If you’ve ever wished for the rich, comforting layers of classic lasagna without the fuss of baking multiple pans or waiting forever for it to be ready, then you’re in for a treat with this One Skillet Lasagna Recipe. It captures every bit of that hearty, cheesy goodness using just one pan and about 30 minutes of your time. From the savory browned beef to the perfectly tender bowtie pasta drenched in tomato basil sauce, this dish is a weeknight game-changer that tastes like a feast made with love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One Skillet Lasagna Recipe is in its simplicity and how every ingredient plays a starring role. From the earthy Italian seasoning that brings warmth to the ground beef, to the creamy melty cheeses that make each bite heavenly, your pantry staples come together into a dish bursting with comforting flavors and vibrant colors.
- 1/2 tablespoon oil: Essential for browning the beef and preventing sticking in your skillet.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides rich, savory flavor and satisfying protein for the dish.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings classic Mediterranean herbs into the mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato base with concentrated umami.
- 2-3 cups water (or broth): Needed to cook the pasta perfectly in the skillet.
- 1-2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules: Boosts the broth’s flavor, but feel free to use beef bouillon for a deeper taste.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar tomato basil sauce: The heart of the sauce, bringing freshness and sweetness.
- 1 (12-ounce) box bowtie pasta (uncooked): Bowtie pasta cooks evenly and soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to add that gooey texture lasagna is known for.
- 4 heaping tablespoons cottage cheese: Provides a creamy, slightly tangy contrast.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates the dish.
How to Make One Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until nicely browned and crumbly. This step not only builds the foundation of flavor but also ensures you get that savory, juicy texture. Once browned, drain any excess fat, then stir in the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and tomato paste for a rich, aromatic base.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Simmer
Next, pour in 2 cups of water along with the bouillon granules, and then add your jar of tomato basil sauce. Bring everything up to a boil, which helps to blend the flavors and prepare the skillet for adding pasta. This step transforms your skillet into a bubbling pot of comforting lasagna sauce with that signature tangy tomato kick.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce
Stir in the uncooked bowtie pasta, making sure it’s fully submerged. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it cook gently for about 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally just enough to prevent sticking but not so much that the pasta turns mushy or starchy. If needed, add a splash of water in 1/4 cup increments to keep things moist. This method lets the pasta soak up all the rich flavors while becoming tender without hauling out an extra pot.
Step 4: Melt the Cheeses and Finish
Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, covering the skillet again to let the cheese melt luxuriously over the top. Then, mix the cottage cheese and grated parmesan, dollop it over the skillet lasagna, and you’re ready to dig into a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours, but only really took minutes.
How to Serve One Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
To make your One Skillet Lasagna Recipe even more irresistible, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a pop of vibrant color and fresh herbaceous aroma. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few red pepper flakes will add a touch of richness and subtle heat that can brighten every bite.
Side Dishes
This hearty skillet lasagna pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a crisp Caesar salad to add contrasting crunch and freshness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread is the perfect companion to mop up all those luscious tomato and cheese juices, making every meal feel like a trattoria experience at home.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style right from the skillet to let everyone help themselves, which adds a cozy, inviting vibe to the table. For a special touch, layer individual servings in small ramekins or oven-safe dishes, then pop them under the broiler just long enough to caramelize the cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this flavorful One Skillet Lasagna Recipe, just transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy delicious, homemade comfort food anytime without extra effort.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully! Let it cool completely, then pack into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will last up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheating your lasagna is a breeze—warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave it covered to keep the moisture locked in. If reheating from frozen, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and heat thoroughly before serving to recapture that fresh-out-of-the-skillet goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works wonderfully, feel free to swap in penne, rotini, or even small shells. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on pasta shape and size.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ground beef and use plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can brown the beef and mix the sauce ahead of time, then refrigerate them separately. When ready to cook, combine all ingredients in the skillet for a quick finish.
Do I have to use bouillon granules?
Bouillon granules add extra depth to the sauce but aren’t mandatory. Using broth instead of water will also enhance flavor without needing bouillon.
Why is it important not to stir the pasta too much while cooking?
Stirring too frequently releases starch, which can make the dish gummy or mushy. A few gentle stirs are enough to keep the pasta from sticking and ensure a perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the indulgence of classic lasagna but want to skip the long wait and multiple dishes, this One Skillet Lasagna Recipe is pure magic. It combines convenience with irresistible flavor and will quickly become your go-to meal for busy nights or anytime you want a delicious hug on a plate. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this simple, satisfying skillet supper.
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One Skillet Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One Skillet Lasagna is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that combines all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna in a single pan. Ground beef is browned with Italian seasonings and tomato paste, then simmered with tomato basil sauce, broth, and uncooked bowtie pasta until tender. The dish finishes with a melty blend of mozzarella, cottage, and parmesan cheeses, making it a comforting, cheesy meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1/2 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Liquids and Sauce
- 2–3 cups water (or broth as preferred)
- 1–2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules (or beef bouillon)
- 1 (24-oz) jar tomato basil sauce
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 (12-oz) box bowtie pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 heaping tablespoons cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat, then stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and tomato paste until well combined.
- Add liquids: Pour in 2 cups of water along with bouillon granules and the jar of tomato basil sauce. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook pasta: Stir in the uncooked bowtie pasta. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. Add additional water in 1/4 cup increments if the mixture looks dry, but avoid over-stirring to keep the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Finish: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and cover the skillet to allow the cheese to melt fully. Combine the cottage cheese and parmesan cheese, then spoon this mixture over the skillet lasagna before serving immediately.
Notes
- Using broth instead of water enhances the flavor of the dish.
- Drain the cooked beef well to avoid excess grease in the skillet.
- Add water gradually to ensure the pasta cooks perfectly without becoming mushy.
- The combined cheeses give the dish its rich and creamy texture resembling classic baked lasagna.
- This recipe serves 6 and is perfect for a quick and easy dinner with minimal cleanup.
