One-Skillet Lasagna is a culinary masterpiece that marries comfort with convenience in a tantalizing, one-pan dish. Imagine rich, gooey layers of cheese, savory ground beef, and perfectly cooked pasta, bathed in a luscious tomato sauce.
This recipe is not only sensational to taste but also a nostalgic reminder of family gatherings and warm, cozy dinners at home. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty yet easy to prepare.
Get ready to embark on this step-by-step journey toward a dish that will surely become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One-Skillet Lasagna is more than just a meal; it’s a time-saver that packs a flavor punch. With minimal prep and cook time, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade dinner without the fuss of traditional lasagna assembly. Its creamy cheese mixture and tender pasta ensure a comforting meal everyone will love. Moreover, the one-pan cooking process means fewer dishes to wash, making clean-up a breeze! It’s perfect for families, dinner parties, or even a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup part-skim cottage cheese: Adds a creamy texture to the dish.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty flavor that beautifully complements the other cheeses.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note.
- 1/2 pound 93 percent lean ground beef: Provides a juicy, savory base.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies.
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced: Aromatic and sweet when cooked.
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped: Brings a robust, aromatic flair.
- 2 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes: Forms the heart of the sauce, rich and tangy.
- 2 1/2 cups chicken bone broth: Adds depth and enhances the sauce’s richness.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: Provides a vibrant, fresh flavor.
- 8 ounces pasta (Mafalda, Campanelle, bow-tie, broken lasagna noodles, Reginetti, or gluten-free pasta): The hearty component that soaks up the flavors.
- 3/4 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden topping.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a small mixing bowl, combine the creamy part-skim cottage cheese, nutty grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly chopped parsley. This cheese mixture will add the lasagna’s essential creaminess. Set it aside for later, allowing the flavors to meld.
2. Cook the Beef
Heat a large, oven-safe nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef and sprinkle in the kosher salt. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef, cooking for about 5 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This step creates the savory foundation of your dish.
3. Sauté Aromatics
Next, stir in the diced yellow onion and chopped garlic into the skillet. Cook until both are tender, approximately 4-5 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table.
4. Build the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken bone broth, and add the freshly chopped basil. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This rich sauce will form the heart of your lasagna.
5. Cook the Pasta
Add the chosen pasta to the skillet, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Continue until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, roughly 18-20 minutes. This step cooks the pasta perfectly and allows it to soak up all that delicious flavor.
6. Add the Cheese and Broil
Remove the skillet from heat. Gently dollop the pre-prepared cottage cheese mixture over the pasta, then sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella. Carefully transfer the skillet to the oven and broil on high until the cheese is melted and bubbly—about 3 minutes. Don’t skip this step; the broiling produces that irresistible golden layer.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is beautifully melted, remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the dish with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve your One-Skillet Lasagna warm, straight from the pan!
Note: Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid during cooking for even texture. Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving enhances texture and flavor.
Tips & Tricks
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Make this dish vegetarian by swapping the ground beef for cooked lentils or mushrooms.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes for a unique twist, or use whole grain or gluten-free pasta according to your preference.
- To make assembly even faster, you can prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This One-Skillet Lasagna pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a light green salad to balance the richness of the dish. Serve it at a family gathering or casual dinner party—everyone loves a hearty, comforting meal. It’s also a great option for busy weeknights when everyone needs a little extra comfort.
Nutritional Information
One serving of One-Skillet Lasagna contains approximately 450 calories, 25g of protein, 20g of carbohydrates, and 30g of fat, primarily from the cheeses. This dish is a balanced meal with protein from lean beef and calcium from the cheese. Pair it with a side of vegetables to enhance the nutritional value.
Storing Tips & Variations
To store leftovers, let the One-Skillet Lasagna cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
For variations, consider adding sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for an extra veggie boost. You can also substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based protein for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
One-Skillet Lasagna is a quick, delicious meal that brings joy and comfort to your table. With its simple preparation and rich flavors, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to try this easy dish and share your experience with friends and family!
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, just ensure it cooks in the liquid.
2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This lasagna can be made ahead of time, stored in the fridge or freezer, and reheated for a quick meal.
3. How do I ensure my lasagna doesn’t turn out watery?
Make sure to simmer the sauce until thickened before adding the pasta, and ensure it’s fully submerged during cooking.
4. Can I make a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, simply substitute the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or your favorite plant-based protein.
5. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat with a little water to maintain moisture.
One-Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 3/4 cup part-skim cottage cheese Adds a creamy texture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Brings a nutty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley Adds a fresh, herbal note.
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 pound 93 percent lean ground beef Provides a juicy, savory base.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Enhances flavor.
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil Adds richness.
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced Aromatic and sweet.
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped Adds robust flavor.
- 2 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes Forms the heart of the sauce.
- 2 1/2 cups chicken bone broth Enhances richness.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped Provides vibrant flavor.
- 8 ounces pasta (various types) The hearty component.
- 3/4 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese Melts into a gooey topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley to make the cheese mixture. Set aside.
Cooking
- Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over high heat, add ground beef and kosher salt, cooking for about 5 minutes until browned.
- Stir in the diced onion and chopped garlic, and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken bone broth, add basil, and stir. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the pasta to the skillet, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat and dollop the cottage cheese mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, then broil in the oven for about 3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Sprinkle with additional parsley and serve warm, straight from the pan.