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Quick 30-Minute Skillet Lasagna Recipe Easy No-Boil Noodles Dinner

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A quick and easy skillet lasagna using no-boil noodles that delivers rich, cheesy layers in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (can substitute ground turkey)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • About 6 sheets no-boil lasagna noodles, broken to fit skillet
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • A handful fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes until shimmering.
  2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn.
  4. Add ground beef or sausage and cook, breaking it up, for 6-8 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, then sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  6. Simmer sauce gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if sauce gets too thick.
  7. Spread a thin layer of sauce evenly across the bottom of the skillet.
  8. Layer no-boil noodles, breaking them to fit snugly without overlapping too thickly.
  9. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly over the noodles, then sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella.
  10. Repeat layering (sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used or skillet is full, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
  11. Cover skillet with a lid or foil and cook over low heat for 15-18 minutes to soften noodles and melt cheese.
  12. Remove cover and cook for another 3-5 minutes to brown the cheese on top.
  13. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow layers to settle.

Notes

If noodles are not soft enough after covered cooking, add a splash of water, cover again, and cook a few minutes longer. Avoid stirring too often during cooking to preserve the crust. Resting the lasagna before serving helps with slicing and flavor melding. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, substitute cheeses and noodles accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: skillet lasagna, quick lasagna, no-boil noodles, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Italian comfort food, cheesy lasagna