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Speedy Skillet Lasagna Recipe

4.5 from 71 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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