Craving the comforting layers of a classic lasagna but short on time? You’re in the right place! This Best Beef and Sausage Skillet Lasagna recipe delivers all the rich, hearty flavors you adore in a fraction of the time, and with just one pan to clean. Forget the lengthy layering and multiple dishes; this streamlined version is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious, satisfying meal without the fuss.
Why You'll Love This One-Pan Wonder
What makes this Skillet Lasagna truly the best? It’s simple:
- Effortless & Quick: From start to finish, you can have a comforting meal on the table in under an hour.
- One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your dinner.
- Big, Bold Flavors: The combination of lean ground beef and savory Italian sausage creates a deeply flavorful base that pairs perfectly with rich marinara sauce and creamy cheeses.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will ask for again and again.
Key Ingredients for the Best Flavor
While the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, a few key ingredients elevate it from good to absolutely outstanding:
- Ground Beef & Italian Sausage: This dynamic duo provides a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. The beef adds substance, while the sausage brings a delightful savory spice.
- Fresh Aromatics: Don't skip the chopped onion and minced garlic! They're the foundation of any great Italian-inspired sauce. Make sure you have a quality chef's knife to make prep work a breeze.
- Quality Marinara Sauce: Whether homemade or your favorite jarred brand, a good marinara is crucial. Choose one with robust tomato flavor.
- Creamy Ricotta & Melty Mozzarella: These cheeses are what give lasagna its signature creamy texture and irresistible gooey top. A touch of Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish.
Tips for Skillet Lasagna Success
- Break Up Those Noodles: Don't try to fit whole lasagna sheets into your skillet. Breaking them into 2-3 inch pieces ensures they cook evenly and are easier to manage.
- Noodle Submersion: Ensure your broken noodles are mostly submerged in the marinara sauce. This is key for them to soften properly without sticking. Stir occasionally!
- Don't Rush the Simmer: Give the noodles enough time to cook through. Patience here will be rewarded with perfectly tender pasta.
- Oven-Safe Skillet is a Plus: While not strictly necessary, an oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) allows for a beautifully bubbly, golden-brown cheese topping. If you don't have one, just cover your skillet on the stovetop until the cheese melts.
Easy Variations to Explore
This recipe is highly adaptable! Feel to customize it based on your preferences:
- Add Veggies: Stir in some fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms with the onion.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the meat sauce can add a delightful kick.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with a blend of provolone or fontina for a unique cheesy layer.
- Herbs: Finish with fresh parsley or oregano along with the basil for an aromatic boost.
Ready to ditch the traditional baking dish and embrace the simplicity of skillet cooking? This Best Beef and Sausage Skillet Lasagna is about to become your new favorite weeknight meal. It's hearty, satisfying, and packed with incredible flavor, proving that sometimes, less truly is more. Enjoy!
FAQs
Can I make this skillet lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat sauce and even assemble the lasagna in the skillet a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time when baking or simmering.
What kind of noodles should I use for skillet lasagna?
Regular dried lasagna noodles work best for this recipe. Break them into 2-3 inch pieces before adding them to the skillet. No-boil noodles can also be used, but ensure they are fully submerged in sauce.
Can I freeze leftover skillet lasagna?
Absolutely! Allow the lasagna to cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?
No problem! After adding the cheese, simply cover your skillet and continue to cook on low heat on the stovetop until the cheeses are melted and bubbly. The baking step is primarily for browning the cheese, which isn't essential for taste.
Best Beef and Sausage Skillet Lasagna
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A hearty, one-pan skillet lasagna featuring ground beef and Italian sausage, rich marinara, tender broken noodles, and layers of creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella, perfect for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
1/2 pound lean ground beef
1/2 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into 2-3 inch pieces
3-4 cups homemade or good quality marinara sauce
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: In a large, oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron), brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Carefully add the broken lasagna noodles to the skillet, pushing them down into the sauce to ensure they are mostly submerged. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: While the noodles cook, prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
Step 6: Once the noodles are tender, uncover the skillet. Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the top of the lasagna. Sprinkle evenly with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 7: If your skillet is oven-safe, transfer it to a preheated oven (375°F/190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, cover the skillet again and cook on the stovetop over low heat until cheese is melted.
Step 8: Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
For extra richness, add a layer of fresh spinach between the meat sauce and cheese layers. You can also swap ground turkey for beef for a lighter version. If using a non-oven-safe skillet, simply cover and allow the cheese to melt on the stovetop over low heat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet, Stovetop, Baked (optional)
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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