Skillet Lasagna Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the rich, comforting layers of lasagna without the fuss of assembling multiple sheets and baking for hours, this Skillet Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new kitchen hero. It captures all the cozy flavors we adore—savory sausage and beef, bubbling marinara, creamy ricotta, and that golden mozzarella top—in one skillet that takes no time to make and no time to fall in love with. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend get-together, this skillet lasagna brings warmth and ease to the table with every heavenly bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These straightforward ingredients are the backbone of the Skillet Lasagna Recipe, each playing its part in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From savory proteins to aromatic herbs and creamy cheeses, everything works together to make this dish truly unforgettable.

• ½ lb. ground beef: Adds hearty, meaty flavor and protein to the dish.
• ½ lb. ground sausage: Brings a juicy richness and a hint of spice.
• 1 small yellow onion (diced): Provides sweetness and depth when softened.
• 3 cloves garlic: Infuses the sauce with bright, aromatic warmth.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a classic Italian herb touch.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, fragrant note to balance the meatiness.
• 1 Tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato richness and color.
• 3 Tablespoons flour (optional): Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect, clingy texture.
• 1 ½ cups beef broth: Creates a savory base and helps blend the flavors.
• 16 oz. tomato sauce: The heart of the sauce, bringing tang and sweetness.
• ½ cup Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a softer layer to the sauce.
• 2 ½ cups fresh low moisture mozzarella (shredded): Melts beautifully for a bubbly, golden topping.
• ½ pound Campanelle pasta (or bowtie): Holds sauce well with its ruffled edges and shape.

How to Make Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

To kick things off, preheat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat will be perfect later to melt and brown the cheese just right, so have your oven ready as you move along with the stovetop steps.

Step 2: Cook the Meat and Onions

Begin by cooking the ground beef and sausage over medium heat, breaking the meat apart as it sizzles. Add the diced onions halfway through this cooking process so they soften and sweeten nicely without burning. Once the meat is browned and the onions tender, be sure to drain off excess grease to keep the flavors clean and not too heavy.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Now toss in the minced garlic, stirring and cooking it for just about a minute so it releases its fragrant aroma without becoming bitter. Garlic is one of those magical ingredients that create a savory undertone essential to the Skillet Lasagna Recipe.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Base

Add the salt, oregano, basil, tomato paste, and flour to the skillet. Stir everything to combine well and cook for 2 minutes. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and blends the herbs into the sauce base, elevating the flavor complexity.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Simmer

Pour in the beef broth and scrape the bottom and sides of your skillet with a silicone spatula. This ensures all the browned bits dissolve into the sauce, enriching its flavor. Then add the tomato sauce, bring everything to a boil, and reduce to a gentle simmer. This loosens and melds the sauce into a luscious mixture.

Step 6: Stir in Ricotta

Fold in the ricotta cheese until fully combined. This addition makes the sauce creamy and luscious, balancing the acidity of the tomato and the savoriness of the meat with a velvety softness.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the campanelle or bowtie pasta and cook for about 10 minutes, or according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Mix the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce, stirring gently so every nook and cranny gets coated in that creamy, hearty mixture. This combination is what makes this dish intensely satisfying and quick to assemble.

Step 9: Prepare for Baking

If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the whole mixture to a lightly greased 9 by 13-inch casserole dish. This makes for easy baking without worrying about damaging your cookware.

Step 10: Add Cheese and Bake

Scatter the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then place the skillet or casserole in the preheated oven. Bake uncovered just until the cheese melts and starts to brown lightly, about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye here because that perfect bubbly, golden cheese stage can happen fast!

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, the last step is simple but impactful: garnish your Skillet Lasagna Recipe with fresh parsley and serve alongside crunchy garlic bread topped with melted cheese. This little touch brings freshness and a crispy contrast to your plate.

How to Serve Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic choice for garnish, adding a pop of vibrant green and a hint of herbaceousness that brightens the rich flavors. Feel free to sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little gentle heat.

Side Dishes

This skillet lasagna pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness with refreshing acidity. A side of roasted vegetables or simple steamed broccoli also complements it well, balancing the hearty main dish with some healthy brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this skillet lasagna in individual oven-safe ramekins for personal portions—perfect for dinner parties or when you want to impress. Layer a bit of fresh basil on top right before serving to add both color and aromatic appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover skillet lasagna keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making the next day’s serving just as delicious. Just be sure to cool it slightly before refrigerating.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked skillet lasagna for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes, to keep that melty, bubbly texture intact. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power, stirring halfway for even heating. Avoid overheating to keep the cheese from becoming rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While campanelle or bowtie pasta works best because of how it holds sauce, you can substitute penne, rotini, or even broken lasagna noodles if needed. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep the pasta perfectly al dente.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the ground beef and sausage for plant-based meat alternatives or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach to keep it hearty and flavorful. Using vegetable broth in place of beef broth will complete the veggie-friendly switch.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Pre-shredded cheese works fine for convenience, but freshly shredded mozzarella tends to melt more smoothly and creates a better texture and flavor for the final topping.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

The flour helps thicken the sauce in this recipe. If you prefer an even thicker sauce, you can increase the flour slightly or let it simmer a bit longer to evaporate excess liquid before adding the pasta.

Do I have to bake the dish at the end?

Baking at the end is what melts and browns the mozzarella topping, adding that delicious golden crust that makes this skillet lasagna special. If you don’t have oven access, you can cover it with a lid, heat gently until cheese melts, but the texture won’t be quite the same.

Final Thoughts

This Skillet Lasagna Recipe is pure comfort in a pan, perfect for anyone who loves deliciously layered flavors without the lengthy prep work. It’s a seriously satisfying meal that’s easy to make and easy to love. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try—once you do, it will surely become a beloved go-to dinner in your home just like it is in mine.

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