillet Lasagna recipe? First off, it’s simple and requires minimal preparation time. You’ll use just one pot, which makes cleanup a breeze—no stacks of dishes to deal with!

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to fit your tastes, whether that means swapping ground beef for turkey, or loading in more veggies. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast; in about 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to serve. Cooking the base with ground beef and vegetables ensures a tasty and nutritious start.

You’ll also appreciate the nutritional value. It combines pasta, protein, and vegetables, providing a balanced meal in one dish. Plus, if you have specific dietary needs, adjustments are simple—like using no-boil noodles or creating a dairy-free version.

This One Skillet Lasagna can be paired with quick sides like breadsticks or a colorful salad. It’s not just about saving time; it’s about enjoying delicious food without fussing over preparations.

And don’t forget, you can make extra for meal prep! Store portions and enjoy them later in the week. This recipe truly checks all the boxes for a busy cook.

History

Lasagna has a rich history that dates back to the Medieval period in Italy, with roots extending even further to ancient Greece. The term “lasagna” comes from the Greek word “laganon,” which means layers of flat bread with sauce. Early recipes for this dish appeared in British cookbooks as early as the 1390s.

As lasagna evolved in Italy, particularly in Naples, it incorporated tomato sauce, enriching the dish’s flavors during the Middle Ages. You can see how Greek cuisine introduced the idea of layering bread with sauce, while Italian chefs perfected it with local ingredients. Skillet lasagna, which offers a healthier, creamier alternative, is a testament to the dish’s adaptability to modern tastes.

Even North African influences have emerged in modern variations, like harissa-lamb skillet lasagna. This dish’s versatility reflects an ongoing cultural exchange, as British researchers uncovered early recipes, demonstrating how shared culinary traditions shaped lasagna.

Over the years, recipes have evolved to include different proteins, such as turkey or lamb, and various cheeses. Skillet lasagna offers a more straightforward, one-pot approach, making preparation quicker. Despite the changes, lasagna has maintained its core essence and remains a beloved dish worldwide.

Recipe

One Skillet Lasagna Recipe

One Skillet Lasagna is a deliciously simple dish that brings the classic Italian flavors of lasagna into one pan. This hearty recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. The beauty of this skillet version lies in its layers of rich ground beef, tender lasagna noodles, and a creamy cheese mixture, all simmered together in a savory marinara sauce.

This recipe allows for customization to suit your taste. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms or spinach, to the mix for added flavor and nutrition. With only a few steps and minimal cleanup, One Skillet Lasagna is a perfect option for meal prep, and leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a family favorite. Additionally, the dish is not only delicious but also rich in protein, thanks to the organic ground beef and cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 lb organic ground beef
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 9 uncooked lasagna noodles
• 1 cup (8 oz) ricotta cheese
• Dairy-free ricotta (optional)
• Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil
• 1 cup cottage cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce, uncooked lasagna noodles, and 1 cup of water. Verify the noodles are submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the noodles are cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. While the noodles are cooking, combine the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese (if using), and seasonings in a bowl. Mix well to create a creamy cheese filling.
6. Once the noodles are tender, remove the skillet from heat and dollop the cheese mixture over the top. Gently stir to combine, allowing the cheese to melt slightly in the residual heat.

For best results, use a large skillet to verify even cooking and avoid overcrowding. Be cautious not to overcook the noodles, as they’ll continue to soften in the sauce after cooking.

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for a unique flavor or add cooked vegetables to improve nutritional value. Enjoy your delicious One Skillet Lasagna!

Final Thoughts

One Skillet Lasagna stands out as a fantastic option for those seeking a quick yet satisfying meal. This dish cooks in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With only 10-15 minutes of prep time, you can serve a home-cooked dinner faster than ordering takeout.

It’s family-friendly, encouraging kids to eat their vegetables thanks to its cheesy and flavorful nature. Moreover, leftovers taste even better the next day, which is ideal for meal prep or school lunches.

You can adapt the recipe by adding various vegetables that your family enjoys, such as mushrooms or spinach, and switch up the cheese and meats based on your preferences. Additionally, this recipe offers a reasonable 350 calories per serving, making it suitable for those mindful of their health.

Nutritionally, one serving offers 350 calories, 33g of protein, and can be modified for healthier choices. Using lean meats, reduced-sodium broth, and lower-fat cheeses can improve health benefits.

If you’re looking to make this dish even healthier, whole wheat pasta is a great option. Plus, it can be made ahead and refrigerated—simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready.

Try One Skillet Lasagna, and you’ll find it’s a versatile winner at your dinner table.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions that can help you master this recipe.

What kind of meat works best? You can use ground beef, turkey, sausage, or chicken. Any ground meat is suitable, though a lean ground beef (like 95% or 96%) is healthier. If you choose sausage, drain any excess fat after cooking to keep the dish less greasy.

What are the benefits of this recipe? It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This family-friendly dish is budget-friendly, ready in under 45 minutes, and great for meal prep or leftovers. Additionally, it has a total cooking time of 25 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a wholesome meal in no time.

Plus, you’ll have fewer dishes to clean!

How should I cook the noodles? Use a large skillet for even cooking. Don’t overcook the noodles; they’ll soften in the sauce. Cook them directly in the sauce without boiling first, and break them into smaller pieces for better cooking.

What about leftovers? You can store and reheat leftovers easily. This skillet lasagna lasts up to four months in the freezer, making it a convenient option.