If you’ve ever wanted the comforting, rich flavors of classic lasagna without the lengthy prep and multiple pans, then this One Skillet Lasagna Recipe is going to become your new best friend. It’s all the layers of meaty tomato goodness, creamy cheese, and perfectly tender pasta rolled into one easy-to-make skillet masterpiece. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or craving a hearty meal that tastes like it came straight from an Italian kitchen, this dish delivers every time with simplicity and soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that rich, hearty flavor and satisfying texture that makes this lasagna so special. From the savory ground beef to the fresh veggies adding a pop of color, every component blends beautifully in this one-pot wonder.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a meaty, savory base that brings the dish’s signature heartiness.
- 2 medium yellow onions (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth when softened alongside the beef.
- 1 carrot (finely chopped): Brings subtle natural sweetness and texture contrast.
- 1 celery stalk (finely chopped): Offers a mild bitterness that balances the dish’s flavors.
- 1 green pepper (finely chopped): Introduces a fresh, slightly crisp note for extra dimension.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances umami and offers that signature Italian aroma.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for richness without extra liquid.
- 4 cups beef broth: Keeps everything moist and helps cook the pasta right in the skillet.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds juiciness and a fresh burst of tomato taste.
- 12 oz short pasta shapes, uncooked: Pasta pieces soak up the sauce perfectly; using broken Mafaldine gives that lasagna noodle feel.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers gooey, melty cheesiness that’s irresistible.
- 3 tablespoons light cream cheese: Smooths out the sauce and adds a creamy tang.
- Garnish: shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For that golden, bubbly cheese finish—totally worth it!
How to Make One Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by adding the ground beef to a large skillet over medium-high heat. You might want to add a splash of olive oil if your beef is very lean. Cook until it’s nicely browned and has that rich, caramelized crust forming. This step builds the savory foundation of the whole dish and adds wonderful flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Once your beef is browned, toss in your finely chopped onions, carrot, celery, and green pepper. Reduce the heat to medium and stir often. This mixture softens and mingles its flavors, adding a subtle sweetness and crunch that play beautifully against the tender meat.
Step 3: Season and Deglaze
Now sprinkle in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning, stirring to coat the beef and vegetables evenly. Add the tomato paste next, stirring it until it’s fully blended, giving the sauce a rich, concentrated tomato flavor. Pour in the beef broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to lift all that delicious browned goodness into the liquid. This is where the sauce develops its deep, hearty complexity.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with your uncooked pasta. Stir everything together so that the pasta is submerged in the flavorful broth. Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently. Cook uncovered for about 10 to 15 minutes until the pasta is soft but still with a little bite. This process allows the pasta to absorb all those fantastic flavors, melding everything into one cohesive, comforting dish.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese
Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella and cream cheese until melted and silky. For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle a little more mozzarella and Parmesan on top, cover the skillet, and let it sit for 4 to 5 minutes. This little resting time lets the cheese melt perfectly, creating that gooey, luscious topping that makes you want to dive right in.
How to Serve One Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or Italian parsley can brighten the dish with a pop of herbaceous color. For extra indulgence, add a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a dusting of red pepper flakes to add a little zip and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted vegetables for balance. A crusty baguette or garlic bread is also perfect for sopping up every last bit of delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this skillet right at the table for a rustic, family-style meal that invites everyone to dig in. You can portion it into individual ramekins for a fancy touch or layer it with fresh tomatoes and basil leaves on top just before serving for a celebratory feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the lasagna cool completely before transferring to an airtight container to keep in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it a perfect leftover meal or lunch option.
Freezing
This One Skillet Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly and prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover loosely to keep moisture in while heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well for a leaner option and will still absorb the delicious seasonings beautifully. Just brown it thoroughly as you would with beef.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like broken Mafaldine, penne, or rigatoni work best as they cook evenly in the broth and capture the sauce well. Avoid long strands like spaghetti since they won’t cook as evenly in this method.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap out the ground beef for a mix of diced mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian-friendly version that still packs flavor.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add red chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when seasoning, or stir in some chopped jalapeños with the vegetables to bring a nice kick to the dish.
Can this One Skillet Lasagna Recipe be doubled?
Definitely! Use a larger skillet or a deep sauté pan to accommodate the extra ingredients, and just increase cooking times slightly to ensure pasta cooks through.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and satisfying about this One Skillet Lasagna Recipe that keeps me coming back to it time and time again. It’s a true lifesaver for busy evenings, combining ease and deliciousness with each bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience just how effortlessly cozy dinner can be. Once you do, I bet it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!
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One Skillet Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One Skillet Lasagna is a quick and easy twist on traditional lasagna, combining all the classic flavors in a single pan. Ground beef, a medley of vegetables, Italian seasonings, and pasta cook together in beef broth and diced tomatoes, topped with creamy mozzarella and light cream cheese for a comforting, cheesy finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 green pepper, finely chopped
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Liquids and Tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 oz short pasta shapes, uncooked (broken up Mafaldine or similar)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons light cream cheese
- Optional garnish: shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, adding a small amount of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking. Cook the beef until it is fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the finely chopped onions, carrot, celery, and green pepper to the skillet with the beef. Reduce heat to medium and stir frequently until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season and deglaze: Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste until well combined. Then pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits to enhance the flavor.
- Cook the pasta: Add the diced tomatoes and uncooked pasta to the skillet. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish the dish: Stir in the shredded mozzarella and light cream cheese until melted and creamy. If desired, sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the skillet and let it sit off the heat for 4 to 5 minutes to allow the cheeses to melt fully and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use broken Mafaldine or other short pasta like penne or rigatoni to mimic lasagna noodles in this dish.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding salt and pepper as needed before serving.
- For a richer flavor, consider substituting part of the beef broth with red wine.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- This dish can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen if needed.
