Name: Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ pound lean ground beef; ½ pound sweet Italian sausage, small chopped; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 9 full size lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces about 1 to 1½ inches; 23.75 ounce jarred pasta sauce; 1½ cups water; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 8 ounce cup ricotta cheese; ⅓ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper; 1¼ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil

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If you’re anything like me, there’s something incredibly comforting about classic lasagna—but without all the fuss of layering noodles and baking forever. That’s exactly why I adore this Skillet Lasagna Recipe. It’s like all the rich, cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna but cooked in one pan—saving you time without skimping on flavor. Honestly, it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without the mess.

What makes this Skillet Lasagna Recipe truly special is how effortlessly it comes together. The broken noodles cook right in the sauce alongside savory ground beef and sweet Italian sausage, soaking up every bit of that tomatoey goodness. You get that classic lasagna experience with perfect layers of cheese and basil, all in a fraction of the time. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to comfort dish too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this skillet lasagna recipe is pretty straightforward, but together they create such a balanced and flavorful dish. When shopping, look for good-quality Italian sausage and fresh basil—they really make a difference. Also, using a jarred pasta sauce you love will save time and add depth to the dish.

Lean ground beef: Use 90% lean or higher to keep this dish from getting greasy but still flavorful.
Sweet Italian sausage: Adds a touch of spice and sweetness; small-chopped is perfect for even cooking.
Minced garlic: Fresh is best here for that fragrant, intense flavor.
Lasagna noodles: Breaking them into 1 to 1½ inch pieces helps them cook evenly in the skillet.
Jarred pasta sauce: Pick your favorite brand or homemade if you’re feeling fancy.
Water: Keeps the noodles cooking perfectly in the sauce.
Italian seasoning: A blend that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch if you want a tiny kick of heat.
Ricotta cheese: Creates that creamy, dreamy layer typical of classic lasagna.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty bite that complements the ricotta.
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient.
Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts evenly for that gooey finish.
Fresh basil: Brightens up the whole dish and adds freshness at the end.

Variations

What I love about this Skillet Lasagna Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you want to lighten it up or make it more indulgent, there’s room for creativity. Mix and match based on what you have or what you’re craving.

Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef and sausage for hearty mushrooms, zucchini, or a mix of your favorite veggies. I’ve made it with sautéed mushrooms and spinach before, and it’s just as satisfying.
Spicy Upgrade: Add extra crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for more heat. If you like a little kick, this tweak wakes up the dish nicely.
Cheese Lovers: Double up on the mozzarella or add provolone. Once, I even sprinkled some fresh mozzarella underneath the ricotta dollops for extra gooey layers.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free broken noodles or pasta shapes, but keep an eye on cooking time as they might soften a little faster.

How to Make Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Brown Your Meat

Start by heating a 10 to 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and chopped Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks, stirring often for even browning. Once the meat is no longer pink, drain any excess grease — this keeps your lasagna from being oily — then return the skillet to the heat.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Build Your Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Stir it around for about a minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn, or the sauce will taste bitter. Next, toss in the broken lasagna noodles, jarred pasta sauce, water, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Mix everything together until the noodles are submerged in the sauce.

Step 3: Simmer Until Tender

Cover the skillet, letting the sauce come to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. Stir often—this is key to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom. If it gets too thick before the noodles are done, add up to half a cup of water. The noodles will absorb the liquid, becoming tender and saucy all at once.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Mixture

While the lasagna simmers, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded parmesan, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This creamy mix is the heart of the cheesy layers, so make sure it’s well combined and seasoned.

Step 5: Layer and Melt the Cheese

Once the noodles are soft and your sauce has thickened nicely, spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the top. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly across the skillet. Turn the heat to low, cover again, and cook just until the cheese melts and turns bubbly — about 5 to 8 minutes. This step is pure magic, turning the skillet into a cheesy, cohesive lasagna.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Basil

Right before serving, sprinkle the minced fresh basil over the lasagna. The basil adds a bright, herbal note that really cuts through the richness and makes each bite pop. Now, dig in!

How to Serve Skillet Lasagna Recipe

A close-up view of a lasagna in a silver pan on a white marbled surface, showing multiple layers: at the bottom, a rich deep red tomato meat sauce with visible ground meat, followed by wavy, curled pasta sheets in golden-yellow color soaked in sauce, topped with creamy white ricotta cheese and melted mozzarella cheese with light golden brown spots and some green herb sprinkles. A wooden spoon lifts a portion with melted cheese strings stretching from the pan, showing the textured meat sauce and soft pasta layers. In the background, there are white marbled tiles and blurred dark plates stacked with silver forks resting on top, along with small bowls with spices. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top my skillet lasagna with fresh basil because it adds that perfect pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, I’ll throw on a sprinkle of extra parmesan or a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes for a little extra heat and texture. These finishing touches brighten the dish and make it feel a bit more special.

Side Dishes

For sides, nothing beats a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the creamy richness of the skillet lasagna. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also great if you want to keep things classic and carb-friendly. I’ve even served it alongside roasted veggies for a lighter meal that still feels hearty.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve had friends over, I’ve set the skillet right on the table for a rustic, family-style meal. It’s so cozy and inviting to scoop out lasagna directly from the pan. For special occasions, I sometimes serve it in individual mini skillets or oven-safe dishes so everyone gets their own cheesy, bubbly portion. It’s a fun twist that feels extra thoughtful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it’s completely cooled, I like to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for about 3 to 4 days. When I pack it, I try to keep the cheese layer intact on top to preserve the texture as much as possible.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this skillet lasagna freezes wonderfully. Just cool it fully, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or wrap the skillet tightly with foil and plastic wrap. I’ve had great success freezing for up to 2 months. It’s a lifesaver to have ready-made comfort food on hand! Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I prefer reheating leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat with the lid on. This keeps the moisture in and brings the cheese back to that melty goodness without drying out the noodles. If I’m in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in 1-2 minute increments, stirring gently to keep it even.

FAQs

Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of broken pieces?

Regular lasagna noodles can be tricky because they usually need more space and water to cook evenly without sticking together. Breaking them into smaller pieces helps them cook in the skillet more uniformly. If you want to use whole noodles, cooking them separately and layering might be a better option.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily swap the ground beef and Italian sausage for vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Sauté them until tender before adding the sauce and noodles. This keeps the skillet lasagna just as hearty and satisfying.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking to the skillet?

Stirring often during the simmering process is key. Also, make sure there is enough liquid in the skillet so the noodles cook in sauce rather than drying out. If it looks too thick, add a little water, up to half a cup, as needed.
Can I use this Skillet Lasagna Recipe for meal prep?

Yes! It reheats really well and can be portioned out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just store in airtight containers and reheat gently to keep that cheesy texture intact.

Final Thoughts

This Skillet Lasagna Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines everything I love about traditional lasagna with a simple, fuss-free cooking method. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want a comforting homemade meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I genuinely think you’ll enjoy how approachable and delicious it is—it might just become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Give it a try and make it your own—you’re gonna love how easy and flavorful it turns out!