Say Goodbye to Weeknight Dinner Stress with This Skillet Lasagna
Weeknights are busy, and the last thing you want to deal with is a complicated, time-consuming dinner recipe. Between homework, extracurricular activities, and work deadlines, finding a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love can feel impossible. But what if I told you there’s a way to enjoy the comforting flavors of lasagna without the hours of prep and baking time? Introducing the Skillet Lasagna – a fast, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, and surprisingly satisfying!
Forget layered casseroles and hours in the oven. This recipe simplifies the classic lasagna into a single skillet wonder, resulting in a deliciously cheesy, meaty, and satisfying dinner that’s ready in under 45 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for those nights when you need a quick and easy meal without sacrificing flavor. This easy skillet lasagna is so versatile; you can easily adapt it to your preferences by swapping out ingredients or adding your favorite veggies.
This recipe is not only incredibly easy, but it’s also a great way to use up leftover ingredients. Got some ground beef hanging around? Perfect! Have some extra vegetables you need to use? Toss them in! The beauty of this one-pan wonder is its adaptability. So ditch the complicated recipes and embrace the simplicity of this Skillet Lasagna.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb Ground Beef: The foundation of our flavorful lasagna filling. Lean ground beef is preferred for a healthier option.
- 1 Onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the meat sauce. White or yellow onions work well.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced: A key ingredient for adding that signature garlicky aroma and flavor.
- 28 oz Can Crushed Tomatoes: The base of our rich and flavorful sauce. Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best taste.
- 15 oz Can Tomato Sauce: Adds extra depth and richness to the tomato sauce.
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano: Adds a warm, slightly earthy flavor to the sauce.
- 1 tsp Dried Basil: Adds a slightly sweet and peppery flavor to complement the oregano.
- 1/2 tsp Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice and complexity.
- 9 Lasagna Noodles, broken into thirds: Using broken noodles helps them fit perfectly into the skillet and cook evenly.
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the lasagna. Whole milk ricotta is recommended.
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, sharp flavor and texture.
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The perfect melty topping for our skillet lasagna.
How to Make It
- Brown the ground beef in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Break the lasagna noodles into thirds and layer them over the meat sauce in the skillet. Make sure they’re somewhat evenly distributed.
- In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and parmesan cheese. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the lasagna noodles.
- Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the noodles are tender.
- Let the skillet lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little kick!
Serving Suggestions
This Skillet Lasagna is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it even further with some simple additions. A side salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich lasagna. Garlic bread is another classic pairing that complements the cheesy, meaty flavors perfectly. A simple green salad or some steamed green beans also make a healthy and delicious side.
Enjoy this quick, easy, and incredibly delicious Skillet Lasagna! It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, and a recipe the whole family will love. Remember to share your culinary creations with us by tagging us on social media! We can’t wait to see your amazing skillet lasagna!
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