Cheesy Skillet Lasagna is a quick and delicious twist on the classic baked lasagna, made entirely in one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting meal brings all the hearty flavors of traditional lasagna—layered pasta, rich tomato sauce, seasoned ground meat, and gooey cheese—without the lengthy prep or cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Skillet Lasagna is a weeknight lifesaver. It’s fast, family-friendly, and doesn’t require turning on the oven. Using just one skillet, you’ll enjoy layers of cheesy, saucy goodness with minimal effort. It’s customizable, freezer-friendly, and tastes even better the next day. Plus, cleanup is a breeze thanks to the one-pan method.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef or Italian sausage
Onion
Garlic
Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

directions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant and softened.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the sauce. Stir to coat and ensure noodles are submerged.
Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the lasagna, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Swap ricotta for cottage cheese if you prefer.
Add chopped spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.
Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage.
Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free option.

storage/reheating

Let leftovers cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, or reheat in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying out.

FAQs

How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?

Stir the lasagna occasionally while simmering to prevent noodles from clumping or sticking to the skillet.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini or use a plant-based meat alternative.

What kind of skillet is best for this recipe?

A large, deep non-stick or cast-iron skillet with a lid works best to hold all the ingredients and cook evenly.

Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the simmering time slightly and add a bit more liquid to ensure they cook fully.

Is it possible to make this ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare it up to the cheese step, then refrigerate. Reheat in the skillet and add cheese just before serving.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese, mascarpone, or a béchamel sauce can be good substitutes for ricotta.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat while browning or use spicy Italian sausage.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure everything cooks evenly.

What if I don’t have lasagna noodles?

You can use other pasta types like rotini or penne, though it won’t have the layered feel of lasagna.

Can I bake this dish instead of using a skillet?

Yes. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish after step 4, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes.

Conclusion

Cheesy Skillet Lasagna is everything you love about lasagna—rich flavors, creamy cheese, and satisfying pasta—made simple in one pan. Whether you’re short on time or just craving comfort food without the fuss, this recipe delivers big taste with minimal mess. Give it a try, and it might just become your new weeknight favorite.