Lasagna doesn’t always have to be an all-day affair, especially when you have a skillet in your kitchen arsenal. This Quick and Easy Skillet Lasagna brings all the cheesy, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna to your table in half the time. Perfect for busy weeknights, it layers rich tomato sauce, savory ground beef, and creamy ricotta between tender noodles, all cooked together in one pan. Whether you’re a longtime lasagna lover or new to this classic dish, this recipe offers a speedy yet satisfying twist.
Steps
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat and cook half a pound of Italian sausage until browned. Add two cloves of minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Pour in a 24-ounce jar of pasta sauce, half a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a cup of water, stirring to mix everything together.
- Break nine lasagna noodles into pieces about one to two inches in size. Stir these noodle pieces into the sauce in the skillet.
- Cover the skillet with a lid, increase the heat to medium-high, and bring the sauce to a boil. Once boiling, stir briefly, replace the lid, and lower the heat to medium-low.
- Let the noodles simmer in the sauce, occasionally stirring, until they are tender, approximately 15 minutes. Add additional water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- In a separate bowl, mix together one cup of ricotta cheese, a quarter cup of grated Parmesan, a quarter teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of pepper.
- Place dollops of the ricotta mixture over the noodles in the skillet, then sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- To melt and slightly brown the cheese, place the skillet under your oven’s broiler for a few minutes, ensuring the skillet is oven-safe. Alternatively, cover with a lid and let it cook on medium-low until the cheese melts.
- Serve hot and enjoy your skillet lasagna, ideally with some crusty garlic bread for dipping.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces pasta sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2888 kcal | Carbohydrates: 240 g | Protein: 132 g | Fat: 156 g | Sodium: 6840 mg | Fiber: 20 g
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of Italian sausage?
- Absolutely! You can substitute the Italian sausage with ground beef, pork, or diced chicken. Just remember to add some extra seasoning to make up for the flavors lost by not using sausage.
- What other vegetables can I add to the skillet lasagna?
- You can incorporate a variety of sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, or eggplant. Just ensure you cook out most of the water from the vegetables to keep your lasagna from becoming too soupy.
- Is it possible to use a different pasta shape instead of lasagna noodles?
- Yes, you can use other pasta shapes if you prefer. However, keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.
- What can I serve with skillet lasagna to complete the meal?
- A light and simple side salad pairs wonderfully with skillet lasagna, and don’t forget some garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- How can I make the sauce spicier?
- To add a bit of spice to your sauce, consider incorporating a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Tips
- Choose Your Meat Wisely: If you wish to switch out the Italian sausage, consider using ground beef, pork, or diced chicken. Just ensure you compensate with extra spices to maintain the flavorful punch typically provided by Italian sausage.
- Preventing Soupy Lasagna: When adding vegetables, like zucchini or mushrooms, sauté them until most of their moisture evaporates. This step is crucial to avoid a watery consistency in your lasagna.
- Cheese Melting Tips: For a beautifully browned and melty cheese topping, use an oven-safe skillet and place it under the broiler. Keep a close watch to prevent burning. Alternatively, cover with a lid and allow the cheese to melt over medium-low heat on the stove.
- Experiment with Flavors: Spice up the sauce to your liking by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or using different store-bought sauces to explore varying flavors and heat levels.
Equipment
- Large Deep Skillet: An oven-safe skillet is necessary for cooking the lasagna and putting it under the broiler.
- Lid for Skillet: A lid is required to simmer the noodles in the sauce.
- Broiler-safe Skillet or Pan: If your skillet is not broiler-safe, you may need a special broiler-safe pan to melt and brown the cheese.
