One Pan Lazy Lasagna (Dinner In Under 30)
This One Pan Lazy Lasagna delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a fraction of the time. Made with ground beef, pasta sauce, tender mafalda noodles, and plenty of melted mozzarella cheese, this easy skillet lasagna is the perfect dinner for busy weeknights when you're craving homemade comfort food without all the layers.
Instead of boiling noodles and assembling a baking dish, everything cooks together in one large skillet for minimal effort and maximum flavor. It's one of Radcliffe's most requested dinners, and I can always count on him going back for seconds. If your family loves cheesy, comforting pasta as much as mine does, this recipe is sure to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.
If you're looking for another comforting pasta dinner, be sure to try our One Skillet Homemade Taco Hamburger Helper and Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
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Ingredients
This simple skillet recipe uses everyday ingredients to create all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna with much less work.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Ground Meat: Any meat variation works, but we always use lean ground beef or medium ground beef. I find medium creates a richer sauce, but ground turkey or chicken are great in this recipe too.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds classic Italian herbs and savory flavor.
- Water or Beef Stock: I usually just use water, but if I have beef stock in the house, I'll reach for it from time to time. It cooks the pasta while adding the moisture it needs.
- Pasta Sauce: Use your favorite marinara or tomato-based pasta sauce.
- Mafalda Noodles: Their ruffled edges mimic traditional lasagna noodles while cooking much faster.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into the pasta for the gooey, cheesy finish everyone loves.
To make this recipe, all you need is a large skillet, cheese grater, and measuring cups and spoons.
Variations
- Lasagna Noodles: Mafalda noodles closely resemble lasagna noodles, but broken regular lasagna noodles can be substituted if needed.
- Creamy Cheese: Stir in ricotta cheese or cottage cheese at the end for a creamier, more traditional lasagna flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Add chopped onion, mushrooms, or bell peppers when browning the meat.
- Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each serving.
- Extra Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
How to Make One Pan Lazy Lasagna
Follow these simple steps for an easy lasagna that's ready in about 30 minutes.
Heat a large skillet over medium high and cook beef until no longer pink. Drain if desired then add Italian seasoning and cook for another minute (I personally do not strain it for additional flavor).
Pour in the pasta sauce, uncooked noodles, and then enough water (or broth) to cover. You can always add more liquid to cook the pasta more but you do not want to add too much because they will keep absorbing even after you are done cooking.
Bring the heat back to low, add cheese and stir until melted. Serve warm and garnish as desired- I like to use fresh basil and ricotta.
Hint: Use a deep skillet or Dutch oven to prevent the sauce from bubbling over.
Recipe Tips
- Stir Occasionally: Stir the pasta occasionally after uncovering to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
- Water or Broth: If the pasta absorbs too much liquid before it's tender, simply add a splash of water or beef broth.
- Let Sauce Thicken: Let the skillet sit for a few minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
If you're looking for another one pot pasta dinner, our Feta Pasta is a favorite around here.
More Mains
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; I prefer to use bags so that I can remove as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water if needed.
Serving Suggestions
- Sides: Cheesy Garlic Bread, Garlic Parmesan Asparagus, Cucumber Tomato Salad, Dinner Rolls, Creamy Cucumber Salad, or Sautéed Green Beans.
One Pan Lazy Lasagna Recipe FAQs
Mafalda noodles are short pasta with ruffled edges that resemble traditional lasagna noodles. They're perfect for skillet lasagna because they cook much faster while still giving you the classic lasagna texture.
Yes. Break regular lasagna sheets into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the skillet. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
It is just a quicker way than taking the time to layer noodles, the cheese mixture, and tomato sauce in a baking dish You still get the comforting flavors of lasagna (minus the ricotta in this one) with far less prep and cleanup.
Absolutely! Stir dollops of ricotta into the finished pasta or spoon it onto individual servings for an even more traditional lasagna flavor.
As the pasta cooks, it continues to absorb liquid. If needed, stir in a little water or beef broth until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
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One Pan Lazy Lasagna
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Cheese Grater
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pound ground beef or any meat mixture/fat content
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 680 ml pasta sauce any type
- 12 ounces Mafalda noodles dry measurement
- water to cover
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, or more
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium high and cook beef until no longer pink. Drain if desired then add Italian seasoning and cook for another minute (I personally do not strain it for additional flavor).
- Pour in the pasta sauce, uncooked noodles, and then enough water (or broth) to cover. You can always add more liquid to cook the pasta more but you do not want to add too much because they will keep absorbing even after you are done cooking.
- Bring to a boil, then cover the skillet and lower the heat. Cook for 10 minutes covered, then uncover, raise the heat to keep a rolling boil and cook until the pasta is your desired tenderness (about 5-8 minutes).
- Bring the heat back to low, add cheese and stir until melted.
Notes
- Stir Occasionally: Stir the pasta occasionally after uncovering to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
- Water or Broth: If the pasta absorbs too much liquid before it's tender, simply add a splash of water or beef broth.
- Let Sauce Thicken: Let the skillet sit for a few minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
- Choose the Right Pan: Use a deep skillet or Dutch oven to prevent the sauce from bubbling over.
- Refrigerator: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; I prefer to use bags so that I can remove as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water if needed.
Nutrition
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