If you are craving the comforting, layered goodness of classic lasagna without the fuss of multiple pots and pans, this One Skillet Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines all the flavors you love—rich ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a melty cheese blend—into one easy-cooking skillet meal that gets on your table faster and with less cleanup. From browning the meat to melting the cheese, everything happens right in one pan, making dinner both delicious and delightfully simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this One Skillet Lasagna Recipe is straightforward. Each element adds texture, flavor, or that classic lasagna heartiness, so having them all ready will make the cooking a breeze.
- 1/2 tablespoon oil: Essential for browning the beef perfectly without sticking.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the savory, meaty base that makes this dish so satisfying.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Simple but necessary seasonings that enhance every flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings that familiar Italian lasagna aroma and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a punch of garlicky goodness without the fuss of fresh garlic.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the sauce nicely.
- 2-3 cups water (or broth): Keeps the pasta cooking and infuses it with flavor from the bouillon granules.
- 1-2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules: Boosts the richness of the liquid; you can swap with beef bouillon if preferred.
- 1 (24-oz) jar tomato basil sauce: Adds hearty tomato flavor with a hint of basil that keeps the dish vibrant.
- 1 (12-oz) box bowtie pasta (uncooked): Bowtie pasta holds sauce beautifully and cooks evenly in the skillet.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into creamy pools of cheesy delight that everyone loves.
- 4 heaping tablespoons cottage cheese: Adds a creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor reminiscent of traditional ricotta.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty finish that rounds out the dish perfectly.
How to Make One Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until nicely browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease to keep things from getting oily. Then stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and tomato paste—this combination builds a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Sauce
Pour in 2 cups of water along with the bouillon granules to infuse the dish with a savory base. Stir in the jar of tomato basil sauce and raise the heat just enough to bring everything to a boil. This step starts the magic of marrying the flavors together and prepares the liquid for cooking the pasta.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Mix in the uncooked bowtie pasta, cover the skillet, and reduce to medium-low heat. Let the pasta cook for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. If the mixture looks too dry or the pasta isn’t quite tender, add more water 1/4 cup at a time. Be careful with stirring too much—excess agitation can make the pasta mushy and release extra starch.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese and Finish
Once the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has reached a thick, luscious consistency, take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and cover the skillet to let it melt. While the cheese softens, mix the cottage cheese with the grated parmesan, then spoon this creamy blend over the top right before serving for that perfect lasagna finish.
How to Serve One Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can brighten this hearty skillet dish. Fresh herbs provide a pop of color and elevate the flavors without overshadowing that classic lasagna taste we all adore.
Side Dishes
Since this is a complete, filling meal on its own, paired sides like a crisp green salad or garlic bread complement it perfectly. A simple Caesar salad or roasted vegetables add freshness and balance, rounding out the plate nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the One Skillet Lasagna Recipe straight from the pan at your next casual gathering for a rustic, family-style feel. Or, scoop individual portions onto colorful plates and drizzle with a little extra olive oil or Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy presentation that’s still homey and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day. Just make sure to seal it well to keep it moist and fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover One Skillet Lasagna Recipe for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Freezing is a fantastic way to have ready-to-go comfort food on hand anytime you need a quick dinner fix.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove or in the microwave. Adding a splash of water or broth can revive the sauciness and keep the pasta from drying out. Covering the skillet while warming helps melt the cheese perfectly again without toughening it.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works well here, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or even traditional lasagna noodles broken into smaller pieces. Just keep an eye on cooking times as some shapes may need a bit more or less liquid and time.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or simply add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. The tomato sauce and cheese will still deliver that classic lasagna flavor.
Why do I need to avoid stirring the pasta too much?
Excessive stirring releases starch from the pasta, which can cause the sauce to become thick and gummy, ruining the ideal texture. Stir just enough to keep things from sticking and let the pasta cook evenly.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of Italian seasoning?
Definitely! Fresh basil, oregano, and thyme work beautifully. Just use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs to replace the dried Italian seasoning for a brighter, fresher flavor profile.
What cheeses can I substitute if I don’t have cottage cheese?
Ricotta cheese is the classic substitute and works perfectly. You can also blend cream cheese with a little milk for a similar creamy consistency if ricotta isn’t available.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a meal that brings all the flavors of a classic lasagna together without the long prep and washing up. I hope this One Skillet Lasagna Recipe inspires you to enjoy a cozy, delicious dinner any night of the week with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a favorite go-to for busy days or whenever you crave homemade comfort food!
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One Skillet Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This one skillet lasagna is a quick and easy one-pan dinner that combines all the flavors of classic lasagna without the fuss of layering noodles and multiple dishes. Cooked entirely in a skillet with browned ground beef, tomato sauce, and bowtie pasta, it’s a comforting and gooey meal topped with melted mozzarella, creamy cottage cheese, and parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights, it takes just 30 minutes to make and serves six hearty portions.
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 Sauces
- 2 to 3 cups water (or broth as substitute)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules (or beef bouillon if preferred)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar tomato basil sauce
Pasta
- 1 (12-ounce) box bowtie pasta, uncooked
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 heaping tablespoons cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown beef: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is thoroughly browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat, then stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and tomato paste until well combined.
- Add liquids: Pour in 2 cups of water and add the chicken bouillon granules and tomato basil sauce. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook pasta: Stir in the uncooked bowtie pasta, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. Add extra water in 1/4 cup increments if the pasta absorbs too much liquid, but avoid over-stirring to prevent a mushy texture.
- Finish: Once the pasta is tender, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, then cover the skillet to let the cheese melt. In a small bowl, combine the cottage cheese and grated parmesan, then spoon this mixture over the skillet lasagna. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Broth can replace water to add more depth of flavor and skip using bouillon granules.
- Be careful not to over-stir the pasta as it cooks to prevent it from becoming mushy and releasing too much starch.
- Using pre-shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses can save prep time.
- If the sauce thickens too much before pasta finishes cooking, add a little more water or broth to adjust consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
