If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying rich, comforting lasagna without the fuss of multiple pans and layers, then this One Skillet Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new favorite meal. It’s everything you love about classic lasagna—savory meat, tangy tomato sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked pasta—all cooked together in a single skillet in just about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests, this dish simplifies lasagna without compromising on flavor or heartiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One Skillet Lasagna Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients. Each element plays a vital role—from the savory ground beef that adds richness, to the tomato sauce that brings vibrant color and tang, to the blend of cheeses that delivers that signature creamy, melty texture.
- 1/2 tablespoon oil: Helps brown the beef evenly and prevents sticking in your skillet.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty flavor and protein, the foundation of this dish.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds classic herb notes of oregano, basil, and thyme.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle garlicky aroma that deepens the sauce’s complexity.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 2-3 cups water: Hydrates the pasta as it cooks; broth can be used for extra flavor.
- 1-2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules: Boosts savory richness, but can be swapped with beef bouillon if preferred.
- 1 (24-oz) jar tomato basil sauce: The heart of the dish—with bright tomatoes and fragrant basil.
- 1 (12-oz) box bowtie pasta (uncooked): A fun shape that holds sauce well and cooks perfectly in the skillet.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully to create gooey, cheesy pockets.
- 4 heaping tablespoons cottage cheese: Adds a creamy texture and a slight tang, balancing the richness.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkle on top for nutty, salty finish that makes every bite linger.
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, breaking it up with a spoon until nicely browned and crumbly. This step is crucial because browning the meat develops deep flavor. After draining excess fat, season the beef with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and stir in the tomato paste. The tomato paste will boost the savory tomato depth that makes this dish sing.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Sauce
Next, pour in 2 cups of water along with the chicken bouillon granules, then stir in the tomato basil sauce. Turn the heat up until the mixture boils. The combination of water and sauce creates the perfect cooking environment for the pasta, soaking up all those rich flavors as it cooks.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Stir in the uncooked bowtie pasta evenly. Cover the skillet and let the pasta cook over medium-low heat for about 12 to 14 minutes or until tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning, but don’t over-stir because that can make the pasta mushy. If the mixture looks too thick or the pasta isn’t quite tender yet, add water in small 1/4 cup increments to maintain the right cooking consistency.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese
Once the pasta is perfectly tender, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Then cover the skillet so the cheese melts luxuriously into the noodles. Lastly, mix the cottage cheese with the parmesan then dollop it over the top. This creamy topping adds richness without overwhelming the dish. Serve your One Skillet Lasagna Recipe immediately for the best cheesy, gooey experience.
How to Serve One Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley on top adds a pop of color and a fresh, fragrant note that lifts the whole dish. For those who love a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes complements the tomato sauce nicely.
Side Dishes
Because this One Skillet Lasagna Recipe is so hearty, light sides work best. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce are perfect companions, balancing richness with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve portions in mini cast iron skillets right from stove to table, or spoon the lasagna over roasted vegetables for an extra nutritious spin. You can also turn leftovers into layered lasagna bake in a casserole dish for an elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making reheated portions even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save portions for busy days. Let it cool completely, then transfer into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months without losing its comforting texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up, or microwave covered in bursts to avoid drying out. Stir gently and heat until just warmed through for best results.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this One Skillet Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is great for holding sauce, penne, rotini, or even broken lasagna noodles can work well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed based on the pasta shape.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for a flavorful, meat-free version that still feels hearty and satisfying.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can pre-cook the beef mixture and save it, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh in the skillet. The pasta soaks up the sauce best when cooked just before serving.
What’s the trick to preventing mushy pasta when cooking in the sauce?
Try to avoid stirring too often during cooking, and add liquids gradually. Keeping the heat moderate and letting the pasta cook mostly undisturbed helps it cook evenly without getting mushy.
Can I substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta?
Yes, ricotta is a great alternative if you prefer a smoother texture. It will still keep the dish creamy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this One Skillet Lasagna Recipe—it’s a simple, speedy way to enjoy classic Italian comfort food that feels homemade and special every time. Give it a try when you want something satisfying without the fuss, and watch it become a weeknight staple in your home as it has in mine.
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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 Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One Skillet Lasagna is a quick and easy weeknight meal that combines all the classic lasagna flavors in a single pan. Ground beef is browned with Italian seasonings, then simmered with tomato sauce and bowtie pasta until tender. The dish is finished with a blend of mozzarella, cottage, and parmesan cheeses for a creamy, cheesy finish without the fuss of layering or baking. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting skillet lasagna is perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 2–3 cups water (or broth as preferred)
- 1–2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules (or beef bouillon)
- 1 (24-oz) jar tomato basil sauce
- 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: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat, then stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and tomato paste to evenly coat the meat and develop flavor.
- Add liquids: Pour in 2 cups of water (or broth) along with the chicken bouillon granules and the jar of tomato basil sauce. Bring this mixture to a boil, ensuring the bouillon dissolves to add depth of flavor.
- Cook pasta: Stir in the uncooked bowtie pasta, then cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 12 to 14 minutes until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Add additional water, 1/4 cup at a time, if the pasta absorbs too much liquid and needs more moisture. Avoid stirring too much to keep the texture perfect.
- Finish: When the pasta is fully cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and cover the pan to let the cheese melt. Finally, mix together the cottage cheese and grated parmesan, spoon this mixture over the top of the skillet lasagna, and serve immediately for a creamy, cheesy finish.
Notes
- Note 1: Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish lighter.
- Note 2: Shredded mozzarella melts easily; avoid pre-sliced mozzarella for better melting.
- Note 3: Cottage cheese adds a creamy texture and balances the rich mozzarella and parmesan.
- Note 4: Tomato paste boosts the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Note 5: Adding water gradually prevents the pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking without making it mushy.
