Description
This Smoky Skillet Lasagna is a comforting and flavorful one-pan Italian-American dish that combines browned ground meat, savory marinara, and tender broken lasagna noodles, all cooked together in a deep skillet. Layered with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, it offers the classic lasagna experience without the hassle of oven baking or multiple pots. The addition of smoked paprika and red pepper flakes brings a subtle smoky warmth and gentle heat, making it a perfect easy dinner for family or friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even cooking and a crumbly texture.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn.
- Season the Mixture: Mix in smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all spices evenly.
- Add Sauces and Broth: Pour in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well to combine the liquids with the browned meat and seasonings.
- Add Pasta and Simmer: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the skillet, pressing them gently into the sauce and liquid to ensure they are submerged. Cover the skillet and simmer on medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Add Cheeses: Remove the cover and drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly over the noodle mixture. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top in an even layer.
- Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet again and cook for another 5 minutes over low heat until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly gooey.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness, and serve warm. Enjoy your smoky skillet lasagna right from the pan!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or sausage.
- To add extra vegetables, mix in chopped spinach or mushrooms along with the onions for added nutrition and flavor.
- If using an oven-safe skillet, broil the cheese topping in the oven for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly crust.
