A Taste of Home in Every Bite

There’s something magical about lasagna. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, bringing people together around the table. Growing up, my grandmother’s lasagna was the highlight of every family gathering. The scent of simmering tomatoes, fresh basil, and bubbling cheese would fill the house, drawing everyone into the kitchen long before it was time to eat. It was a labor of love—layer upon layer of homemade sauce, pasta, and cheese, baked to perfection over hours.

But as much as I loved those moments, life now is busier. Between work, family, and the endless to-do lists, making traditional lasagna can feel like an impossible task. That’s where this one-pan skillet lasagna comes in. It delivers all the rich, comforting flavors of the classic dish but in a fraction of the time. No need to pre-boil noodles or layer ingredients meticulously—everything comes together in a single skillet, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or spontaneous cravings.

This recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s about making comfort food accessible without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply indulging in a nostalgic meal, this skillet lasagna is a game-changer.

Why This Skillet Lasagna Works

1. Quick and Easy Without the Hassle

Traditional lasagna takes time—boiling noodles, preparing the sauce, layering everything in a baking dish, and waiting nearly an hour for it to bake. This skillet version cooks in under an hour and requires just one pan. Everything, including the pasta, cooks together, eliminating extra steps and dishes.

2. High-Protein and Nutritious

Many lasagna recipes rely on ricotta cheese, but this one swaps it for cottage cheese, which is lower in calories and higher in protein. Additionally, lean ground beef, bone broth, and mozzarella add a protein punch, making it a filling meal that fuels your body while still feeling indulgent.

3. A One-Pan Wonder for Minimal Cleanup

If you dread washing a pile of dishes after cooking, this recipe is for you. Since everything is made in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze. No separate saucepans, baking dishes, or colanders—just one pan to rinse, making it a stress-free meal option.

4. Customizable to Your Preferences

This dish is incredibly flexible. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegetarian, or looking for a different protein source, you can easily tweak the ingredients without compromising flavor.

Recipe Variations: Make It Your Own

Lasagna is one of those dishes that can be adapted in countless ways. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Meat Alternatives

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap out the beef for 93% lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Italian Sausage: For a bolder, spicier taste, try using ground Italian sausage instead of beef.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat entirely and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or eggplant for a veggie-packed dish.

Cheese Swaps

• Ricotta Cheese: If you prefer the traditional creamy texture, replace cottage cheese with part-skim ricotta.
• Pecorino Romano: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a slightly saltier and sharper flavor.
• Extra Mozzarella: Love cheese? Add an extra handful of shredded mozzarella for extra gooey goodness.

Pasta Choices

• Classic Lasagna Sheets: If you don’t mind breaking them up, you can use traditional lasagna noodles.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Any gluten-free pasta works great in this dish. Just be sure to choose a sturdy shape like fusilli or penne.
• Whole Wheat Pasta: For extra fiber, swap in whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.

Sauce Tweaks

• Marinara Sauce Instead of Crushed Tomatoes: If you prefer a richer, already-seasoned sauce, substitute marinara for the canned tomatoes.
• Extra Garlic and Herbs: Customize the flavor with additional garlic, red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of dried oregano.

Ingredients:

Cheesy Goodness:

• 3/4 cup part-skim cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
• 3/4 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese

Savory Meat & Seasonings:

• 1/2 pound 93% lean ground beef
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped

Rich Tomato Base:

• 2 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes
• 2 1/2 cups chicken bone broth
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Pasta Perfection:

• 8 ounces pasta (Mafalda, Campanelle, bow-tie, broken lasagna noodles, or gluten-free pasta)

Directions:

Step 1: Mix the Cheesy Filling
In a small bowl, combine cottage cheese, Parmesan, and 2 tablespoons of parsley. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat a large 12-inch oven-safe nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef and salt, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Flavor
Add the diced onion and chopped garlic to the skillet. Sauté until tender, about 4–5 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bone broth. Stir in the basil and bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta, stir to combine, and spread it evenly, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover and simmer on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 18–20 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Add the Cheese & Broil
Remove from heat. Dollop the cottage cheese mixture over the lasagna without stirring. Sprinkle mozzarella on top. Place under the broiler on the second rack from the top and broil on high for about 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Remove from the oven, garnish with extra parsley, and serve hot.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving – 1 ½ Cups):

• Calories: 494 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 59 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Fat: 12.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55.5 mg
• Sodium: 938.5 mg
• Fiber: 5.5 g
• Sugar: 10 g

This skillet lasagna is perfect for a quick, hearty meal with minimal cleanup. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the cheese topping, then refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove, add the cheese, and broil as directed.

2. How Do I Store Leftovers?

This skillet lasagna keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it from drying out.

3. Can I Freeze Skillet Lasagna?

Yes! Cool the lasagna completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

4. What Can I Serve with Skillet Lasagna?

While this dish is hearty on its own, here are some great side options:

• Garlic Bread or Garlic Knots: Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
• Italian Salad: A crisp side salad with balsamic dressing balances the richness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini for added nutrition.

5. Can I Make This in a Cast Iron Skillet?

Yes! A cast iron skillet works perfectly, just be sure to grease it well to prevent sticking.

6. Do I Need an Oven for This Recipe?

The oven is only needed for broiling the cheese at the end. If you don’t have an oven, simply cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt on low heat instead.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that reminds you of home. Maybe it’s the way the cheese melts into the sauce, the aroma of fresh basil and garlic, or the first forkful that instantly transports you to family dinners from the past. This skillet lasagna is not just about saving time—it’s about bringing that same warmth and nostalgia to your table, no matter how busy life gets.

It’s a meal for the overworked parent who wants to serve something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
It’s for the college student looking for a home-cooked meal without the hassle.
It’s for anyone who loves lasagna but doesn’t always have the time to make it the old-fashioned way.

Food has a way of connecting us to memories, traditions, and the people we love. And with this skillet lasagna, you get all that wrapped up in a quick, easy, and delicious dish.

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