If you have a soft spot for comfort food but crave a hassle-free meal, this One Skillet Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It captures all the rich, cheesy, tomato goodness of traditional lasagna but cleverly skips the fuss of layering and multiple pans. Using just one skillet, you’ll get tender pasta perfectly cooked in a luscious sauce, savory ground beef seasoned just right, and a melty, cheesy finish. This dish transforms weeknight dinners (or any day you need a warm hug on a plate) into a joyful, satisfying feast that’s quick enough for busy schedules but full enough to impress anyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One Skillet Lasagna Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the browned ground beef bringing meaty depth, to the Italian seasonings adding aromatic warmth, and the mozzarella creating that inviting gooey texture. Fresh or pantry staples combine effortlessly to create a dish bursting with flavor and color.
- 1/2 tablespoon oil: Helps brown the beef evenly without sticking, starting your dish on the right note.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein base giving richness and satisfying texture.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance every other ingredient’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that layers in classic Mediterranean herbs.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce’s richness.
- 2-3 cups water (or broth): The liquid that tenderly cooks the pasta and melds all flavors.
- 1-2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules: Boosts savory depth—feel free to swap beef bouillon if you prefer.
- 1 (24-oz) jar tomato basil sauce: The heart of the sauce, bringing bright tomato notes with a hint of basil.
- 1 (12-oz) box bowtie pasta (uncooked): Pasta that holds the sauce perfectly and cooks right in the skillet.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic lasagna gooey texture.
- 4 heaping tablespoons cottage cheese: Adds creamy tang and a lighter contrast to the mozzarella.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty flavor and a wonderful finishing touch.
How to Make One Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned and crumbled. This step is crucial because properly browned meat develops incredible flavor and texture. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from feeling greasy. Then, stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and tomato paste. The tomato paste blends with the beef and seasonings to form a savory, richly flavored base that kicks this dish off perfectly.
Step 2: Add the Liquids and Sauce
Next, pour in about 2 cups of water along with the chicken bouillon granules to deepen the broth flavor—feel free to substitute broth here to skip adding bouillon. Then stir in the jarred tomato basil sauce. Bring this flavorful mixture to a boil. This bubbling tomato mixture is what cooks the pasta and infuses it with taste, creating the luscious, saucy foundation of your skillet lasagna.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Once boiling, stir in the uncooked bowtie pasta so it’s evenly distributed. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low, allowing the pasta to cook gently in the simmering sauce for 12 to 14 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally, but sparingly—this prevents sticking without turning the pasta mushy or releasing too much starch. If you notice the pasta absorbing all the liquid too quickly, add more water in small 1/4-cup additions as needed. This step ensures your pasta comes out tender with just the right amount of saucy cling.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese
When the pasta is perfectly tender and the sauce is thick and bubbling, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and cover the skillet to let it melt and become deliciously gooey. Meanwhile, mix the cottage cheese and grated parmesan together. Dollop this creamy, flavorful cheese combo over the lasagna right in the skillet before serving. This final cheese layer adds an extra richness and a lovely textural contrast that makes this One Skillet Lasagna Recipe feel indulgent yet effortless.
How to Serve One Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your skillet lasagna visually and flavor-wise, fresh garnishes work wonders. A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley adds an inviting pop of color and herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. A few cracked black pepper twists and a light dusting of extra parmesan can also finish the dish beautifully. These simple touches turn the dish from cozy casserole to show-stopping dinner.
Side Dishes
Although this one skillet meal is quite complete, pairing it with crisp, refreshing sides balances the plate nicely. A green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette provides a bright contrast, and garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, also bring freshness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual family dinners or entertaining friends, serve the skillet directly on the table—nothing says comfort food like sharing a steaming, cheesy pan right where everyone can dig in. Use colorful plates to make the vibrant red sauce and golden cheese pop. You can also scoop portions into individual ramekins for a fancier presentation if you want to elevate the experience without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Skillet Lasagna Recipe keeps very well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh and prevent the pasta from drying out. When you reheat it, the sauce and cheese will still feel creamy and satisfying.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover portions in sealed freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze in individual portions so you can thaw just what you need. Before freezing, let the lasagna cool completely to avoid condensation building ice crystals that affect texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the lasagna in a microwave-safe dish and warm on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring gently between to distribute heat and avoid drying out the pasta. Alternatively, warm it covered in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickened too much. This keeps the dish moist and melty just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is recommended because it cooks evenly and holds sauce well, you can swap in penne, rotini, or even shells. Just keep an eye on cook times since different shapes vary slightly in how quickly they cook through.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and substitute a plant-based ground meat or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for heartiness. You can also use vegetable broth instead of bouillon and broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
Why should I avoid stirring the pasta too much during cooking?
Excessive stirring releases starch from the pasta, which can make the sauce overly thick and the texture gummy or mushy. Gentle occasional stirring prevents sticking without compromising the silky sauce consistency that makes this dish so delightful.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of jarred sauce?
Fresh tomatoes can work if you have the time to simmer them down into a thick sauce, but for convenience and consistent flavor, a good quality jar of tomato basil sauce is the best choice. It adds the perfect balance of sweetness and herb notes for this recipe.
What’s the best way to make sure the cheese melts perfectly?
After cooking the pasta, stirring in the mozzarella cheese while the skillet is still warm and then covering it allows that lovely melty texture to develop evenly. Adding the cottage and parmesan cheeses on top at the end adds flavor without making the dish too dense.
Final Thoughts
This One Skillet Lasagna Recipe is truly a kitchen game-changer. It takes all the classic flavors you love about lasagna and simplifies the process so anyone can whip it up without stress or mess. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a casual meal with friends, this recipe delivers comforting satisfaction with minimal effort. Give it a try—you’re going to be amazed how easily this skillet transforms into your new favorite lasagna tradition.
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One Skillet Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This easy One Skillet Lasagna recipe combines all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna with the convenience of a single pan. Ground beef is browned and simmered with tomato sauce, broth, and seasonings, then cooked with bowtie pasta directly in the sauce for a one-pot meal. The dish is finished with melted mozzarella and a blend of cottage and parmesan cheese, making a delicious, quick dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1/2 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Liquids and Bases
- 2–3 cups water (or broth as preferred)
- 1–2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules (or beef bouillon granules as preferred)
- 1 (24-oz) jar tomato basil sauce
Pasta
- 1 (12-oz) box bowtie pasta (uncooked)
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 heaping tablespoons cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat. Stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and tomato paste, mixing well to combine and enhance the beef’s flavor.
- Add liquids: Pour in 2 cups of water (or broth), add the chicken bouillon granules, and then stir in the tomato basil sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil to combine all flavors and prepare for the pasta cooking.
- Cook pasta: Stir in the uncooked bowtie pasta, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally but not too much to avoid mushiness. If the pasta absorbs too much liquid and becomes too dry, add more water, 1/4 cup at a time as needed, until the pasta is tender and fully cooked.
- Finish: Remove the skillet from heat once the pasta is cooked. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and cover to allow it to melt. In a small bowl, combine the cottage cheese and grated parmesan. Spoon this cheese mixture evenly over the skillet lasagna just before serving for a creamy, cheesy finish.
Notes
- Use broth instead of water for deeper flavor and omit bouillon if using broth.
- Avoid excessive stirring to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy and releasing too much starch.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a variation.
- The cheese topping can be customized with ricotta for a more traditional lasagna texture.
- Covering the skillet while melting the cheese ensures even melting without drying out the dish.
