Speedy Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Introduction
Speedy Skillet Lasagna is a delightful one-pan meal that brings all the flavors of classic lasagna without the wait. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines ground beef, tomato sauce, pasta, and cheese into a comforting dish ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrot, chopped (optional)
- 16 ounces mafalda mini lasagna noodles or other pasta like bowtie pasta
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 (26 ounce) jar tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup or more shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and carrot until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 2: Stir in the uncooked pasta, tomato sauce, water, Italian seasoning, mushrooms, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Heat until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Stir in the half and half to add creaminess, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms.
- Swap half and half with whole milk or cream depending on your preference for richness.
- Add fresh basil or parsley at the end for a fresh herbal note.
- Use any short pasta you have on hand if mafalda noodles are unavailable.
Storage
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or milk during reheating to maintain creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or sausage can be used instead of ground beef for different flavors and leaner options.
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?
No, the pasta cooks directly in the sauce and liquid during simmering, making this a convenient one-pot meal.
PrintSpeedy Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Speedy Skillet Lasagna is a quick and delicious twist on traditional lasagna that cooks all in one pan. Combining ground beef, vegetables, pasta, and a flavorful tomato sauce, this recipe delivers the classic comforting taste of lasagna without the lengthy preparation and multiple dishes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it uses mini lasagna noodles or bowtie pasta, simmered with rich sauce and finished with creamy half and half and melted mozzarella cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrot, chopped (optional)
- 16 ounces mafalda mini lasagna noodles or other types of pasta like bowtie pasta
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 (26 ounce) jar tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup or more shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Meat and Vegetables: In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and carrot until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Add Pasta and Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the uncooked pasta along with the water, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, sliced mushrooms (if using), brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the sauce.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the half and half to add creaminess to the dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top just before serving, allowing it to melt slightly for a delicious cheesy finish.
Notes
- You can substitute mafalda mini lasagna noodles with bowtie or other small pasta shapes for convenience.
- Adding carrots and mushrooms provides extra vegetables, but they are optional if you prefer a more traditional lasagna flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let the mixture simmer a little longer to reduce excess liquid.
- For a richer dish, you can use heavy cream instead of half and half.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Keywords: skillet lasagna, quick lasagna, easy dinner, one-pan pasta, ground beef recipe, Italian comfort food
