Day: February 16, 2025

# One-Pan Skillet Lasagna Recipe: An Easy and Delicious Dinner Option

Lasagna is a cherished Italian classic recognized for its layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy cheese, and fragrant herbs. Nonetheless, traditional lasagna often demands a lot of time and effort, typically calling for several pots and pans. Welcome to the one-pan skillet lasagna—a swift, simple, and tasty alternative that encapsulates all the flavors of the traditional dish without the complications. This recipe is ideal for hectic weeknights or whenever you desire comfort food without the mess.

## Why Opt for One-Pan Skillet Lasagna?

1. **Ease**: Cooking everything in a single pan makes cleanup a snap.
2. **Quickness**: This dish can be prepared and ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy lifestyles.
3. **Taste**: The ingredients combine seamlessly, resulting in a rich and delightful meal.
4. **Flexibility**: You can easily modify the recipe to fit your dietary needs or use up any leftover ingredients.

## Ingredients

### For the Skillet Lasagna

– **1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage** (or a meatless substitute)
– **1 medium onion**, chopped
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes**
– **2 cups chicken or vegetable broth**
– **8 ounces lasagna noodles**, broken into pieces (no-boil noodles work best)
– **1 teaspoon dried oregano**
– **1 teaspoon dried basil**
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **1 cup ricotta cheese**
– **2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese**
– **1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese**
– **Fresh basil or parsley**, for garnish (optional)

## Instructions

### Step 1: Sauté the Meat

1. In a large skillet or sauté pan on medium heat, add the ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

### Step 2: Incorporate the Sauce

1. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
2. Once simmering, add the broken lasagna noodles. Stir to ensure the noodles are immersed in the sauce.

### Step 3: Prepare the Noodles

1. Cover the skillet and let it cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are soft and have absorbed most of the liquid.

### Step 4: Mix in the Cheese

1. Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon the ricotta cheese over the surface of the lasagna and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
2. Cover the skillet once more and let it sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble.

### Step 5: Serve Up

1. Once the cheese is melted, top with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
2. Serve hot, and relish your delectable one-pan skillet lasagna!

## Tips for Success

– **Opt for No-Boil Noodles**: They soak up the sauce during cooking, eliminating pre-cooking steps.
– **Personalize Your Filling**: Feel free to toss in vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
– **Prep in Advance**: You can prepare the meat sauce beforehand and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add the noodles and cheese when you’re ready to cook.
– **Cheerful Leftovers**: This dish reheats well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers.

## Conclusion

One-pan skillet lasagna offers a wonderful way to savor a classic dish with minimal effort. It’s filling, flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy the entire family. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or simply someone who enjoys great food, this recipe is a must-try. So grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy a comforting meal that’s ready in a flash!