Perfect for busy weeknights, this One Pan Lasagna Skillet layers all the classic lasagna flavors in just one dish! This cheesy, comforting meal using simple ingredients will easily become a family favorite and takes just 30 minutes or less to make!
One-pan meals are a go-to for this busy family, and this one is extra delicious! We love lasagna but don’t always have the time to make a proper one. From boiling the noodles to mixing the filling, layering everything up, and baking for almost an hour, classic lasagna can stick to special occasions when we have more time. This dinner still has all of the same flavors and textures, like tangy marinara, a cottage cheese “filling,” hearty ground beef, and noodles, but it’s made in just one skillet, which makes it easy on me!
Oven-ready lasagna noodles are designed to be used straight from the package, eliminating the need to pre-cook them. They simplify the process by cooking directly in the sauce, saving time and reducing cleanup by not needing extra pots for boiling. This makes the meal so much easier to get on the table fast!
Brown the ground beef, add onions and garlic and mix in the marinara sauce and water. Break the oven-ready lasagna noodles into the skillet, cover, and let them simmer until cooked through. Add a bit more water and some cottage cheese, then top with mozzarella and cover again until the cheese melts. Let it sit for a few minutes off the heat, and dinner is ready!
Quick and easy: This dinner comes together in just 30 minutes using one pan and par-boiled noodles, making it a true winner for busy weeknights.
Budget-friendly: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, marinara sauce, and cottage cheese, this recipe keeps your grocery budget in check without sacrificing taste.
Easy cleanup: Since everything cooks in one skillet, you’ll have fewer dishes to wash, giving you more time to relax after dinner.
Customizable: Whether you prefer different types of meat or want to toss in some vegetables, this recipe is easy to customize based on what you have on hand.
Family-friendly: Its familiar flavors and cheesy goodness make it a hit for family meals.
Ground Beef – Acts as the protein base, adding rich, meaty flavors along with protein.
Diced Onion & Minced Garlic – Enhance the overall taste by adding familiar savory flavors.
Kosher Salt – Balances and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and can be adjusted to taste.
Marinara Sauce – Paired with water, marinara sauce gives the dish its liquid, tomato-based component that cooks the noodles and infuses the lasagna with classic Italian flavors.
Lasagna Noodles (oven ready or regular) – Adds a chewy texture while absorbing all of the hearty flavors balancing out the meal.
Cottage Cheese – Adds creaminess and a slightly tangy flavor to the lasagna, offering a lighter alternative to the traditional ricotta while adding protein.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Melts into a stretchy, gooey topping that gives the lasagna its cheesy appeal.
Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, breaking up with a spatula until the meat is cooked through. Drain any excess oil, then add in the diced onion and minced garlic and saute until soft.
Add the liquid: Pour in the marinara sauce and water. Stir everything together, then turn up the heat to bring it to a mild boil.
Cook the noodles: Using your hands, break up the lasagna noodles into bite sized pieces (they don’t have to be uniform) and place them into the skillet. Push the noodles down into the liquid to make sure they are fully covered. Cover with a lid and simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and stir mixture. Add 1/4 cup more water and stir again.
Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the cottage cheese, then top the skillet with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes to melt the cheese. Remove the skillet from the heat, then let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to thicken up. Enjoy!
Brown the ground beef on medium-high heat to make sure it gets a good sear, which adds lots of savory flavor.
Drain any excess grease from the beef after browning to avoid a greasy dinner.
Break the lasagna noodles into pieces that fit easily in the skillet and make them bite-sized.
Make sure the lasagna noodles are fully submerged in the marinara sauce so they cook properly and absorb the flavors.
Cover the skillet while simmering to maintain the right moisture and heat for cooking the noodles so the liquid doesn’t evaporate.
Stir the mixture gently when adding more water and cottage cheese to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
Let the lasagna sit for about 5 minutes after removing it from the heat to help it set up as it will thicken slightly.
Protein: Instead of ground beef, use ground turkey, pork, lamb, bison, or chicken for a leaner option.
Sauce: For a creamy twist, swap marinara sauce for Alfredo sauce, or use a spicy arrabbiata to add a kick of spice.
Vegetables: Add in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the sauté stage to incorporate more nutrients and textures.
Pasta: Substitute regular lasagna noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free versions or use a different shape pasta like penne or rotini.
Cheese: Replace cottage cheese with ricotta for a richer texture, or try a mix of parmesan and pecorino for a sharper taste.
Topping: For a crunchier top, add a layer of breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil and parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top, a dollop of cottage cheese, or a spoonful of pesto to round out the meal.
Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat thawed or refrigerated lasagna in a microwave or oven. For the oven, cover the lasagna with foil and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Freezing: To freeze, portion the cooled lasagna into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I use regular lasagna noodles if I can’t find oven ready?
Yes, you can use regular lasagna noodles in this recipe. Just make sure they are completely submerged in the sauce. You may need to simmer them a bit longer than oven-ready noodles to cook them.
How do I prevent the lasagna from sticking to the skillet?
To prevent sticking, stir the lasagna gently a few times during cooking, especially after adding the noodles. Also, using a non-stick skillet can help keep the lasagna from sticking.
Is it possible to make this lasagna vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding more vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure all the vegetables are tender.
Easy recipe for Lasagna in a Skillet using only one pan. Comes together quickly for a comforting cheesy lasagna dinner.
1 lb Ground Beef
1/2 cup Diced Onion
1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups Marinara Sauce
1 1/2 cups water + 1/4 cup
6–8 Lasagna Noodles (oven ready or regular)
1 cup Cottage Cheese
1 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1. In a large skillet on the stove on medium high heat, cook the ground beef until cooked through. Drain any excess grease. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, stir and cook more until onion is soft.
2. Add the marinara, water, and salt to the beef mixture and stir everything together. Bring sauce to a light boil.
3. Once boiling, break up the lasagna noodles and place into the sauce. Push noodles under the sauce to make sure they are all covered.
4. Cover with a lid and simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes. Remove lid and stir mixture. Add 1/4 cup more water and stir again.
5. Add cottage cheese and stir again. Then top the entire thing with the shredded mozzarella. Cover with a lid again and simmer for another 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, remove the lid and let the entire thing set for about 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
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