One Pan Lasagna
One Pan Lasagna is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cooked entirely in one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe offers minimal cleanup, customizable ingredients, and rich, hearty taste that feels like a homemade hug.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop simmering (one-pan cooking)
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Can be adapted to Gluten Free and Dairy Free
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey (lean)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Noodles and Cheese
- 9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil sheets)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquid
- 1 ½ cups water or broth (for cooking noodles)
- Brown the Meat and Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Sauce and Seasoning: Pour in marinara sauce, stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors while you prepare other ingredients.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread a layer of the meat sauce evenly in the pan. Place uncooked lasagna noodles on top, breaking them as needed to fit. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the noodles, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layering, finishing with cheese on top.
- Add Liquid and Cook: Carefully pour water or broth around the edges of the pan to help the noodles cook through. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil and simmer on low heat for 30-35 minutes. Check that noodles are tender and cheese is melted.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the cover and let the lasagna sit for 5-10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Use no-boil noodles to absorb sauce better and reduce cooking time.
- Don’t skip resting time after cooking to help layers settle and keep the lasagna intact.
- Cover tightly while cooking to retain moisture and ensure tender noodles and gooey cheese.
- Layer ingredients evenly for uniform cooking and balanced flavor.
- Add just enough liquid to cook the noodles without making the dish watery.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: one pan lasagna, easy lasagna, quick lasagna, one skillet lasagna, weeknight dinner, Italian comfort food, simple lasagna recipe