Skillet Lasagna
Skillet lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, offering all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna in a quick, one-pan meal. With its creamy layers of cheese, hearty beef, and savory sauce, it’s perfect for busy nights.
The beauty of this skillet version lies in its simplicity. Using no-cook noodles and just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, with minimal cleanup.
Whether you’re feeding a family or impressing guests, this skillet lasagna is sure to be a hit. The combination of melted cheeses and rich tomato sauce makes every bite irresistible.
Skillet Lasagna Ingredients
Ground beef brings a rich, savory base to the dish, creating a hearty and satisfying foundation. Paired with garlic, it adds a depth of flavor that infuses the sauce.
The combination of diced tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, and cream of onion soup provides a smooth, flavorful sauce with hints of herbs and a touch of creaminess, elevating each layer.
Cottage cheese delivers a creamy, mildly tangy element, perfectly complementing the savory meat sauce. No-cook lasagna noodles absorb the flavors and soften beautifully, creating the signature layers of this skillet lasagna.
Shredded cheeses—Colby-Monterey Jack and mozzarella—melt to perfection, adding a gooey, indulgent finish that brings the entire dish together.
Skillet Lasagna: Recipe Tips
- Layering the Lasagna: Ensure that each layer of meat sauce and cottage cheese mixture is spread evenly to avoid uneven cooking. When layering the noodles, break them to fit, but don’t overcrowd the pan—this helps the noodles cook evenly and absorb the sauce’s rich flavors.
- Simmering Time: Be sure to simmer the skillet covered for the full 15-17 minutes to ensure that the no-cook noodles have enough time to soften. Check the noodles by poking them with a fork to confirm they’re tender before removing from heat. If needed, simmer for a few extra minutes.
- Cheese Melting Tip: After removing the skillet from heat, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This gives the cheese a chance to melt completely and settle, creating a gooey, irresistible finish that holds the layers together when served.
What to Serve with Skillet Lasagna
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing with lasagna, garlic bread adds a crispy, buttery crunch that complements the creamy, cheesy layers of the skillet lasagna. The flavor of garlic in the bread enhances the richness of the dish, making each bite even more satisfying.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a zesty vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the lasagna. Consider adding ingredients like arugula, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and red onion for a burst of color and flavor. The acidity of the dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the lasagna.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve the skillet lasagna with a side of roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli. The caramelized, earthy flavors of the roasted veggies provide a perfect counterpoint to the savory, cheesy layers of the lasagna, adding both nutrition and texture to the meal.
FAQ
- Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-cook noodles?
Yes, you can use traditional lasagna noodles, but you’ll need to cook them separately before layering them in the skillet. No-cook noodles simplify the process and absorb the sauce while cooking, eliminating the extra step. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna in advance. After layering, cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before simmering. Just allow the skillet to come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heating. - What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, ricotta cheese is a great alternative. It will provide a similar creamy texture and mild flavor. You could also use a blend of mascarpone and cream cheese for a richer taste. - Can I freeze skillet lasagna?
Yes, you can freeze the lasagna either before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When ready to eat, bake directly from the freezer, adding extra time to the cooking process.
Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients
- 3/4 pound ground beef
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 can 14-1/2 ounces diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic, undrained
- 2 jars 14 ounces each spaghetti sauce
- 2/3 cup condensed cream of onion soup undiluted
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1-1/4 cups 1% cottage cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 9 no-cook lasagna noodles
- 1/2 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and minced garlic, cooking until the meat has browned and is no longer pink. Break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain the excess fat before stirring in the diced tomatoes and spaghetti sauce. Allow the mixture to heat through, then transfer it to a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of onion soup, eggs, cottage cheese, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Return one cup of the meat sauce to the skillet, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Layer with a cup of the cottage cheese mixture, followed by one and a half cups of meat sauce. Break the no-cook lasagna noodles to fit and place them on top. Repeat the layers, ensuring each is evenly distributed. Finish with the remaining meat sauce. Bring the skillet to a boil, then reduce the heat, covering and simmering for 15-17 minutes until the noodles are fully tender.
- Once the noodles are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded Colby-Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses on top. Cover the skillet again and allow it to rest for two minutes, letting the cheese melt completely before serving.
