When life gets busy, having quick and easy dinner options that the whole family will love is a lifesaver. That’s where this Skillet Lasagna comes in. With its perfect blend of rich flavors, gooey cheese, and hearty pasta, this one-pan wonder is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Ready in just 30 minutes, it simplifies a traditionally time-consuming dish without sacrificing taste.
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Why Skillet Lasagna Is the Perfect Weeknight Meal
Skillet Lasagna combines the best of both worlds: comfort food and convenience. No need to boil pasta separately or bake layers in the oven. Instead, you get all the flavors of classic lasagna in one skillet, cooked right on the stovetop. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just your family, this recipe offers a quick and delicious meal without the hassle. Plus, it’s versatile enough to swap ingredients, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients for Skillet Lasagna
To make this easy Skillet Lasagna, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Ground Beef: Adds a rich, savory flavor base.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the depth of flavor.
- Onion Powder: Brings in a subtle sweetness and aroma.
- Pasta Sauce: Creates the saucy layer that ties everything together.
- Bow-Tie Pasta (Uncooked): The perfect pasta for a skillet lasagna, holding its shape and absorbing all the delicious flavors.
- Water: Helps cook the pasta in the skillet.
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the dish.
- Egg: Binds the ricotta mixture together.
- Fresh Chopped Spinach: Adds a healthy, vibrant touch.
- Fresh Chopped Basil: Brings an aromatic burst of flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty finish.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the cheese mixture.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking for alternatives, here are a few swaps:
- Ground Sausage: Try using ground sausage instead of beef for a spicy, flavorful twist.
- Vegan Version: Swap out the ground beef for diced sweet potatoes and use a dairy-free ricotta substitute for a vegan-friendly option.
- Different Pasta Shapes: If you don’t have bow-tie pasta, you can use elbow macaroni or penne, although be mindful of the cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Skillet Lasagna
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, combine the ground beef, 1 tsp of garlic powder, and onion powder. Brown the beef over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain the excess fat.
- Add Pasta Sauce and Water: Return the skillet to the stove, then add the pasta sauce, uncooked bow-tie pasta, and water. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 17-20 minutes, or until the pasta is fully cooked.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: While the pasta is cooking, combine ricotta cheese, the remaining garlic powder, egg, spinach, basil, Parmesan cheese, flour, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Scoop large dollops of the cheese mixture over the cooked pasta in the skillet.
- Final Cooking: Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Skillet Lasagna
- Check Pasta Texture: Since skillet lasagna uses uncooked pasta, make sure it reaches the perfect al dente texture. If the pasta needs more time, add a little more water and simmer longer.
- Don’t Rush the Cheese Setting: Let the cheese mixture set for a few minutes to achieve that lasagna-like texture.
- Leftover Storage: If you have leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. For the best results, place them in a shallow container to cool quickly.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for Skillet Lasagna
This Skillet Lasagna pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. For a healthier version, try adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. If you’re looking for a spicier version, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add spicy sausage instead of ground beef.
You can also make this recipe in a large batch for meal prep. Double the ingredients and store half in the fridge or freezer for an easy reheat meal.
A Versatile, Time-Saving Dinner Option
Skillet Lasagna is more than just a quick fix for a busy weeknight—it’s a versatile dish that can be adjusted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a traditional meat version or a vegetarian alternative, this recipe offers plenty of flexibility. Plus, it’s the kind of dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table without requiring hours in the kitchen. If you love this easy, cheesy skillet lasagna, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Skillet Lasagna
This Skillet Lasagna is the ultimate one-pan meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Packed with all the classic lasagna flavors, it’s quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just looking for a hearty meal, this recipe is a must-try. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, it transforms a traditionally time-consuming dish into a weeknight-friendly option that will quickly become a family favorite. So next time you’re craving lasagna, skip the oven and make this simple, yet delicious Skillet Lasagna instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use different types of pasta for Skillet Lasagna?
Yes, you can easily swap out the bow-tie pasta for other small pasta shapes like penne, elbow macaroni, or rotini. Just be mindful that different pasta shapes may affect the cooking time slightly. Stick to smaller varieties to ensure everything cooks evenly in the skillet.
2. Can I make this Skillet Lasagna vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version of Skillet Lasagna, replace the ground beef with diced sweet potatoes or mushrooms for a hearty and flavorful alternative. You can also opt for a vegan ricotta substitute to make it dairy-free.
3. How do I store leftovers of Skillet Lasagna?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate within an hour of cooking. For optimal freshness, use a shallow container to help the lasagna cool more quickly. It will last up to 3 days in the fridge, and can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
4. Can I double the Skillet Lasagna recipe?
Yes, you can double this recipe to serve more people. However, I recommend using two skillets for the best results. This will help avoid overcrowding the skillet and ensure that everything cooks evenly. It’s also a great option if you want to have leftovers for the next day.
More Relevant Recipes
- Creamy Chicken Stroganoff: This creamy and comforting dish features tender chicken and a rich sauce, much like the indulgent layers of Skillet Lasagna. It’s another hearty option that can be made quickly in one pan, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Cheesy Chicken Pasta: If you love cheesy pasta dishes, this cheesy chicken pasta is a great choice. It combines tender chicken and a rich, creamy sauce that will remind you of the indulgent comfort of Skillet Lasagna, making it an easy, flavorful meal for any night of the week.
- Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup: This creamy soup with Italian sausage and tender pasta is a comforting, hearty option, offering similar Italian flavors to Skillet Lasagna. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s also a great way to bring a bit of Italian flair to the dinner table in no time.
Skillet Lasagna
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Skillet Lasagna is a quick and easy one-pan meal that combines all the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna without the need for layers or an oven. This recipe uses bow-tie pasta, savory ground beef, a rich pasta sauce, and a creamy ricotta mixture to create a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Ground Beef
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder (divided)
- 3 tsp Onion Powder
- 24 oz Pasta Sauce
- 12 oz Bow-Tie Pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups Water
- ½ cup Ricotta Cheese
- 1 Egg
- 1 cup Fresh Chopped Spinach
- ½ cup Fresh Chopped Basil
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
- 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Combine the ground beef, 1 tsp of garlic powder and onion powder in a large skillet and brown over medium heat. Once fully cooked, drain excess fat.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet and add in the pasta sauce, uncooked bow-tie pasta, and water. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 17-20 minutes or until the pasta is fully cooked.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, spinach, basil, Parmesan cheese, flour, remaining garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine.
- Scoop large dollops of the cheese mixture on top of the cooked pasta while still in the skillet.
- Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, substitute the ground beef with spicy sausage.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with diced sweet potatoes and use a vegan ricotta substitute.
- If you don’t have bow-tie pasta, penne or rotini also work well in this recipe.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 65mg