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To make a tasty Weeknight Lasagna Skillet, you need the right ingredients. Here’s a complete list: - 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups marinara sauce, your favorite brand - 2 cups mini lasagna noodles or elbow macaroni - 2 cups water or low-sodium broth - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish Each ingredient plays an important role in the dish. The ground beef or turkey gives a hearty flavor, while the onion and garlic add depth. Marinara sauce binds everything, creating that rich lasagna taste. I prefer mini lasagna noodles for ease, but elbow macaroni works too. Broth or water helps the noodles cook well, absorbing flavor. Dried herbs like oregano and basil are key for that Italian flair. Cheeses are crucial too. Ricotta adds creaminess, while the mozzarella creates a gooey top. Don't forget the salt and pepper to boost flavors. Lastly, fresh basil leaves make a pretty garnish and add freshness. With this mix, you’re set for a quick and satisfying dinner! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Sauté it for about 8 minutes. Break the meat apart with a spatula. Add 1 medium chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook until the meat is brown and no longer pink. This adds great flavor! After cooking, drain any excess fat. This step keeps the dish lighter and healthier. Next, stir in 2 cups of your favorite marinara sauce and 2 cups of water or low-sodium broth. Mix well to combine. You can also add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil for herbs. Increase the heat slightly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. This helps to blend all the flavors together. Once the sauce is bubbling, add 2 cups of mini lasagna noodles. Stir until the noodles are fully submerged in the sauce. Lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This will help the noodles cook to an al dente texture, which is perfect for lasagna. After simmering, remove the skillet from the heat. Using a spoon, dollop 1 cup of ricotta cheese evenly over the noodle mixture. Then, sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the ricotta. Replace the lid and let the skillet rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the mozzarella to melt perfectly. Finally, season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves for a lovely finish. To ensure even cooking of noodles, stir them well when adding to the sauce. This keeps them from clumping together. Make sure the sauce fully covers the noodles. This helps them cook through evenly. If you find noodles sticking, add a bit more liquid. You can use water or broth to loosen the mixture. Stir often during cooking to keep everything moving. You can swap ingredients for different tastes. For example, try ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter meal. If you want a kick, add red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs bring a bright flavor. Use fresh basil instead of dried for a burst of freshness. If fresh herbs are not on hand, dried herbs work fine, but use less. To make your dish look great, serve it in large bowls. This adds a homey feel. Layer the ricotta and mozzarella nicely to show off the cheese. Sprinkle some extra mozzarella on top for a cheesy look. For garnishing, torn fresh basil leaves add color. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for shine and flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil added at the end not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful touch to your dish. Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Aim for al dente noodles as they will continue to cook slightly while resting under the cheese. Experiment with Cheeses: Try mixing different cheeses like provolone or Parmesan for a unique flavor profile. Make it Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it great for meal prep or busy weeknights. {{image_4}} For a vegetarian version, skip the meat. Use mushrooms, lentils, or spinach instead. They add great texture and flavor. You can also use veggie broth for the sauce. For gluten-free options, swap mini lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty alternatives that work well in this dish. You can switch to ground chicken or turkey for a lighter meal. Both are great sources of protein. If you want more flavor, try using Italian sausage. Adding leafy greens, like spinach or kale, boosts nutrition and taste. They cook quickly and blend well with the sauce. Do you like heat? Add chili flakes for a spicy kick. This will wake up the flavors in your skillet. You can also toss in extra veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini. These add vitamins and make the dish more colorful. Mixing different flavors keeps your weeknight dinners exciting! Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. To reheat, place the skillet over low heat. Stir gently to warm it through. You can also microwave in short bursts. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture. You can freeze portions for later use. Let the dish cool completely before freezing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. This keeps it fresh for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave on the defrost setting. After thawing, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your easy meal anytime! You can use other pasta types if you lack mini lasagna noodles. Here are some great options: - Elbow macaroni - Fusilli - Penne - Farfalle These shapes work well in a skillet dish. They will absorb the sauce and flavors just like lasagna noodles. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Here are some meal prep tips: - Cook the beef, onions, and garlic. - Combine these with the marinara sauce and water. - Store in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, add the noodles and cook as directed. This will save time on busy nights. To add some heat, try these suggestions: - Add red pepper flakes during cooking. - Stir in diced jalapeños or serranos. - Top with a drizzle of hot sauce before serving. These options will kick up the flavor and give your dish a nice spicy twist. This blog post covered how to make a tasty lasagna skillet. We discussed key ingredients like ground meat, onions, and cheese. I shared easy steps for cooking the meat and noodles, plus tips for great flavor and presentation. You can also adjust the recipe for different diets and store leftovers well. With these tips, you can enjoy a hearty meal that fits your taste and needs. Dive into your cooking adventure, and enjoy every bite!

Weeknight Lasagna Skillet Delight

A quick and easy lasagna made in a skillet, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups mini lasagna noodles (or elbow macaroni)
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves, torn

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey). Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, together with the chopped onion and minced garlic, until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter.
  • Stir in the marinara sauce, water (or broth), dried oregano, and dried basil, mixing well. Increase the heat slightly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
  • Once the sauce is bubbling nicely, add the mini lasagna noodles and stir until they are fully submerged in the sauce.
  • Lower the heat to simmer, cover the skillet with a lid, and allow it to cook for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the noodles reach al dente texture.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat. Using a spoon, dollop ricotta cheese evenly over the top of the noodle mixture. Then, generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the ricotta.
  • Replace the lid and let the skillet rest for about 5 minutes, which will allow the mozzarella to melt perfectly.
  • Season to taste with salt and freshly cracked black pepper before serving to enhance the flavors.
  • Garnish each serving with torn fresh basil leaves to add a burst of color and aroma.

Notes

Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
Keyword lasagna, pasta, quick dinner, skillet