One-Skillet Lasagna: A Classic Dish Made Simple

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on March 12, 2025

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The Comfort of Lasagna Without the Hassle

Lasagna has always been one of those meals that brings people together. It’s warm, rich, and packed with layers of flavor that make every bite feel like a hug. Growing up, lasagna was a dish reserved for special occasions, a meal that required hours in the kitchen, layering noodles, simmering sauce, and waiting patiently as it baked to perfection.

But life gets busy, and while I still crave the comforting taste of lasagna, I don’t always have the time to make it the traditional way. That’s why I fell in love with One-Skillet Lasagna—a dish that captures everything I love about the classic, but in a fraction of the time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

This version doesn’t require pre-cooking noodles, layering ingredients, or waiting for it to bake. Instead, everything comes together in one pan, cooking the pasta right in the sauce to absorb all the delicious flavors. The result? A dish that’s just as satisfying as traditional lasagna, but much easier to make.

Whether you’re feeding your family after a long day or simply looking for a comforting meal that won’t leave you with a sink full of dishes, this One-Skillet Lasagna is the perfect solution.

Why This Skillet Lasagna Is a Must-Try

1. One Pan, Minimal Cleanup

The beauty of this recipe is that everything cooks in a single skillet. That means no extra pots for boiling noodles, no baking dishes to scrub, and far less cleanup than a traditional lasagna.

2. Packed with Protein and Flavor

Unlike some lasagna recipes that can be overly heavy, this version keeps things balanced and nutritious. The lean ground beef and cottage cheese add a protein boost, while fresh basil and a rich tomato sauce give it that classic Italian flavor.

3. Faster Than Traditional Lasagna

Making traditional lasagna from scratch can take upwards of two hours, but this skillet version is ready in about 30 minutes. It’s the perfect meal for when you’re short on time but still want something homemade and satisfying.

4. A Great Way to Use Pantry Staples

Most of the ingredients in this recipe—pasta, canned tomatoes, broth, and cheese—are pantry staples. That means you can easily whip this up whenever you’re craving a comforting meal, without needing a special trip to the store.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This dish stores well and reheats beautifully, making it a great choice for meal prepping. You can make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients: The Perfect Blend of Comfort and Nutrition

For the Cheese Mixture:

¾ cup part-skim cottage cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley, plus extra for garnish

For the Lasagna Base:

½ pound 93% lean ground beef
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ tablespoon olive oil
½ medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, chopped

For the Sauce & Pasta:

2 ½ cups crushed tomatoes (such as Tuttorosso)
2 ½ cups chicken bone broth
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
8 ounces pasta (such as Mafalda, Campanelle, bow-tie, broken lasagna noodles, Reginetti, or gluten-free pasta)

For the Topping:

¾ cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions: Bringing Classic Lasagna to Your Skillet

Prepare the Cheese Mixture – In a small bowl, combine cottage cheese, Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Set aside.
Cook the Beef – Heat a large, oven-safe nonstick skillet over high heat. Add ground beef and salt, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned (about 5 minutes).
Sauté Aromatics – Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking until tender (4-5 minutes).
Build the Sauce – Add crushed tomatoes, bone broth, and fresh basil, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
Cook the Pasta – Add pasta to the skillet, submerging it in the liquid. Cover and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened (18-20 minutes).
Add the Cheese & Broil – Remove from heat, dollop the cottage cheese mixture over the pasta, and top with mozzarella. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil on high until the cheese is melted and golden (about 3 minutes).
Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Nutritional Breakdown: A Balanced Comfort Meal

Calories: ~350 per serving
Protein: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~40g
Fat: ~10g
Sodium: ~500mg
Fiber: ~5g

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure your skillet lasagna turns out perfectly every time.

1. Overcooking the Pasta

Since the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, it’s important to stir occasionally and check for doneness. Overcooking can make it too soft and mushy, while undercooking can leave it chewy.

2. Not Submerging the Pasta Fully

For the noodles to cook evenly, they need to be fully submerged in the liquid. If they sit above the sauce, they may not cook properly. Give everything a good stir before covering the skillet.

3. Using Too Much Liquid

While you need enough liquid to cook the pasta, adding too much broth can make the sauce watery. Stick to the recommended amount and allow the sauce to thicken naturally as it simmers.

4. Skipping the Broiling Step

One of the best parts of this recipe is the golden, bubbly cheese on top. Broiling for just a few minutes creates a crispy, slightly browned layer that makes this dish feel just like traditional lasagna.

5. Not Letting It Rest Before Serving

Just like with classic lasagna, this skillet version benefits from a few minutes of rest before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to fully develop.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

1. Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?

Yes! While broken lasagna noodles are the most traditional choice, you can also use:

Mafalda (mini lasagna-style pasta)
Campanelle (curly-edged pasta)
Bow-tie pasta (farfalle)
Gluten-free pasta if needed

Just keep in mind that different pasta shapes may require slight adjustments to the cooking time.

2. Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with:

Mushrooms for a hearty, umami-rich alternative
Lentils for a plant-based protein boost
Vegetarian crumbles for a meat-like texture

3. What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

4. Can I Make This Dish Lower in Calories?

Yes! Here are a few easy swaps:

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Replace half of the mozzarella with part-skim ricotta for a lighter topping.
Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta for a low-carb option.

5. What Can I Serve with Skillet Lasagna?

This dish is a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, try serving it with:

A simple green salad with balsamic dressing
Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping into the sauce
Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini

6. Can I Add More Vegetables?

Yes! This lasagna is great with extra veggies. Some good additions include:

Spinach or kale (stirred in at the end)
Bell peppers or zucchini (sautéed with the onion)
Shredded carrots for a touch of sweetness

Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation

It’s easy, fast, and only requires one pan.
It’s packed with flavor but lighter than traditional lasagna.
It’s customizable—you can swap the meat, add veggies, or make it gluten-free.
It’s perfect for meal prep and makes amazing leftovers.

Conclusion: A Comfort Food Classic, Simplified

Lasagna is one of those dishes that feels special and comforting, but making it the traditional way isn’t always practical. This One-Skillet Lasagna takes all the flavors you love—rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, creamy cheese, and hearty beef—and transforms them into a meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet satisfying enough for a Sunday dinner.

If you love lasagna but don’t love the time and effort it usually takes, this skillet version is the perfect solution. It delivers all the comfort, flavor, and cheesy goodness of the classic dish—without the extra dishes or long cook time.

So the next time you’re craving lasagna, skip the layering and baking—grab a skillet, and enjoy a simpler, just-as-delicious version of this Italian favorite.