Name: Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (or ground chicken, Italian sausage, or ground turkey); Optional: 1 cup sliced mushrooms; Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach; 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 8 ounces regular lasagna noodles, boiled and drained (can use dry oven-ready or gluten-free noodles with added liquid as needed); 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese as an alternative); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup dry white wine (optional, for deglazing); 1 cup beef or chicken broth (can substitute with water); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 33 reviews

If you’re craving the comforting, rich layers of classic lasagna but want a quicker, fuss-free way to get there, this Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It captures all the cozy, cheesy goodness in one pan, without the need for baking and endless dishes. With a perfect balance of savory meat, tangy tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and tender noodles, it’s a weeknight winner that you can customize anytime, making the entire family happy and your kitchen stress-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black pan with tomato sauce and mushrooms as the base layer, rich red and chunky in texture, filling the pan almost to the top. On top, there is a second layer of dry rectangular lasagna pasta sheets, golden yellow with wavy edges, scattered unevenly across the sauce. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, and in the corner, there is a glass container with shredded white cheese partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because it uses straightforward, accessible ingredients that each bring something special to the table—from the savory depth of ground beef to the creamy richness of ricotta cheese. Every ingredient plays a key role in creating that classic lasagna flavor and satisfying texture, so don’t skip the little details!

Ground beef: Provides hearty flavor and a satisfying meaty texture, but you can substitute with ground chicken, turkey, Italian sausage, or go vegetarian with added veggies.
Mushrooms and spinach: These add earthiness and freshness, which balance the richness beautifully; feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables.
Tomato sauce & tomato paste: Marinara sauce forms the tangy, savory base, and tomato paste boosts the robustness for a luscious sauce.
Lasagna noodles: Regular noodles require boiling, but you can use oven-ready or gluten-free varieties—just keep in mind how much liquid they absorb.
Ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses: This classic cheese trio creates creamy, melty layers; swap out for low-fat or cottage cheese if you prefer, and adjust quantities to your taste.
Italian seasoning and chili flakes: Add aromatic, herbaceous notes and a gentle kick of heat to round out the flavors.
Wine and broth: Wine deglazes the pan for complexity, while broth keeps everything moist; both can be omitted or swapped for water if needed.

How to Make Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Vegetables

Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and adding ground beef, breaking it up until fully browned and cooked through. This step builds the savory base of your lasagna. Add mushrooms and spinach at the end to soften and meld their flavors into the meat mixture.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pan and Simmer the Sauce

Pour in wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those wonderful browned bits stuck to the bottom—they pack intense flavor! Then stir in your marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently to thicken and deepen in flavor, making it beautifully rich and fragrant.

Step 3: Prepare the Lasagna Noodles

While your sauce simmers, cook the lasagna noodles until they’re al dente. This ensures that when they finish cooking in the skillet, they hold just the right texture—not too soft or mushy. If you’re using oven-ready noodles, skip boiling but check your liquid levels carefully during the next step.

Step 4: Layer Everything in the Skillet

Remove a portion of the meat sauce to the side, then layer the noodles, meat sauce, dollops of ricotta, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan. This layering mimics the classic lasagna look and flavor but in a much simpler pan.

Step 5: Cook the Lasagna in the Skillet

Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook over low heat for about 20 minutes. This gentle simmer allows all the layers to meld, the cheese to melt perfectly, and the noodles to soak up flavors. Keep the heat low to avoid burning the bottom while ensuring everything is heated through.

How to Serve Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe

The image shows a skillet filled with a layered lasagna. The bottom layer is a rich red tomato sauce mixed with browned ground meat visible around the edges. On top of the sauce are wide, wavy-edged pasta sheets that are golden in places from baking. Over the pasta, there are creamy white dollops of ricotta cheese, melted golden mozzarella scattered unevenly across, and a sprinkling of chopped green herbs for freshness. One portion has been scooped out with a metal serving spoon, revealing the layers inside with tomato sauce, pasta, and cheese. The skillet rests on a white marbled surface with a white cloth towel Iined with red stripes. A white plate in the top right corner holds a small serving of the lasagna garnished with green leaves. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley brightens the dish beautifully and adds a fresh, herbal note. For an extra punch, top with a light drizzle of good olive oil or a grating of extra Parmesan right before serving to take it over the top.

Side Dishes

Pair this skillet lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty bread is always a welcome companion, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that exquisite sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the lasagna directly from the skillet for a rustic, family-style feel that makes everyone feel welcome at the table. Alternatively, plate individual portions topped with a colorful side of roasted vegetables or lightly sautéed greens for a beautiful contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover skillet lasagna to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers a delightful lunch or dinner option.

Freezing

This Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe freezes well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor preservation.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if the lasagna seems dry to help revive the creamy, saucy texture.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the ground beef and add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. You can also use a plant-based meat alternative if you want the texture without the meat.

Do I have to use wine in the recipe?

Wine is optional but adds wonderful depth to the sauce. If you prefer, simply substitute with extra broth or water without sacrificing overall flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the skillet lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate it, then cook it fresh when you’re ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

Ricotta adds creaminess, but cottage cheese is a fine substitute. You could also blend cream cheese or mascarpone into the mix for a different but delicious twist.

How spicy is this recipe with chili flakes?

The chili flakes add just a gentle background heat. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, simple, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd with minimal cleanup, it delivers all the classic lasagna flavors with a fraction of the fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!