Skillet Lasagna

Skillet lasagna is a quick and easy option for a weeknight dinner. This 30-minute, one-pot meal is perfect for those busy evenings after school. With layers of rich marinara, gooey cheese, and tender pasta, it captures all the flavors of traditional lasagna without the lengthy preparation time.

I love using Rao’s Marinara sauce for its homemade, authentic flavor made with tomatoes imported from Italy. It seriously brings back memories of all the pasta I indulged in while traveling through Italy, but now I can enjoy it in my own kitchen! My children loved this Skillet Lasagna so much that they requested seconds before I could even join them at the table. As a mom, I also appreciate that there is no added sugar.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef or 1 lb ground sausage
• 1 small onion chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1½ tsp Kosher salt divided
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup water or chicken stock, plus more, if needed, for the noodles
• Rao’s Homemade Penne Rigate
• 10-15 fresh basil leaves
• 32oz Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce
• 1 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan
• 1 large egg yolk
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• fresh chopped basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brown the meat. Heat a large skillet with oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or Italian sausage, using a spatula to break up into small pieces. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then add garlic, oregano, salt & pepper. This recipe makes a large portion, so be sure to use your largest pan.
2. Make the sauce. Add marinara sauce, chicken stock or water, and basil leaves. Stir well, then bring to a simmer. 
3. Add the noodles, then stir well. Lower the temperature slightly, cover, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are al dente, about 20-25 minutes. (No need to boil separately!) Add additional chicken stock or water as needed.
4. Make the ricotta mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together ricotta, egg yolk, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the cheese. Once the noodles are tender, dollop the ricotta mixture all over the top of the lasagna skillet. Sprinkle with mozzarella.
6. Cover until the cheese melts. Allow to cool slightly, then top with additional basil and parsley.

You can complement your skillet lasagna with a quick and easy salad or some dinner rolls. I enjoy preparing a Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to pair perfectly with the lasagna.

Serve hot, straight from the skillet, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this easy-to-make lasagna. This dish is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something hearty and delicious without the fuss.

Check out these step-by-step directions:

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