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To make the Easy Skillet Lasagna, gather the following ingredients: - 9 oz. lasagna noodles, roughly broken into bite-sized pieces - 1 lb. ground beef or turkey (your choice) - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 24 oz. marinara sauce, your favorite brand or homemade - 1 cup ricotta cheese, smooth and creamy - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for a rich finish - 1 tsp dried oregano, for flavor - Salt and pepper to taste, season as desired - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional, but recommended) Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. - Noodles: Use broken lasagna noodles for easy cooking. You can swap for whole-wheat or gluten-free noodles if needed. - Ground meat: Ground beef gives a hearty flavor, while turkey is a leaner choice. - Onion and garlic: These aromatics build the base flavor. You can use shallots for a sweeter taste. - Marinara sauce: Choose your favorite store brand or make your own from scratch. - Cheeses: Ricotta adds creaminess. Mozzarella melts beautifully, and Parmesan gives a salty finish. You can use cottage cheese instead of ricotta if you prefer. - Oregano: This herb adds depth. Basil is a nice substitute if you want something fresher. - Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust these to your taste. - Basil for garnish: Fresh basil adds color and a burst of flavor. These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Feel free to explore the Full Recipe for more details on how to combine these elements into a delicious meal! 1. Cook the Meat Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Cook for 5-7 minutes until it turns brown. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. If there is extra fat, drain it off. 2. Add Onion and Garlic Next, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes. Stir often until the onion becomes soft and clear. 3. Mix in Noodles and Sauce Stir in the broken lasagna noodles, 24 ounces of marinara sauce, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Pour in 2 cups of water so the noodles are covered. 4. Boil, Then Simmer Increase the heat to bring the mix to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to let it simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. Stir every now and then to help the noodles cook evenly. 5. Add Cheeses When the noodles are soft, dollop 1 cup of ricotta cheese over the top. Then sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the skillet again and cook for another 3-5 minutes. Check until the cheese is melted and bubbly. 6. Let it Set Take the skillet off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps it set before serving. For a better cooking experience, I suggest watching a video on skillet lasagna. You can also find helpful visuals online. Photos of each step can make it easier to follow along. Look for tips on how the dish should look at each stage. These visuals can guide you to a perfect dish. To make your skillet lasagna a hit, avoid some common mistakes. First, don't skip the draining step after cooking the meat. This keeps your dish from being too greasy. Second, make sure to break the lasagna noodles into even pieces. This helps them cook evenly. If you want perfect flavor, season your layers well. A sprinkle of salt and pepper at each step boosts taste. For extra flavor, consider adding spices like red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning. These small tweaks can take your dish to the next level. I also recommend using a mix of cheeses. Combining mozzarella with ricotta creates a creamy texture that everyone loves. Serving skillet lasagna is easy and fun. You can scoop it directly from the skillet. This makes for a casual, family-style meal. For added flair, garnish with fresh basil leaves. This gives a pop of color and freshness. As for side dishes, garlic bread pairs well. It’s perfect for mopping up the sauce. A simple green salad can balance the richness of the lasagna. Toss some mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing touch. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps and ingredients. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_4}} You can customize your skillet lasagna by swapping proteins or sauces. Try ground chicken or pork instead of beef or turkey for a different taste. For a lighter option, use shredded rotisserie chicken. If you want a vegetarian dish, replace meat with mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives. For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free lasagna noodles. Just remember to check the cooking time, as they may vary. To boost flavor, add spices like crushed red pepper, thyme, or basil. These spices bring warmth and depth to your dish. You can also try different cheeses. Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a rich, gooey texture. Incorporate veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or carrots for extra nutrition. Add them during the cooking phase with the onion and garlic. This way, they soften and blend into the sauce, making the dish even more flavorful. These simple tweaks make your skillet lasagna unique and fun. Enjoy experimenting! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To store your leftover skillet lasagna, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat your skillet lasagna, the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until it's hot in the middle. You can also use the microwave for a quick meal. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your warm and tasty skillet lasagna! For the full recipe, check out the Easy Skillet Lasagna section above. You can use cottage cheese or cream cheese. Both options give a creamy texture. If you want a lighter choice, try Greek yogurt. It adds a nice tang and is healthy. Yes, you can make it ahead. Cook the dish and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, just bake or heat it on the stove until warm. Absolutely! Skillet lasagna freezes well. After cooking, let it cool, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for three months. To eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat. Cooking lasagna noodles in a skillet takes about 15-20 minutes. Stir them regularly to ensure even cooking. They should be tender and soak up all the sauce flavors. In this post, I covered everything about making Easy Skillet Lasagna. We looked at the ingredients, cooking steps, and some handy tips. I shared ways to swap ingredients and enhance flavors. You learned how to store leftovers and heat them up later. Remember, you can customize this dish to fit your taste. Use my tips to avoid mistakes and impress your guests. Enjoy making this easy and delicious meal!

Easy Skillet Lasagna

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Skillet Lasagna Delight recipe! Perfect for busy nights, this one-pot dish combines tender noodles, hearty ground meat, and a blend of creamy cheeses all cooked to perfection. In just 40 minutes, you can savor a delicious meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Click through to explore the full recipe and make this easy skillet lasagna your new family favorite!
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Ingredients
  

9 oz. lasagna noodles, roughly broken into bite-sized pieces

1 lb. ground beef or turkey (your choice)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

24 oz. marinara sauce, your favorite brand or homemade

1 cup ricotta cheese, smooth and creamy

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for a rich finish

1 tsp dried oregano, for flavor

Salt and pepper to taste, season as desired

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional, but recommended)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. If there's excess fat, carefully drain it to keep the dish lean.

    Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to your skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent.

      Next, stir in the broken lasagna noodles along with marinara sauce, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Pour in 2 cups of water, making sure the noodles are fully submerged.

        Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring the noodles cook evenly and become tender.

          After the noodles are cooked, using a spoon, dollop the ricotta cheese evenly over the top. Follow with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover the skillet once more and allow it to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles enticingly.

            Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to set before serving.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 40 min | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve this delicious skillet lasagna hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for that perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every bite!