The Skillet Lasagna with Sausage and Beef offers all the rich, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna without the lengthy preparation. By combining savory ground beef and zesty Italian sausage, this dish delivers a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Prepared entirely in one pan, this lasagna simplifies the cooking process and minimizes cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. The layers of tender noodles, robust meat sauce, and creamy cheeses meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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½ pound ground beef (90/10)
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½ pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot), casings removed
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
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¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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24 ounces marinara sauce
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2 cups chicken stock or water
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8 lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces
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½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
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1 large egg yolk
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
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Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage; cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
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Add minced garlic, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in marinara sauce and chicken stock; stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Add broken lasagna noodles to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
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In a small bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg yolk, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Dollop the ricotta mixture over the lasagna in the skillet. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
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Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Skillet Lasagna with Sausage and Beef: A Hearty One-Pan Meal
Lasagna is a timeless comfort food loved by many, but making it the traditional way can be time-consuming. Layering noodles, preparing sauces, and baking it to perfection takes effort and patience. That’s where skillet lasagna comes in a simplified, one-pan version that offers all the delicious flavors of a classic lasagna but with far less work. This Skillet Lasagna with Sausage and Beef is the perfect weeknight dinner, balancing rich flavors, cheesy goodness, and a hearty texture without the hassle of multiple dishes.
Why You’ll Love Skillet Lasagna
Skillet lasagna takes all the best parts of a traditional baked lasagna and combines them into a quick and easy stovetop dish. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
1. One-Pan Convenience
Instead of layering and baking in the oven, this lasagna is cooked entirely in one skillet. That means less cleanup, fewer dishes, and a streamlined cooking process perfect for busy nights.
2. Rich and Hearty Flavor
Using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage adds depth to the flavor. The combination of these two meats creates a savory, slightly spicy base that pairs perfectly with marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese.
3. No Pre-Cooking the Noodles
Unlike traditional lasagna that requires boiling noodles separately, in this recipe, the noodles cook directly in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors while softening to the perfect texture.
4. Customizable and Family-Friendly
You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your taste. Want to add vegetables? Try mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Prefer a spicier dish? Use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes. The options are endless!
What Makes This Skillet Lasagna Special?
A Perfectly Balanced Sauce
The secret to a great lasagna is the sauce, and this dish does not disappoint. The blend of ground beef, sausage, garlic, and herbs infuses the marinara sauce with incredible depth. Using high-quality marinara sauce enhances the overall taste, while chicken stock adds richness and keeps the dish from drying out.
A Creamy, Cheesy Finish
Ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese combine to give this skillet lasagna the creamy, cheesy layers that make lasagna so comforting. The ricotta mixture, with egg yolk and Parmesan, adds a rich creaminess, while the mozzarella melts into a golden, bubbly topping.
Quick Cooking Time
Traditional lasagna can take over an hour to prepare and bake, but this skillet version is ready in just about 40 minutes. It’s perfect for when you’re craving lasagna but don’t have time for the long process.
Tips for Making the Best Skillet Lasagna
1. Use Quality Ingredients
Since this dish is simple, high-quality ingredients make a big difference. Opt for a good brand of marinara sauce, fresh garlic, and a blend of cheeses for the best flavor.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet
Make sure the broken lasagna noodles are evenly distributed and fully submerged in the sauce to ensure they cook properly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Let It Rest Before Serving
Like traditional lasagna, this dish benefits from resting for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet lasagna is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with simple sides for an even more satisfying dinner. Here are a few ideas:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to lasagna.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a healthy, flavorful side.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, this dish stores well and makes a great meal for the next day.
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, let the lasagna cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Conclusion:
Skillet Lasagna with Sausage and Beef is the ultimate shortcut to enjoying the comforting taste of lasagna without the long preparation time. With its rich, meaty sauce, gooey melted cheese, and tender noodles cooked all in one pan, this dish is a weeknight lifesaver. Whether you’re cooking for family or just craving a cozy, homemade meal, this easy lasagna recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it tonight and savor every cheesy, hearty bite!