Practical skillet lasagna is the ultimate one-pan comfort meal for anyone cooking solo. If you live alone and crave a hearty, homemade dish without the hassle of multiple pots or a mountain of dishes, this recipe is your go-to solution. It captures all the richness of traditional lasagna—layers of pasta, savory meat, creamy cheese, and tomato sauce. In other words, it brings all the flavor with none of the fuss.
If you enjoy simple meals like this, you’ll love more ideas from our One-Pan Recipes collection.
Why Practical Skillet Lasagna is Perfect for Solo Cooks
Skillet lasagna is designed with simplicity and practicality in mind. Unlike traditional lasagna that requires oven baking, multiple pans, and hours of prep, this version is:
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Quick to prepare
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Uses just one pan
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Easy to portion for one or two people
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Perfect for leftovers or meal prep
Therefore, it’s ideal for solo cooks who want efficiency without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re new to cooking or already skilled, this one-pan solution saves time.
Ingredients for Practical Skillet Lasagna
Here’s what you’ll need for one hearty serving. Of course, feel free to double it for meal prep or to serve a guest.
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4 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/4 pound ground beef
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1/4 pound Italian sausage (or substitute, see FAQ)
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1/2 small onion, diced
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 cup marinara sauce
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1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/4 cup ricotta cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
You can use high-quality mozzarella for better flavor. For convenience, we recommend this shredded mozzarella available online.
Step-by-Step Guide to Practical Skillet Lasagna
1. Cook the Pasta
First, boil the broken lasagna noodles in salted water according to package directions. After that, drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Meat
Next, in a large nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and sausage. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Then, add diced onion and garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes.
3. Add the Sauce
Now, pour in the marinara sauce and sprinkle in oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Assemble in the Skillet
Afterward, add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet and stir to coat. Reduce heat to low.
5. Layer the Cheese
Dollop ricotta cheese over the pasta. Then, sprinkle mozzarella evenly. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook on low heat for 3–5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
Finally, top with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot, directly from the skillet.
Tips for Making the Best Practical Skillet Lasagna
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In addition, use broken noodles—they cook faster and are easier to portion.
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Be sure to season generously and taste as you go.
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Moreover, covering the skillet helps the cheese melt without drying the sauce.
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Above all, use a large skillet for even cooking.
Practical Skillet Lasagna Variations to Try
If you want to experiment, try these easy adjustments:
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For example, make a vegetarian version using mushrooms and zucchini.
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Alternatively, add chili flakes or spicy sausage for heat.
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Likewise, mix in parmesan or provolone for richer flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Practical Skillet Lasagna
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
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Before serving again, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.
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To summarize, portion into containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
Making a satisfying lasagna doesn’t have to be complicated. On the contrary, this practical skillet lasagna recipe delivers all the traditional comfort in less time and with fewer dishes. It’s solo-cooking made smarter.
Save this recipe for your next solo dinner and share it with someone who loves quick, hearty meals!