Easy Skillet Lasagna with Ground Beef
One-pan lasagna cooked entirely in a cast iron skillet. Ground beef simmers with marinara sauce and broken lasagna noodles, then topped with dollops of ricotta and melted mozzarella. Fresh basil and red pepper flakes finish this 30-40 minute weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat.
- 2
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season well with salt and pepper.
- 3
Add the entire jar of marinara to the skillet. Rinse the empty marinara jar with water, then pour into skillet.
- 4
Break up uncooked lasagna noodles and add to skillet. Gently toss together until all noodles are nestled into the sauce.
- 5
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are al dente. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- 6
Dollop ricotta cheese all over the top, followed by shredded mozzarella. Cover and cook another 3-5 minutes, until cheese is melted.
- 7
Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes, then serve.
Tips
Use a large cast iron skillet to ensure even heat distribution and adequate space for noodles to cook properly.
Break noodles into roughly equal pieces so they cook evenly throughout the skillet.
Stir occasionally during the 20-25 minute simmer to prevent noodles from sticking to the bottom.
Dollop ricotta rather than stirring it in to create creamy pockets throughout the dish.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, covered, until warmed through.
Assemble and cook entirely. Do not freeze as noodles become soft upon thawing.
Serve hot directly from the skillet. Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes at the table.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip stirring occasionally during simmering to avoid noodles clumping or scorching on the bottom.
Do not stir ricotta deeply into sauce to avoid losing the creamy texture contrast.
Do not overcook noodles beyond al dente to avoid mushiness.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
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