Skillet Lasagna Recipe

If you’re craving big, bubbling Italian flavor but don’t want to fuss with layers of noodles and lots of baking time, Skillet Lasagna is about to become your new comfort food favorite. This dish brings all the savory joy of classic lasagna right onto your stovetop in a fraction of the time. The rich, meaty sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and tender pasta cook perfectly together for a one-pan wonder that looks as beautiful as it tastes. It’s the kind of cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a culinary hug on a busy weeknight!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the simple yet powerhouse ingredients that make Skillet Lasagna sing. Each component is essential, from the juicy ground beef that brings richness, to the aromatic herbs and creamy ricotta for irresistible bite and color. You’re about to see just how easy it is to whip up something that tastes special—right in one pan!

• 2 lbs ground beef: This gives the dish its luscious, hearty base—it soaks up all the flavors and brings satisfying texture.
• 2 tsp garlic powder, divided: Essential for that mellow, garlicky depth in both the sauce and the cheese layer.
• 3 tsp onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and rounds out the savory flavors without chopping any onions.
• 24 oz pasta sauce: Choose your favorite jarred spaghetti sauce or marinara; it’s what marries everything together.
• 12 oz bow-tie pasta, uncooked: Their unique shape holds onto sauce and cheese beautifully—no oven sheets required!
• 2 cups water: Helps cook the pasta right in the pan for the perfect texture and easy cleanup.
• ½ cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it lifts the final layer with a classic lasagna touch.
• 1 egg: Acts as a binder for the ricotta layer, so it sets up like lovely clouds on top.
• 1 cup fresh chopped spinach: Sneaks in a pop of color and extra nutrition; you’ll notice the freshness with every bite.
• ½ cup fresh chopped basil: The unmistakably fragrant herb delivers gorgeous Italian flavor and aroma.
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese: Adds salty-savory punch and a touch of elegance to the cheese mixture.
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese dollops so they set nicely while finishing in the skillet.
• ½ tsp salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors in the cheese blend.
• ½ tsp black pepper: A bit of warmth and balance for the creamy and hearty notes.

How to Make Skillet Lasagna

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating your largest, deepest skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, then sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and all the onion powder. Break up the meat as it cooks until it’s nicely browned with no pink showing—this gives your Skillet Lasagna great flavor from its foundation. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat once the meat’s cooked to prevent your sauce from being greasy.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Return the browned beef to your skillet and pour in all the pasta sauce. Add the uncooked bow-tie pasta and two cups of water, giving everything a good stir. It might look like a lot of liquid at first, but the pasta will soak it up and become tender as the mixture cooks.

Step 3: Simmer with the Pasta

Turn the heat up until the skillet mixture comes to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 17 to 20 minutes. Check the pasta a couple of times and give things a quick stir—this ensures even cooking and prevents sticking, promising perfectly tender pasta and a rich, thick sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

While your pasta simmers, grab a medium mixing bowl. Combine the ricotta cheese, egg, fresh spinach, basil, Parmesan, flour, the remaining garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir things together until you have a vibrant, creamy filling—the basil and spinach give the mixture gorgeous specks of green and that unmistakable freshness.

Step 5: Dollop the Cheese Mixture

Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, use a spoon to plop generous dollops of the ricotta mixture onto the top of the bubbling skillet. Those heaps will melt slightly and set into dreamy, ricotta clouds, transforming your Skillet Lasagna into pure comfort.

Step 6: Set the Cheese

Cover the skillet once more and let everything gently cook for about five more minutes. This short steam bath sets the cheese layer so it’s fluffy and luscious without losing its freshness. When the timer’s up, you’ll unveil a stunning Skillet Lasagna that’s ready to serve straight from the pan.

How to Serve Skillet Lasagna

Garnishes

Elevate each helping of Skillet Lasagna with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or some torn fresh basil leaves. A grind of black pepper or a dash of chili flakes also adds a pop of color and flavor—just before serving, those finishing touches make every plate feel truly special.

Side Dishes

Pair your Skillet Lasagna with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, or add a piece of buttery garlic bread to soak up the saucy goodness. Roasted or grilled vegetables make a delightful, colorful addition, rounding out the meal without overpowering the star of the show.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual family dinner, bring the skillet right to the table for everyone to scoop their own hearty servings. Entertaining? Serve Skillet Lasagna in individual ramekins or small cast-iron pans for a rustic, restaurant-style feel. Leftovers can also be cut into squares and packed up for delicious lunches the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow your Skillet Lasagna to cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more tempting the next day!

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Simply portion cooled Skillet Lasagna into freezer-safe containers or tightly wrap individual pieces. It can be frozen for up to two months—just make sure to label it so you remember when you made this delicious batch.

Reheating

To reheat, pop portions in the microwave until steaming hot, or return them to a skillet with a splash of water or sauce and warm over gentle heat. If reheating straight from the freezer, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture. The cheese might firm up slightly, but the flavors stay dreamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of bow-tie?

Absolutely! While bow-tie pasta does a wonderful job holding sauce, short shapes like penne or rotini also work great in Skillet Lasagna. Choose a shape that will cook evenly and nestle in with all that delicious cheesy filling.

How can I make Skillet Lasagna vegetarian?

You can swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a veggie-packed twist. Just be sure to cook off excess moisture from your vegetables before adding the sauce.

What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking to the skillet?

Stir the mixture once or twice during the simmering phase and make sure there’s enough water for the pasta to absorb. Non-stick or enameled skillets make things extra easy, but any deep skillet will work as long as you keep an eye on it.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes! If you have a big enough skillet, you can double the ingredients. If not, split it into two skillets to ensure the pasta cooks evenly. Skillet Lasagna is perfect for feeding a hungry group without any complicated prep.

Does Skillet Lasagna taste as good as traditional baked lasagna?

It’s every bit as satisfying, and some might argue even more flavorful since the pasta soaks up all those juices and sauces right in the pan. You get creamy dollops of cheese, rich meat, and zesty tomato in every bite—plus, you’ll love how quick and approachable it is!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring comfort and joy to your dinner table without any hassle, make Skillet Lasagna your go-to weeknight hero. With only one pan and a handful of simple steps, you get all the soul-warming magic of lasagna in less time. Give it a try—and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family tradition!

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