Quick and Easy Skillet Lasagna

Skillet Lasagna

🍝🔥 Skillet Lasagna — Comfort Food With a One‑Pan Glow‑Up

Golden mozzarella, creamy ricotta, and saucy noodles all bubbling together in one skillet — this Skillet Lasagna is proof that weeknight dinners can be both easy and fabulous.

Lasagna is the Beyoncé of pasta dishes. It’s layered, it’s dramatic, it’s indulgent. But let’s be real: traditional lasagna can feel like a full‑time job. Boil noodles, make sauce, layer everything, bake forever… and then you still have a mountain of dishes glaring at you.

Enter Skillet Lasagna — the weeknight hero. Same cozy flavors, same cheesy satisfaction, but streamlined into one skillet. Hamburger, onion, garlic, marinara, and Italian seasoning create a rich base. Lasagna noodles simmer right in the sauce (no separate pot drama). Then we finish with ricotta dollops, mozzarella slices, Parmesan sprinkles, and a basil crown. It’s rustic, it’s hearty, and it’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve hacked the system.

Why this recipe is a keeper:

One‑pan wonder — fewer dishes, more joy.
Flavor explosion — saucy, cheesy, herby goodness.
Family‑friendly — picky eaters don’t stand a chance.
Make‑ahead friendly — reheats beautifully.
Instagram‑worthy — melty mozzarella deserves a close‑up.

💬 Reader prompt: Are you team “classic layered lasagna” or team “skillet shortcut all the way”?

I’m obsessed with skillet dinners like this Skillet Lasagna for their easy preparation and clean up. They make the perfect weeknight meal as this recipe is family friendly and ready to eat in about 30 minutes! Plus they are perfect in this hot Summer weather!

CAHNGE UP THE RECIPE:

You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You can also use ground Italian sausage for a different flavor.

If you don’t like the flavor or texture of cottage cheese you can use ricotta.

Veggies would be amazing in this!

CONSIDER TRYING THESE POPULAR PASTA RECIPES:

bow tie sausage pasta

chicken penne pasta

cajun chicken pasta

easy creamy tomato pasta

Ingredients

1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 lb. hamburger

1 onion, chopped

2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced

black pepper, to taste

1 32 ounces of marinara

1 tbsp. Italian seasoning

14 lasagna noodles ( not no-boil)

3 tbsp. butter

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup sliced fresh mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

small basil leaves, for topping (optional)

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the hamburger, onion and garlic and season with ½ teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the hamburger is browned and the onion is tender and lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper to taste. Stir, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until beginning to thicken, 10 to 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, break each lasagna noodle into 3 or 4 pieces (they don’t have to be even). Add to the boiling water and cook, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
Add the butter and parmesan to the sauce and stir until it’s all combined and melted. Throw in the cooked lasagna noodles and ½ cup of the reserved cooking water; stir to combine, adding the rest of the reserved cooking water as needed so the noodles are well coated and a bit saucy. Add the mozzarella and stir until softened but not fully melted.
Remove the skillet from the heat and dollop the ricotta all over the top. Sprinkle with basil leaves.

🔢 Calorie Count (Per Serving, Serves 6)

Calories: ~420
Protein: 24g
Carbs: 38g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g

🥕 Nutritional Facts & Fun

Hamburger: Protein + iron + hearty flavor.
Onion & garlic: Flavor depth + antioxidants.
Marinara: Tomatoes = lycopene + cozy vibes.
Noodles: Carbs + comfort + joy.
Cheese trio: Calcium + indulgence.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you like your lasagna extra cheesy, or do you prefer a lighter touch?

Did you try this Skillet Lasagna recipe? Did you love it? We would love to hear from you! Please leave us a comment below or tag us on Instagram!

👩‍🍳 Cooking Tips

Noodle hack: Break noodles into thirds for easier stirring.
Sauce trick: Add a splash of red wine for depth.
Cheese boost: Mix ricotta with herbs before dolloping.
Serving suggestion: Pair with garlic bread and salad.
Storage: Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of water.

🔄 Recipe Variations

Veggie Lovers: Add zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage.
Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken.
Low‑Carb: Swap noodles for zucchini ribbons.
Extra Indulgent: Add béchamel for creamy layers.

💬 Reader prompt: Which version would your family devour first — veggie, spicy, or creamy?

🧒 Kid Tips

Call it “pizza pasta” to make it sound fun.
Keep spices mild for little taste buds.
Let kids sprinkle mozzarella on top.
Serve with breadsticks for dipping.

🛒 Grocery Hacks

Hamburger: Buy in bulk, portion, and freeze.
Marinara: Doctor up store‑bought with garlic and herbs.
Cheese: Shred your own for better melt.
Noodles: Stock up — they last forever.
Basil: Freeze leaves in olive oil cubes.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you usually make your own marinara, or grab a jar for convenience?

🎯 Reader Challenge

This week, I challenge you to make Skillet Lasagna and serve it in a fun way. Maybe it’s in mini cast‑iron skillets, maybe it’s part of a family pasta night, maybe it’s your new Sunday tradition. Post your creation with #LouLouGirlsLasagnaGlow so we can all drool together.

🥪 Leftover Remix

Lasagna Soup: Add broth for a cozy soup version.
Lasagna Pizza: Spread on flatbread, top with mozzarella, bake.
Lasagna Stuffed Peppers: Spoon into peppers, bake until tender.
Lasagna Quesadillas: Fold into tortillas with extra cheese.
Lasagna Hash: Fry with eggs for breakfast.

💬 Reader prompt: Would you rather turn leftovers into soup or stuffed peppers?

💭 Final Thoughts

This Skillet Lasagna is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s hearty, flavorful, and versatile enough to be a weeknight dinner, a family favorite, or a “just because” indulgence. Plus, it’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone smile — and isn’t that the best kind of cooking?

Here’s the thing about lasagna — it’s never just pasta. It’s the smell of garlic sizzling, the joy of mozzarella melting, the comfort of knowing you’ve got a dish that’s both playful and nourishing.

And this Skillet Lasagna? It’s a keeper. It’s saucy, it’s cheesy, it’s indulgent, it’s fun. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve turned pantry staples into something restaurant‑worthy.

But what I love most is how recipes like this bring us together. Food has that magic — it’s not just about eating, it’s about sharing. It’s about swapping tips, laughing over sauce‑splattered counters, and building little traditions that make life tastier.

So here’s my challenge to you: make this dish, share it with your people, and then tell me your twist. Did you add mushrooms? Did you sneak in sausage? Did you double the mozzarella just because you could? (No judgment — I’d be first in line for that version.)

💬 Reader prompt: Should we do a “One‑Pan Pasta Series” next? I’m dreaming up skillet baked ziti, creamy Tuscan gnocchi, and maybe even one‑pan mac and cheese.

Until then, may your noodles be tender, your sauce rich, your cheese melty, and your kitchen filled with laughter, love, and second helpings. Because at the end of the day, recipes like this aren’t just about cooking — they’re about celebrating the little joys that make life delicious.

And if you take nothing else from this post, let it be this: skillet lasagna isn’t just dinner, it’s a lifestyle. 🍝🔥✨