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If you love the comforting layers of traditional lasagna but crave a quicker, fuss-free way to get that classic flavor on your plate, then this One Skillet Lasagna Recipe is going to become your new best friend. With all the rich tomato sauce, savory ground beef, melty mozzarella, and tangy parmesan coming together in one pan, this dish is a cozy Italian feast made incredibly simple—and trust me, the one-pan magic doesn’t disappoint!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack big flavor without any complicated prep. Each component plays a role: from hearty ground beef providing savory depth to the cheese trio offering that creamy, melty texture, every ingredient pulls its weight to deliver a perfectly balanced dish.
- 1/2 tablespoon oil: Essential for browning the ground beef evenly without sticking.
- 1 pound ground beef (Note 1): The hearty protein base that infuses the dish with meaty richness.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings that bring out all the natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds authentic Mediterranean aroma and warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle garlic punch without the hassle of peeling and chopping.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, giving the sauce a deep, robust body.
- 2-3 cups water: The cooking liquid that softens the pasta and blends with the sauce; broth can be used for extra flavor.
- 1-2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules: Enhances the savory notes, but beef bouillon works equally well.
- 1 (24-oz) jar tomato basil sauce: The foundational saucy goodness with fresh basil undertones.
- 1 (12-oz) box bowtie pasta (uncooked): Pasta that cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all those rich flavors.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (Note 2): Brings that classic gooey, stretchy cheese finish everyone loves.
- 4 heaping tablespoons cottage cheese (Note 3): Adds creamy texture and a slight tang that balances the richness.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty kick that rounds out the dish beautifully.
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—this will ensure your beef browns nicely instead of steaming. Add the ground beef and cook until it crumbles and turns a delicious golden brown. Then, drain any excess fat to keep things from getting greasy. Stir in the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and tomato paste to let those seasonings coat the beef, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Sauce
Next, stir in 2 cups of water along with the bouillon granules and the jar of tomato basil sauce. Bring this mixture up to a boil—it’s the perfect way to blend your browned beef and rich tomato flavors together, setting the stage for the pasta to cook in.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Now it’s time for the bowtie pasta to join the party. Stir the uncooked pasta into the simmering sauce, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook gently for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally but carefully to prevent sticking or burning. If the mixture looks too thick or the pasta isn’t quite tender after the initial cooking time, add water in small 1/4 cup increments—only as necessary. And a key tip: resist over-stirring to avoid mushiness or excess starchiness. You want tender pasta with that saucy texture!
Step 4: Finish with Cheese
Once your pasta is perfectly tender, take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and cover the pan, allowing the cheese to melt into glorious gooeyness. Then, dollop the mixture of cottage cheese and grated parmesan over the top—it adds a lush, creamy layer that elevates this one-pan classic to near homemade lasagna perfection. Serve it straight from the skillet for maximum warmth and flavor.
How to Serve One Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley can brighten up every bite of this skillet lasagna, lending a fresh contrast to all that cheesy, saucy richness. For an extra flavor kick, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides simple when serving this hearty meal! A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, while some garlic bread or soft dinner rolls make for a comforting accompaniment that lets you soak up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or family, serve your One Skillet Lasagna Recipe in rustic cast iron skillets right at the table—warm and inviting. You can also layer individual portions in oven-safe dishes and broil the cheese topping until bubbly and golden for an elegant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This skillet lasagna keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container to preserve that fresh, saucy goodness, making it easy to reheat for quick lunches or cozy dinners during the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if you want to save it for longer. Just cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will maintain its best quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy that comforting, homemade taste any time.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, warm the skillet lasagna gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or broth helps restore the saucy texture. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to keep the dish moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta absorbs the sauce beautifully, you can swap in penne, rotini, or even rigatoni—just make sure it’s a shape that holds sauce well and adjust cooking times as needed.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a meat substitute of your choice to maintain that hearty texture without meat.
What if I don’t have tomato basil sauce on hand?
No worries! You can use plain marinara or your favorite tomato sauce and add a handful of fresh or dried basil leaves to mimic the flavor profile.
Why shouldn’t I stir the pasta too much during cooking?
Stirring constantly can break down the pasta surface, making the dish mushy and excessively starchy. Gentle stirring just a few times keeps the pasta intact and ensures the sauce clings perfectly.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of bowtie pasta?
Bowtie pasta works best because it cooks uniformly in the sauce within the 12-14 minute timeframe, whereas no-boil noodles might require layering and longer cooking. For quick skillet meals, bowtie pasta is ideal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably satisfying about pulling together an entire lasagna dinner in just one skillet, and this One Skillet Lasagna Recipe nails it every time with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or craving comfort food with no extra cleanup, this recipe checks all the boxes. Give it a try—you’ll wonder why you ever made lasagna any other way!
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One Skillet Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A quick and delicious one skillet lasagna that simplifies traditional lasagna by cooking all ingredients together in a single pan. This hearty and comforting dish combines ground beef, bowtie pasta, tomato sauce, and three types of cheese for an easy weeknight meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 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 alternative)
- 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 the oil. Add the ground beef and brown it until crumbled, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat, then stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and tomato paste to flavor the meat evenly.
- Add liquids: Pour in 2 cups of water along with the chicken bouillon granules and the jar of tomato basil sauce. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook pasta: Stir in the uncooked bowtie pasta, covering the skillet with a lid. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. Add additional water 1/4 cup at a time if the pasta absorbs too much liquid. Avoid over-stirring to prevent a mushy texture.
- Finish: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and cover to allow it to melt. In a small bowl, combine the cottage cheese and grated parmesan cheese, then spoon this mixture over the top of the skillet lasagna before serving immediately.
Notes
- Using broth instead of water adds more flavor and eliminates the need for bouillon granules.
- Drain the ground beef well to avoid a greasy final dish.
- Adding the cheeses at the end ensures creamy texture and flavor contrast.
- Do not over-stir the pasta during cooking to keep the dish from becoming mushy and starchy.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
