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One-Pot Skillet Lasagna

This skillet lasagna is made by cooking ground beef with seasonings, adding uncooked pasta and tomato sauce, then simmering everything together until the pasta is tender and the cheese melts into a gooey topping. The final dish has a hearty, saucy consistency with a golden, bubbly cheese layer on top that stays neatly contained in the skillet.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef preferably lean
  • 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rigatoni) short pasta works best
  • 2 cups tomato sauce preferably smooth, no added sugar
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for gooey topping
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking beef and garlic

Equipment

  • Skillet or cast iron pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and oregano, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds. You should smell the garlic as it becomes fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in the tomato sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine, and let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Add the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet, distributing it evenly in the sauce. Pour in 3 cups of water or beef broth, enough to just cover the pasta.
  6. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
  7. Uncover the skillet and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the hot pasta and sauce. Cover again and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute to set, then serve straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation.

Notes

Feel free to add chopped spinach or other vegetables during the simmer for extra flavor and nutrients.