Why Make This Recipe
Skillet Lasagna is a fantastic dish that combines the classic flavors of traditional lasagna but in a much quicker and simpler form. Many people enjoy lasagna for its rich, comforting flavor, but making it can often require a lot of time and effort. This skillet version allows you to enjoy all the delicious layers without all the fuss. If you’re looking for a hearty meal that can be made in one pan and is ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for you! It’s also a great way to include veggies like fresh spinach, making it a well-rounded dish for family dinners.
How to Make Skillet Lasagna
Making Skillet Lasagna is straightforward and can easily be achieved with just a few ingredients and steps. Here’s a detailed look at how to make this delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. This will create a nice base for cooking the meat.
Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the beef until it’s browned all over. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks for an even texture.
Prepare the noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into pieces. This can be done by hand and doesn’t have to be uniform — just aim for smaller pieces that will fit well into the skillet.
Combine with sauce: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the skillet along with the marinara sauce. Stir everything together evenly to make sure the noodles are well coated.
Add water: Pour in enough water to just cover the noodles. This usually takes about 2 cups. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cook the noodles: Once it’s simmering, cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Add spinach: After the noodles are tender, stir in the fresh spinach. Cook until it has wilted, which will only take a few minutes. This adds both color and nutrition to your dish.
Top with cheese: Now it’s time to make it cheesy! Top the skillet with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Cover the skillet again and let it cook for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot: Once the cheese is melted and everything is heated through, your Skillet Lasagna is ready to be served. Enjoy it hot!
How to Serve Skillet Lasagna
Skillet Lasagna can be served directly from the skillet to the table, making it a very casual and friendly dish for family gatherings or dinner parties. You can garnish it with fresh basil or parsley for an added touch of flavor and color if you’d like. Serve it with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. If you’re feeling indulgent, adding a dollop of ricotta cheese on top when serving can elevate its richness.
How to Store Skillet Lasagna
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing Skillet Lasagna is quite easy. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Put the cooled Skillet Lasagna in a freezer-safe container and it should keep for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat the frozen lasagna, you can thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the skillet or microwave.
Tips to Make Skillet Lasagna
Beef Alternatives: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try adding mushrooms, lentils, or extra vegetables in place of the meat.
Sauce Varieties: Experiment with different flavors of marinara sauce. A spicy version can add a kick to the dish, or you can even use a homemade sauce if you prefer.
Extra Cheese: Don’t be shy about the cheese. If you love a cheesy lasagna, feel free to add more mozzarella or even a mix of different cheeses like provolone or gouda for extra flavor.
Make Ahead: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Brown the beef and have the noodles and sauce ready, so when it’s time to cook, it will come together quickly.
Serving Size: Adjust the proportions of the ingredients if you’re cooking for a smaller or larger group. Just keep the ratios balanced.
Variation
One variation you can try with Skillet Lasagna is adding vegetables. Consider incorporating bell peppers, zucchini, or even roasted red peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. You may also want to switch up the type of cheese by including ricotta or feta for a different texture. Another fun idea is to layer in some pesto for added depth and complexity to the lasagna flavor.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, if you prefer the convenience of no-boil lasagna noodles, you can use them! Just remember that you will need to add a bit more water to ensure the noodles cook properly.
Is Skillet Lasagna healthy?
Skillet Lasagna can be healthy depending on your choice of ingredients. By using lean ground beef or a meat alternative, whole grain noodles, and lots of fresh vegetables, you can make it a nutritious meal.
How can I make it gluten-free?
To make Skillet Lasagna gluten-free, substitute the regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer delicious gluten-free options that cook similarly to traditional pasta.
How do I know when the noodles are done?
The noodles should be tender but still firm to the bite when they are done cooking. This texture is called "al dente." To check, simply taste a piece from the skillet!
Skillet Lasagna is a delicious and practical dish that offers all the joys of traditional lasagna but without the hassle. Try making it for your family and watch them enjoy every bite!
Print
Skillet Lasagna
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and simple version of classic lasagna made in one skillet with layers of noodles, meat, and cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 oz lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Break lasagna noodles into pieces and add to the skillet.
- Stir in marinara sauce, ensuring noodles are coated.
- Add enough water to cover the noodles, usually about 2 cups, and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until noodles are tender.
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then cover until melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Notes
Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option or add extra vegetables for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: skillet lasagna, easy dinner, one pan meal, Italian food, quick recipe