Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food. But sometimes, spending hours layering noodles and waiting for it to bake just isn’t in the cards. That’s where skillet lasagna comes in! It’s fast, a little messy in the best way, and packed with all the saucy, cheesy goodness you love. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. This one pan dish has become a regular in my kitchen, and I hope it becomes one of your favorites, too.

Ingredient Notes
- Ground Beef: The hearty base that makes this dish filling and flavorful. I used a leaner cut 90/10.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings that classic lasagna flavor without any extra effort.
- Yellow Onion and Garlic: Adds depth and makes your kitchen smell amazing.
- Marinara Sauce: The saucy star of the dish—pick one you love for the best results. I used the Aldi brand sauce.
- Uncooked Lasagna Noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces, they cook right in the sauce. Use regular noodles NOT oven ready.
- Ricotta, Parmesan, and Mozzarella: The cheesy trifecta that makes this dish creamy, gooey, and irresistible.
- Fresh Basil: A bright, fresh garnish that adds the perfect finishing touch.
- Optional Add-Ins: Red pepper flakes for heat, or throw in some spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms if you’re feeling fancy.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these step by step visual instructions to make this recipe.
Step 1: Sauté the onions and garlic
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onions soften and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 2: Cook your ground beef
Add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
Step 3: Add the sauce and noodles
Pour in the marinara sauce and water, stirring to combine. Toss in the broken lasagna noodles and stir to submerge them fully.
Step 4: Let it simmer
Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through.
Step 5: Mix in the cheesy goodness
Stir in the shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Then dollop the ricotta cheese on top for that classic lasagna taste.
Step 6: Warm it all up
Cover again and let everything simmer for another 2 minutes, just enough to warm the ricotta.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle fresh basil on top, grab a plate, and dig in!
Find the measurements and full recipe below in the recipe card!
Storage Instructions
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but it reheats like a dream for easy next-day comfort food.
- Refrigerate: Let the lasagna cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or reheat the whole dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Freeze: If you want to freeze leftovers, skip the fresh basil garnish and pack the cooled lasagna in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. I like using Souper Cubes for freezing perfect portions.
- Thaw and Reheat: Defrost in the fridge overnight, then reheat as above.

Serving Suggestions
These easy sides turn skillet lasagna into a full, satisfying meal.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Pick up a box of frozen breadsticks (the kind that channel Olive Garden) and pop them in the oven or air fryer while your lasagna simmers. Perfect for dunking into that cheesy sauce.
- Side Salad: A simple mix of greens with a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch. Toss in some cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan, or croutons to make it feel extra special.
- Roasted Veggies: Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or even a medley of your favorite vegetables complement the rich flavors of the lasagna beautifully.
- Your Favorite Drink: Pair it with a glass of red wine, sparkling water with a twist of lime, or whatever makes dinner feel extra cozy.

Skillet Lasagna recipe
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4
Description
This one pan skillet lasagna dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt
- Pepper
- Italian seasoning
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 8 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add onions and garlic, and cook until the onions are softened.
- Add ground beef and break apart. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in marinara sauce and water. Bring to a low simmer and add lasagna noodles. Mix to submerge the noodles.
- Cover and continue simmering on low for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked.
- Mix in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Dollop the ricotta cheese on top.
- Cover and simmer for an additional 2 minutes, until the cheese is warmed.
- Garnish with chopped basil and enjoy!
Notes
- Sausage can be substituted for ground beef.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.