Name: Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 Tablespoon dried minced onion; 24 ounces pasta sauce; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon dried basil; 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 8 ounces bite-size pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle); 1 1/2 cups water; 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 2-3 Tablespoons fresh basil leaves, for topping

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Introduction

Skillet lasagna offers all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with less fuss and fewer dishes. This one-pan dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers a delicious, hearty meal in under 30 minutes.

A large pan filled with three layers: the bottom layer is chunky red tomato sauce with pieces of browned ground meat, the middle layer is short, tube-shaped penne pasta coated in the sauce, and the top layer has dollops of soft white ricotta cheese spread unevenly, garnished with fresh bright green basil leaves scattered all over, some chopped finely while others whole. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth partially visible to the top left, and a few basil leaves are scattered around outside the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 clove garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon dried minced onion
24 ounces pasta sauce
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
8 ounces bite-size pasta (penne, rigatoni or farfalle)
1 1/2 cups water
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
2-3 Tablespoons fresh basil leaves, for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
Step 2: Stir in minced garlic, dried onion, pasta sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
Step 3: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then add the pasta and water. Increase heat to bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the pasta is tender, about 13 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and incorporated. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the top and cover the skillet for a few minutes to let the ricotta warm through.
Step 5: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or use half ground Italian sausage for more flavor.
Swap ricotta with cottage cheese and try cheddar or provolone instead of mozzarella for a different cheese profile.
Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach when you add the spices for extra nutrition and flavor.
Make ahead by preparing the meat sauce portion up to adding pasta, refrigerate, then finish cooking when ready to serve.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or microwave until warm, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

A silver pan filled with three layers: the bottom layer is a thick, red tomato meat sauce with small chunks of ground meat, the middle layer is a heap of orange-red penne pasta coated in the sauce, and the top layer has dollops of white ricotta cheese scattered evenly along with fresh green basil leaves placed on and around the pasta. The scene sits on a white marbled surface with extra basil leaves spread nearby, and a light gray textured cloth is partly visible in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any bite-size pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or farfalle works well in this recipe. Smaller shapes help the pasta cook evenly and absorb the sauce better.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with your favorite plant-based meat substitute or sautéed mushrooms and vegetables for a vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.