Cheesy Beef Lasagna Skillet – A Comforting One-Pan Dinner

This Cheesy Beef Lasagna Skillet brings all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna into a quick and easy one-pan meal. No layering, no baking—just hearty ground beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese cooked together in a skillet for a satisfying dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All the Flavor, None of the Fuss – Enjoy lasagna taste without the time-consuming prep.
Super Cheesy – A blend of gooey mozzarella and creamy ricotta makes this extra comforting.
Hearty and Satisfying – Ground beef and pasta make it a filling meal the whole family will love.
One-Pan Wonder – Easy cleanup and simple cooking in just one skillet.

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ lb lean ground beef
  • 1½ cups low-sodium marinara sauce
  • ¾ cup water
  • 4 oz (about 1½ cups) broken lasagna noodles or small pasta
  • ⅓ cup part-skim ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes.

2. Cook the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Add Sauce and Pasta
Pour in the marinara sauce and water. Stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Simmer Until Tender
Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened.

5. Add the Cheese
Dollop ricotta evenly across the top, then sprinkle with mozzarella. Cover and let sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted.

6. Serve Hot
Garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve straight from the skillet.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 310
Protein: 25g
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g

Tips for Success

  • Boost Flavor – Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Use What You Have – No lasagna noodles? Use penne or rotini for the same great flavor.
  • Make It Meatless – Swap ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.

Why This Recipe Works

This skillet meal captures everything you love about lasagna—the savory beef, tender pasta, and melty cheese—but skips the layering and baking. It’s the ultimate quick comfort food that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for speed.

Cheesy Beef Lasagna Skillet is your go-to solution for when you crave comfort food but don’t have time for the oven. It’s rich, hearty, and ready in a flash—all in one pan for easy prep and cleanup.

Cheesy Beef Lasagna Skillet – A Comforting One-Pan Dinner

Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

310

kcal

A quick and hearty lasagna-style dish made in one skillet. Tender noodles, savory beef, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese come together for a comforting and easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp olive oil

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • ½ lb lean ground beef

  • 1½ cups low-sodium marinara sauce

  • ¾ cup water

  • 4 oz (about 1½ cups) broken lasagna noodles or small pasta

  • ⅓ cup part-skim ricotta cheese

  • ½ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Sauté the Aromatics
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
  • Cook the Beef
    Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Add Sauce and Pasta
    Pour in the marinara sauce and water. Stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Simmer Until Tender
    Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened.
  • Add the Cheese
    Dollop ricotta evenly across the top, then sprinkle with mozzarella. Cover and let sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  • Serve Hot
    Garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve straight from the skillet.

Notes

  • Boost Flavor – Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
    Use What You Have – No lasagna noodles? Use penne or rotini for the same great flavor.
    Make It Meatless – Swap ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.

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