This Skillet Lasagna delivers everything you expect from a classic baked lasagna but simplifies the method into one pan. The sauce cooks directly in the skillet, the noodles soften as they simmer, and the cheese melts into a rich, hearty finish. With no boiling and no oven time, it’s a reliable recipe for weeknights when you want comfort food without extra steps or cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Skillet Lasagna
One-Pan Process
The entire recipe comes together in a single skillet, from browning the meat to melting the cheese.
Classic Lasagna Flavor
You still get saucy layers, tender noodles, and a creamy cheese mixture without traditional assembly.
Weeknight-Friendly
No-boil noodles cook directly in the sauce, reducing total prep and cooking time.
Easy to Personalize
Swap meats, add vegetables, or use a different cheese blend to suit your style.
Consistent Texture
A skillet distributes heat evenly, helping the noodles cook gently while the sauce reduces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Meat Sauce
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 onion, diced
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz marinara sauce
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Lasagna Layers
9–12 no-boil lasagna noodles
8 oz ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
Fresh basil or red pepper flakes for serving
Tools You’ll Need
12-inch skillet with lid
Spatula or wooden spoon
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Skillet Lasagna
Before You Begin:
Prepare and gather your cookware and ingredients before starting. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your stove, skillet size, and ingredient thickness.
1. Brown the Meat
Cook ground beef or sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up, until no longer pink and cooked through. Cooking time may vary. Drain excess fat.
2. Add Aromatics
Stir in onion and garlic. Cook until softened.
3. Simmer the Sauce
Add marinara and Italian seasoning. Reduce heat and simmer 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Begin Layering
Spread a thin layer of sauce across the bottom of the skillet.
Break no-boil noodles as needed to create a full layer.
5. Add Cheese
Spread half of the ricotta over the noodles. Add a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan, if using.
6. Repeat
Add more sauce, another noodle layer, and the remaining ricotta and mozzarella.
7. Final Layer
Top with the remaining sauce and a final handful of mozzarella.
8. Cook
Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat for about 25–30 minutes, until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted. Cooking time may vary depending on skillet size and heat level.
9. Rest and Serve
Let the lasagna rest for 5–10 minutes. Finish with basil or red pepper flakes.
How to Serve Skillet Lasagna
Pairs well with:
Garlic bread
Mixed green salad
Roasted vegetables
Steamed broccoli or asparagus
Serving directly from the skillet keeps everything warm and makes portioning simple.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat:
- Oven: 350°F for 15–20 minutes, covered, until heated through
- Skillet: Medium heat with a splash of water, stirring occasionally
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between rounds. Reheating time may vary depending on portion size and microwave power.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Sauce too thin: Simmer longer before layering.
Heat too high: Medium-low prevents sticking and scorching.
Noodles overcrowded: Leave space for steam and sauce circulation.
Skipping the rest time: Cooling helps the layers set for clean slices.
FAQ
1. Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil?
Yes. Break them into pieces so they fit the skillet. Add a little extra water or sauce to ensure they soften properly. No-boil noodles usually give the most dependable results, but traditional noodles work with added moisture.
2. How do I prevent the lasagna from sticking?
Always begin with a thin layer of sauce before adding the noodles. This creates a buffer between the noodles and the skillet surface and helps everything release cleanly once cooked.
3. Can I substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat?
Yes. Turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles can replace beef or sausage. If using a leaner protein, add a small amount of olive oil to help it brown evenly and maintain moisture.
4. Why are my noodles still firm after cooking?
They may need a few additional minutes. Keep the skillet covered to trap steam, which helps soften the noodles. If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a small splash of water and continue simmering.
5. Can I assemble this ahead of time?
Yes. Layer the lasagna in the skillet, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes of cooking time if starting from cold.
6. How do I keep the lasagna from becoming watery?
Simmer the sauce until it thickens before layering. This helps prevent excess moisture and leads to a firmer finished dish.
7. Which cheeses melt best in skillet lasagna?
Mozzarella melts smoothly, ricotta adds creaminess, and Parmesan contributes savory flavor. Fontina or provolone can also be used for added richness.
Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients
Method
- Before You Begin:
- Prepare and gather your cookware and ingredients before starting. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your stove, skillet size, and ingredient thickness.
- Cook ground beef or sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up, until no longer pink and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
- Stir in marinara and seasoning. Simmer 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce in the skillet. Add noodles.
- Spread half the ricotta, then mozzarella and Parmesan if using.
- Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and mozzarella.
- Cover and cook over medium-low heat 25–30 minutes, until noodles are tender and cheese is melted.
- Rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Notes (Time)
Prep Time: About 15 minutes, including chopping the onion and garlic, browning the meat, and measuring ingredients. Prep time may vary depending on knife skills and ingredient preparation.Sauce Simmer Time: Allow 10–15 minutes for the meat sauce to simmer and slightly thicken before layering. Simmering time may vary depending on sauce thickness and stovetop heat.Covered Skillet Cook Time: After layering, cook the lasagna covered over medium-low heat for about 25–30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the cheese is fully melted. Cooking time may vary depending on skillet size, heat level, and noodle brand.Rest Time: Let the skillet lasagna rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Resting time helps the layers set and makes serving easier.Total Time: Approximately 50–60 minutes from start to finish, including prep, cooking, and resting time.
About the Author
Isaac shares easy, family-friendly recipes made with simple ingredients, focusing on clear instructions and reliable results for everyday home cooking.
