This easy one-pot cheesy beef lasagna skillet brings all the rich, savory flavors of traditional lasagna into a quick, weeknight-friendly version that I can make in just one pan. It’s loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese—all the things I love about lasagna, with none of the layering or baking fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe gives me all the comfort of classic lasagna without the time and cleanup it usually takes. Everything cooks in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and less hassle. The flavors are deep and satisfying, and the cheesy topping pulls everything together. It’s cozy, family-friendly, and always a hit at the table—especially when I need something hearty and delicious in a hurry.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ground beef
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Onion, diced
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Garlic, minced
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Italian seasoning
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Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
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Tomato paste
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Lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
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Water or beef broth
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Ricotta cheese (optional)
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Mozzarella cheese, shredded
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Parmesan cheese, grated
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Salt and black pepper
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
directions
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I start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
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I add the diced onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning.
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I mix in the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, letting the flavors blend for a minute.
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I pour in the water or broth and bring it to a simmer.
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I stir in the broken lasagna noodles, making sure they’re mostly submerged.
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I cover the skillet and let everything simmer for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and the sauce thickens.
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I stir in a spoonful of ricotta if using, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
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I cover the skillet again and cook for another 3–5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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I garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4–6 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to cook, making it ready in about 40 minutes total.
Variations
Sometimes I swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a twist. If I’m going meatless, I use lentils or sautéed mushrooms instead. I also like to sneak in veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. For a spicier version, I add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions or warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to keep the noodles soft. It also freezes well—I just cool it completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, I’ve used them successfully, but I make sure there’s enough liquid in the pan to cook them through evenly.
What if I don’t have lasagna noodles?
I break up any short pasta like penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. The taste is just as great.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. I often make it earlier in the day, then just reheat and melt the cheese again right before serving.
Do I have to use ricotta?
Not at all. I’ve skipped it or replaced it with cottage cheese, and it still turns out rich and creamy.
How do I keep the noodles from sticking?
I stir occasionally while it simmers and make sure the noodles are evenly spread out and covered with sauce.
Conclusion
This easy one-pot cheesy beef lasagna skillet is a game-changer for when I’m craving lasagna but don’t want the work. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor—everything I love in a classic lasagna, simplified into a fast and satisfying skillet meal. Once I made it this way, it quickly became one of my go-to comfort dinners.
Print
Easy One-Pot Cheesy Beef Lasagna Skillet – A Comfort Food Classic Made Simple
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Skillet Meals
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy One-Pot Cheesy Beef Lasagna Skillet delivers all the rich, comforting flavors of classic lasagna in a fast, weeknight-friendly one-pan meal. Made with seasoned ground beef, crushed tomatoes, tender noodles, and melted cheeses, it’s the ultimate comfort food—without the layering, baking, or cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes or 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 6–8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
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Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning.
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Add tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Stir and let cook for 1–2 minutes.
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Pour in water or broth and bring to a simmer.
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Add broken lasagna noodles, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
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Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender and sauce has thickened.
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Stir in ricotta, if using. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
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Cover and cook another 3–5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with turkey, sausage, lentils, or mushrooms.
- Add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Use red pepper flakes or spicy sausage for heat.
- Replace lasagna noodles with any short pasta if needed.
- Skillet reheats well with a splash of water to keep noodles soft.
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