Description
This easy skillet lasagna delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a simple one-pan stovetop meal. Tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella come together for a satisfying family dinner ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium zucchini, diced small
1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced small
1 small onion, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
24 ounces marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 1/2 cups water
8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces
1 cup cottage cheese, lightly drained
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat a large 12-inch skillet with a lid over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
2. Add the ground beef, zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook while breaking apart the meat for about 8–10 minutes until vegetables soften and the beef is nearly cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Add the broken lasagna noodles and stir well so they are covered with sauce.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 25–30 minutes while stirring every 5–7 minutes until noodles are tender.
6. Remove the lid and mix in cottage cheese and 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese. Cook uncovered for about 5 minutes.
7. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the top. Remove from heat, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
8. Optional: place under a broiler for 3–4 minutes to lightly brown the cheese. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Break the lasagna noodles into evenly sized pieces so they cook uniformly.
If the sauce thickens too much during cooking, add a small splash of water.
For extra flavor, add crushed red pepper flakes or fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: One-Pot & Easy Meals
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired