EASY SKILLET LASAGNA MEAT AND VEGAN ( Option)

By: chef ssentongo

Never made a skillet lasagna recipe? It’s time. If you’re looking for a lasagna that is easy to make, cooks quickly and is filled with traditional flavors, it’s definitely time! Oh, how about one that’s beloved by the whole family, including picky eaters? Yup, it’s most definitely time!

Our skillet lasagna is packed with familiar flavors of ground beef, diced tomatoes, spaghetti sauce and cottage cheese. The cheese layer gets a serious upgrade with cream of onion soup, which lends notes of savory onion and decadent cream. Top it all off with two types of cheese—melty mozzarella and buttery, nutty Colby-Monterey Jack—and this 30-minute recipe is a real winner.

What’s the right pan for skillet lasagna? You can use any large skillet, but nonstick is the best skillet for easy cleaning. Of course, with proper seasoning, most cast-iron skillets are just as nonstick as coated pans. So, the choice is yours

Easy Skillet Lasagna (Meat + Vegan Options)

A one-pan, no-fuss lasagna that cooks in under 30 minutes! Perfect for busy nights.

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Classic Meat Skillet Lasagna

Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup water (or beef broth for extra flavor)
• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions:

1️⃣ Brown the meat: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook beef/sausage and onion until browned (5-6 mins). Drain excess fat if needed.
2️⃣ Add garlic & sauce: Stir in garlic for 30 sec, then add marinara and water. Bring to a simmer.
3️⃣ Cook noodles: Add broken lasagna noodles, stir, and cover. Simmer for 15-18 mins, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
4️⃣ Cheese it up: Drop spoonfuls of ricotta on top, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover for 2-3 mins to melt.
5️⃣ Season & serve: Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Garnish with fresh herbs.

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🌱 Vegan Skillet Lasagna

Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14 oz) plant-based ground (or 1 cup cooked lentils)
• 1 (24 oz) jar vegan marinara
• 1 cup veggie broth
• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken up
• Vegan “Cheeses”:
• 1 cup cashew ricotta (blend soaked cashews + lemon + garlic)
• 1 cup vegan mozzarella shreds
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Fresh basil (optional)

Instructions:

1️⃣ Sauté veggies & “meat”: Heat oil, cook onion until soft (3-4 mins). Add garlic and plant-based meat (or lentils), cooking 4-5 mins.
2️⃣ Simmer noodles: Pour in marinara and broth. Add noodles, stir, cover, and simmer 15-18 mins until tender.
3️⃣ Add vegan cheese: Dollop cashew ricotta, sprinkle vegan mozzarella and nutritional yeast. Cover to melt (2-3 mins).
4️⃣ Season & serve: Finish with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Top with fresh basil.

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Pro Tips:

✔ No-boil noodles work best – They absorb sauce perfectly!
✔ Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
✔ Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a dash of balsamic glaze.

Why you’ll love this:
✅ One pan = easy cleanup
✅ Ready in 30 mins (vs. traditional lasagna!)
✅ Customizable – Swap meats, cheeses, or add veggies.

Serve with garlic bread & a crisp salad! 🥖🥗

Would you like a spicy or extra-cheesy variation?

Drop your Question and comment