Description
This Skillet Lasagna is a quick and hearty dinner recipe designed for two to three servings. By cooking all the components in one pan on the stovetop, it speeds up the traditional lasagna-making process without compromising on flavor. Ground sausage, aromatic herbs, tomato sauce, and broken lasagna noodles come together in a savory, cheesy skillet meal that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1/2 pound Spicy Bulk Sausage or ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- Pinch of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Liquids and Noodles
- 1 (15 ounce) can Tomato Sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can Beef Broth
- 6 Lasagna Noodles, broken into about 1-inch pieces
Cheeses
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Heat the Oil: Gather all ingredients and place a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan on the stove over medium-high heat to warm up.
- Cook the Sausage and Season: Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high. Add the spicy bulk sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is golden brown. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Toast the spices with the meat for approximately 1 minute to release their flavor.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Broth and Simmer: Pour in the 15-ounce cans of tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on medium heat.
- Add Broken Lasagna Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into roughly 1-inch pieces and stir them into the simmering sauce ensuring they are mostly covered. Continue to simmer uncovered for about 8 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still slightly firm (al dente), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheeses and Finish Cooking: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and incorporated. Dollop 1/2 cup ricotta cheese on top without stirring it fully in for added creaminess. Remove the skillet from heat carefully and move to the table.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve portions directly from the skillet and optionally sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute spicy bulk sausage with ground beef or turkey if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- If you prefer softer noodles, you can add a little more broth and cook a few minutes longer.
- Stir gently after adding the ricotta cheese if you want a more uniform cheesy texture.
- A cast iron skillet helps with even heat distribution, but a heavy non-stick or stainless steel skillet also works.
