Comfort food reaches new heights with this skillet lasagna that promises a delightful twist on the classic Italian favorite.
Layers of rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and tender pasta come together in a single pan for an effortless meal.
No need to spend hours in the kitchen or dirty multiple dishes.
This one-pan wonder delivers all the robust flavors of traditional lasagna with a fraction of the work.
Weeknight dinners just got a seriously delicious upgrade that will have everyone asking for seconds.
The streamlined technique makes this recipe a game-changer for busy home cooks seeking maximum taste with minimal effort.
Dive into this mouthwatering skillet lasagna and experience a quick, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a household staple.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 500 kcal
Servings: 7
What’s Needed for Skillet Lasagna
For Meat Base:
Ground Beef: Delivers rich, hearty flavor foundation for the skillet lasagna, choose lean cuts for less grease and better texture.
Onion Powder: Adds subtle aromatic depth without chopping fresh onions, ensures consistent seasoning throughout the dish.
Garlic Powder: Provides robust garlic essence with convenient application, select high-quality powder for maximum flavor impact.
For Pasta and Sauce:
Bow-Tie Pasta: Creates playful texture and catches sauce beautifully, opt for high-protein pasta for enhanced nutritional value.
Pasta Sauce: Provides smooth, tangy base that binds ingredients, select premium marinara for deeper taste profile.
For Cheese and Herb Mixture:
Ricotta Cheese: Contributes creamy, luxurious texture to the lasagna, choose full-fat version for richer mouthfeel.
Egg: Acts as binding agent for cheese mixture, ensures smooth, cohesive consistency.
Chopped Spinach: Introduces vibrant green color and nutritional boost, use fresh or well-drained frozen spinach.
Chopped Basil: Offers fresh, aromatic herbaceous notes, select bright green leaves for maximum flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty undertone, grate fresh for most intense taste experience.
Flour: Helps stabilize cheese mixture, prevents excess liquid separation.
Salt: Enhances overall seasoning, use kosher or sea salt for balanced flavor.
Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground offers superior taste.
Kitchen Tools for Skillet Lasagna Success
Large Skillet: Essential for cooking and assembling the entire dish, allows even heat distribution.
Medium Bowl: Perfect for mixing ricotta cheese and other ingredients for the cheese layer.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir and combine ingredients smoothly in the skillet.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for balanced flavors.
Knife: Needed for chopping spinach and basil into fine pieces.
Colander (Optional): Useful for draining excess fat from ground beef.
Skillet Lasagna Made
Skillet Lasagna Magic
Beef Foundation A sizzling start with ground beef seasoned with garlic and onion, browned to golden perfection.
Sauce and Pasta Fusion Combine browned beef with pasta sauce and bow-tie pasta, creating a rich and hearty base that bubbles with flavor.
Pasta Simmering Stage Let the mixture gently cook, transforming into a tender and delicious one-pan wonder that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
Creamy Cheese Blend Whip together ricotta, egg, spinach, basil, and Parmesan to craft a luxurious cheese mixture that will elevate the entire dish.
Cheese Topping Crown the pasta with generous dollops of the creamy cheese blend, spreading it evenly to create a luscious layer of comfort.
Final Melting Moment Allow the cheese to set and meld with the pasta, creating a harmonious and irresistible skillet meal that promises pure satisfaction.
Serving Suggestions Dish out hot and sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
Skillet Lasagna: Tips You’ll Appreciate
Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, keeping pasta tender and sauce well-distributed throughout the skillet.
Swap ricotta for cottage cheese or experiment with mozzarella and provolone for a different flavor profile that adds richness and creaminess to the dish.
Incorporate diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms during beef browning to increase nutritional value and add extra texture and depth to the lasagna.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of cayenne, or include sliced jalapeños to kick up the heat and give the skillet lasagna a zesty, bold twist that tantalizes taste buds.
Replace regular pasta with gluten-free bow-tie pasta and use a gluten-free flour substitute in the ricotta mixture to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
How to Serve Skillet Lasagna Without Fuss
Family Comfort Plating: Serve this hearty lasagna in deep, rustic bowls to capture all the delicious sauce and show off those gorgeous layers of pasta and cheese.
Gourmet Side Companion: Pair the skillet lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette or garlic bread to balance the rich, meaty flavors and add freshness to the meal.
Weekend Gathering Special: Create a relaxed dinner experience by setting the skillet directly on the table, letting everyone serve themselves family-style and enjoy the warm, inviting presentation straight from the cooking pan.
Quick Leftover Transformation: Repurpose remaining lasagna by chopping it into smaller pieces and using as a filling for stuffed peppers or as a topping for crusty bread, giving the dish a delightful second life.
Skillet Lasagna Storage Pointers
Fridge Refresh Strategy: Transfer leftover lasagna to shallow containers to cool quickly and maintain optimal flavor quality. Smaller portions reheat more evenly and prevent potential bacterial growth.
Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking and organization.
Reheating Magic Trick: Add a splash of water or extra pasta sauce when warming to restore moisture and prevent dried-out edges. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly and maintain original creamy texture.
Smart Portion Planning: Prepare double batches and store extra servings for quick weeknight meals. Separate into single-serving containers for grab-and-go lunches or emergency dinner solutions.
Hearty skillet lasagna delivers a quick, one-pan twist on classic Italian comfort cooking. Cheesy layers of pasta, rich marinara, and seasoned ground beef create a satisfying meal for hungry families seeking convenience and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
2 lbs (907 g) ground beef
12 oz (340 g) bow-tie pasta, uncooked
24 oz (680 g) pasta sauce
2 cups (480 ml) water
½ cup (120 g) ricotta cheese
1 large egg
½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup (30 g) fresh spinach, chopped
½ cup (15 g) fresh basil, chopped
2 tsps garlic powder
3 tsps onion powder
2 tbsps all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Meat Preparation: Pulverize ground beef in a spacious skillet, infusing with garlic and onion powders. Sear over medium heat until meat caramelizes and releases excess fat.
Liquid Integration: Pour pasta sauce, uncooked bow-tie pasta, and water into the skillet. Thoroughly intermingle ingredients, creating a uniform mixture.
Pasta Cooking: Propel mixture to a rolling boil, then降低 heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and allow contents to converge, approximately 17-20 minutes, until pasta achieves perfect al dente texture.
Cheese Ensemble: Whisk ricotta, egg, spinach, basil, Parmesan, flour, remaining seasonings in a separate bowl. Blend until achieving a silky, homogeneous consistency.
Cheese Distribution: After pasta softens, delicately scatter ricotta mixture across skillet’s surface, creating creamy pockets throughout the dish.
Final Melding: Replace lid and permit cheese to set for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and intensify.
Serving & Storage: Plate lasagna immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan and fresh basil. Store leftovers in sealed container within refrigerator, consuming within three days and reheating gently.
Notes
Meat Browning Technique: Crumble ground beef into small pieces and caramelize thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavor and eliminate excess fat.
Pasta Cooking Precision: Ensure even sauce distribution and maintain gentle simmer to achieve perfect pasta texture without overcooking or becoming mushy.
Cheese Blend Balance: Whisk ricotta mixture completely to create smooth, well-integrated filling that enhances overall dish complexity and moisture.
Storage and Reheating Tips: Store in sealed container for maximum freshness, consuming within three days and reheating gently to maintain original taste and texture.
Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.
Sophie Martin
Co-Founder & Content Creator
Expertise
Education
Stellenbosch University, South Africa
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.