Description
This Cheesy Lasagna Skillet is a quick and comforting one-pan meal combining Italian sausage, ground beef, and three types of cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, it layers savory meat sauce with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella, baked to bubbly perfection for an easy lasagna experience without the fuss of layering noodles.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage (mild)
- 15 oz tomato sauce (1 can)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning (dried)
- 3 cloves garlic (pressed)
Cheeses & Toppings
- 1 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese (grated, divided)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated, divided)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp parsley (fresh, finely chopped, divided)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sweet Italian sausage and ground beef together, breaking up the meat with a spoon until no longer pink and fully browned.
- Add Sauce and Seasoning: Drain excess grease from the skillet, return the meat to heat, then stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and pressed garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring regularly for 3-5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Melt Cheese into Sauce: Stir in 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese into the sauce mixture, mixing until the cheeses melt and fully combine. Remove skillet from heat.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped parsley, remaining 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to create a creamy topping.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the meat sauce evenly in the skillet, then layer the ricotta mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese over the ricotta. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 425°F and bake uncovered for 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and heated through. For a golden browned top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and optionally garnish with additional parsley. Serve the skillet lasagna over cooked pasta or sautéed spinach for a full meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use a large, oven-safe skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Draining grease from the meat helps reduce excess fat and prevents a greasy sauce.
- For a spicier flavor, substitute mild sausage with hot Italian sausage.
- Make sure to broil carefully as cheese can burn quickly under high heat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or garlic bread.
