Easy Cheesy Lasagna Skillet

Wavy lasagna noodles, a simple marinara sauce, ground beef and loads of mozzarella and parmesan make this Easy Cheesy Lasagna Skillet your new weeknight go-to!

Make Dinner a No-Brainer

Get a delicious family-friendly dinner on the table in less than an hour and without a lot of fuss. This Easy Cheesy Lasagna Skillet is your favorite classic lasagna simplified! Wavy lasagna noodles, marinara sauce, ground beef and loads of mozzarella and parmesan. No layering, no broken noodles, just an easy, classic dinner your whole family will love.

Simply Delicious

I love a good pasta dinner that makes a weeknight meal a breeze. And if you’re a fan, you should definitely try my Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs, my super easy Cacio e Pepe, or my Lemon Ricotta Linguini with Pancetta and Peas. So little effort and everyone asks for seconds.

This skillet lasagna has been in heavy rotation at our house lately. Things get pretty busy here during the summer months and I love that this takes so little time and effort to make all the kids happy. It’s perfectly seasoned and so cheesy and creamy. I serve it up with a chopped Caesar salad and some oven-fried broccoli and it’s always a hit.

Ingredients and Supplies

(see recipe card at the bottom of this post for measurements and details)

Ingredients:

• Wavy lasagna noodles (broken): give this skillet all the classic lasagna flavor and hearty texture while cooking faster and more evenly in one pan. Any short pasta like rotini or penne will also work.
• Reserved pasta water: the starchy pasta water helps loosen the sauce and creates a silky, glossy coating that clings to the noodles. If needed, use warm water or low-sodium chicken broth, though pasta water gives the best texture.
• Ground beef: adds hearty, savory flavor and makes this a satisfying, protein-packed meal. Ground turkey, ground chicken, Italian sausage, or a plant-based ground meat all work well as substitutes.
• Kosher salt: enhances the flavors of the beef, sauce, and cheeses so everything tastes balanced.
• Ground black pepper: adds a mild warmth and rounds out the savory flavors. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a little heat instead.
• Fresh garlic (minced): adds rich, aromatic flavor that gives the sauce more depth. You can use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic.
• Italian seasoning: brings classic herb flavor that makes the skillet taste like traditional lasagna. Use a blend of dried basil, oregano, and parsley, or just oregano if that’s all you have on hand.
• Marinara sauce: the flavorful base that brings everything together with rich tomato goodness. Any favorite pasta sauce or my simple homemade marinara sauce work great.
• Whole milk ricotta cheese: adds the signature creamy, rich pockets that make lasagna so comforting. Cottage cheese is a great alternative, or mascarpone for an extra-rich version.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts into a gooey, cheesy topping that gives this skillet its irresistible finish. Freshly grated mozzarella cheese melts more consistently, but feel free to use your favorite pre-shredded cheese.
• Grated parmesan cheese: adds salty, nutty flavor and enhances the cheesy topping. Pecorino Romano or Asiago are excellent alternatives.

Supplies:

• Large pot
• Large skillet

How to Make Easy Cheesy Lasagna Skillet

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with salt and pepper until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
• Add garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 30 seconds, then reduce heat to medium.

• Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 3–5 minutes.
• Add the cooked noodles and toss to coat.

• Add reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing to loosen the pasta and bring the sauce together, until it’s as saucy as you like.
• Dollop the ricotta over the top, then gently fold it in slightly, leaving some creamy pockets throughout.
• Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan evenly over everything.

• Cover and cook on low until the cheese is melted, about 5–10 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place a serving in a covered microwave-safe dish with a splash of water or a little extra marinara sauce and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. You can also reheat larger portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or marinara sauce as needed to keep the pasta creamy.

If you make my Easy Cheesy Lasagna Skillet, be sure to snap a picture and share it with me  @thebakermama on Instagram so I can see. If you’re on Facebook, be sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama group to connect and share all the fun and yummy recipes of mine that you make! 😍 I just love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy!

xoxo,

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