Lazy Lasagna Skillet Dinner

This lazy lasagna skillet meal is all about big comfort with minimal effort. It gives you the gooey cheese and rich flavors of classic lasagna but swaps the tedious layering for a one-pan approach that is perfect for busy evenings. In just about thirty minutes, you will be tucking into a cheesy pasta dish that tastes like it simmered all afternoon.

I first whipped this up on a night when actual lasagna felt too ambitious. Now it is a staple for family movie nights and sometimes I catch myself craving it even before lunchtime arrives.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: adds richness and hearty texture. Look for eighty to eighty five percent lean for great flavor without too much grease
• Chopped onion: builds a savory foundation. Choose a fresh firm onion without sprouting for sweetness
• Salt and pepper: highlight all the flavors. Freshly ground black pepper really perks things up
• Paprika and Italian seasoning: bring warmth and classic Italian comfort. Use a high quality blend for best flavor
• Red pepper flakes: offer a gentle heat. Adjust the quantity if you like it milder or spicier
• Minced garlic: adds a punchy depth. Fresh is best for a mellow bite
• Jarred marinara or pasta sauce: makes things easy. Look for one with a short ingredient list and no added sugar
• Rigatoni pasta: catches sauce and cheese in every bite. Pick a quality brand that holds its shape when cooked
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully. Go for whole milk mozzarella if possible
• Ricotta cheese: creates creaminess and that treasured lasagna vibe. Choose a ricotta that is smooth and not too watery
• Shredded Parmesan: amps up savory notes. Buy a wedge and shred it yourself for more flavor
• Dried parsley flakes: for a pretty finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain well and set aside to avoid any extra water in your skillet

Brown the Beef and Onions:

Heat a large skillet over medium high. Add the ground beef and chopped onion stirring often while breaking up the meat. Let it cook for about eight minutes until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are soft

Season Well:

Sprinkle in the salt black pepper paprika Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Stir for another minute or two until everything is deeply aromatic and evenly combined

Add the Garlic and Sauce:

Drain off any excess fat then stir in the minced garlic. Cook just until fragrant about thirty seconds. Pour in your jar of marinara sauce and stir to coat the meat mixture

Add Cooked Pasta:

Gently fold in the drained rigatoni making sure each piece gets coated in all those rich flavors

Dot with Ricotta and Top with Cheese:

Drop small spoonfuls of ricotta evenly across the skillet tucking them in between the pasta and beef mixture for maximum creamy pockets. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese all over the top making sure some covers the ricotta

Melt the Cheese in the Oven:

Place the skillet under a broiler or in a hot oven for a few minutes until the mozzarella is bubbly and golden

Finish and Serve:

Remove from the oven then scatter over shredded Parmesan and dried parsley flakes. Let it stand a couple minutes before serving so you get perfect cheesy scoops

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I get unfairly excited about the golden stretchy edges where the mozzarella meets the skillet. My crew always scrambles for those first scoops with the cheesiest bits on top and it is honestly the best part of the whole thing.

Storage Tips

This skillet meal keeps well in the fridge for three to four days. I recommend letting it cool before transferring to an airtight container. Reheat individual portions covered so the cheese stays soft and gooey. It also freezes surprisingly well—just make sure to use a freezer safe dish and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground turkey or Italian sausage for beef if that is what you have. Feel free to use penne or ziti in place of rigatoni. For a lighter option cottage cheese stands in nicely for ricotta. If you love veggies toss in some baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms before adding the sauce

Serving Suggestions

Pair this lasagna skillet with a big leafy green salad or simple roasted broccoli for contrast. Warm garlic bread or focaccia is always a welcome addition to help scoop up all those cheesy bits. Sometimes I let my kids sprinkle on their own extra Parmesan at the table

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Cultural Context

This dish takes all the classic flavors found in Italian American lasagna and repackages them for everyday cooking. It nods to tradition but is as laid back as a weeknight dinner needs to be

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the ground beef for another protein?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for a different flavor or dietary preference.

→ What type of marinara sauce works best?

Any favorite jarred or homemade marinara sauce works well. Choose one with robust tomato flavor for best results.

→ Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

You can prep the beef mixture and cook pasta in advance. Combine and melt cheese just before serving for best texture.

→ What side dishes complement this skillet meal?

Garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or steamed vegetables pair perfectly alongside for a balanced dinner.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Let the dish cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.