One-Pan Cheesy Beef Lasagna Skillet That Delivers Comfort Fast

A Cheesy Beef Lasagna Skillet brings all the flavour and richness of traditional layered lasagna but without the lengthy assembly or oven time. This streamlined approach turns a beloved classic into a convenient weeknight dinner that feels both hearty and indulgent. What I enjoy most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. I once substituted cottage cheese for ricotta when my fridge was nearly empty, and the result was surprisingly creamy and satisfying. Cooking everything in a single skillet allows the pasta to absorb the savoury beef and tomato sauce fully, yielding deeper flavour in far less time. This dish is ideal for anyone seeking comfort food with minimal effort—melty cheese, rich sauce, tender pasta, and familiar Italian aromatics all come together beautifully. It’s the kind of recipe you can rely on when you need something warm, filling, and ready without much fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe captures the essence of classic lasagna but simplifies the entire process. Instead of boiling noodles separately or layering ingredients meticulously, everything cooks together in one skillet. The result is a deeply flavourful, cheese-laden dish that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually requires. It is also versatile, easy to customise, and highly family-friendly.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Ground beef creates a savoury base with satisfying richness. As it browns, it releases flavour that becomes foundational to the sauce.

Lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
Breaking the noodles allows them to cook evenly in the skillet and absorb sauce directly, mimicking layered lasagna without the work.

Crushed tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes create a robust sauce that thickens as it simmers. Their acidity balances the richness of the beef and cheese.

Tomato paste
Tomato paste deepens the sauce’s flavour and adds body, ensuring it coats the noodles fully.

Beef broth
Broth provides the necessary liquid to cook the noodles while intensifying the savoury notes throughout the dish.

Garlic
Garlic introduces warm aromatics that enhance the Italian flavour profile.

Onion
Onion adds natural sweetness and depth as it softens during sautéing.

Italian seasoning
This blend supplies herbal notes that round out the sauce and complement the cheese.

Ricotta cheese
Ricotta adds creaminess and classic lasagna character. It melts into the sauce, creating subtle richness.

Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella provides the signature stretchy melt that makes skillet lasagna irresistible.

Parmesan cheese
Parmesan brings sharp, salty depth that balances the softer cheeses.

Olive oil
Used for sautéing, olive oil helps bloom the aromatics and improves browning.

Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings that ensure every ingredient tastes its best.

Directions

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once the beef is cooked through, stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to caramelise slightly for deeper flavour. Add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring until the mixture comes to a simmer. Break the lasagna noodles into large shards and nestle them into the sauce, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Cover the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender. Reduce the heat and add spoonfuls of ricotta, folding gently. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top, then cover again until the cheese melts into a bubbly, cohesive layer. Serve hot, allowing the skillet to rest briefly before portioning.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with eas

Servings and timing

Serves 4–6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to three days. Reheat slowly on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating is also effective when done in short intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Variations and Customizations

Three-Cheese Deluxe
Increase ricotta and add provolone for a richer, more indulgent skillet.

Vegetable-Loaded Lasagna
Incorporate spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.

Spicy Arrabbiata Version
Add crushed red pepper or use a spicy tomato base to give the dish a lively kick.

Lightened Beef Blend
Use half ground beef and half ground turkey for a slightly leaner version.

Herb-Forward Twist
Add fresh basil or parsley at the end for a brighter, garden-fresh flavour.

White Lasagna Skillet
Replace tomatoes with a light cream sauce and use chicken broth instead of beef broth.

Ricotta Alternative
Use cottage cheese blended until smooth if ricotta is unavailable. I have done this myself with excellent results.

Cheesy Crust Finish
Broil the skillet briefly to create a bubbly, golden cheese crust on top.

Gluten-Free Adaptation
Use gluten-free lasagna noodles, adjusting cooking time to prevent over-softening.

Italian Sausage Upgrade
Replace some or all of the beef with mild or hot Italian sausage for boosted flavour.

FAQs

Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles?

Yes, they work well and require no special adjustments.

Can I substitute penne for lasagna noodles?

Yes, though it will resemble a pasta bake rather than classic lasagna textures.

Can I make this ahead?

Prepare the sauce first, then finish cooking the noodles when ready to serve.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking?

Stir occasionally and ensure there is sufficient sauce throughout cooking.

Is ricotta necessary?

It adds classic flavour, but cottage cheese can be used as a substitute.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended due to changes in pasta texture.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, hearty vegetables like mushrooms or spinach work well.

Is this dish too heavy?

You can lighten it by reducing cheese or using leaner protein.

How do I make it spicier?

Add chili flakes or replace some beef with spicy sausage.

How do I prevent the cheese from becoming greasy?

Use part-skim mozzarella and avoid overheating after melting.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Beef Lasagna Skillet brings the beloved comfort of traditional lasagna to your table in a fraction of the time. By cooking everything in one pan, the noodles absorb deep flavours while the cheese melts into a luxurious, cohesive finish. Whether you follow the classic method or explore the customisations, this skillet recipe offers dependable warmth, flavour, and ease. It is a practical yet impressive dish suited for busy evenings or relaxed weekend meals.

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