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One-Pot Lazy Lasagna

One-Pot Lazy Lasagna

This One-Pot Lazy Lasagna delivers all the flavor and comfort of traditional lasagna — rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese — without the mess or effort. Everything cooks in one skillet for a cozy, cheesy dinner that’s ready with minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil adds rich flavor and helps brown the meat
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean) for a tender, flavorful base
  • 1 tsp kosher salt or more to taste
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped for rich Italian flavor
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, coarsely chopped adds brightness
For the Sauce
  • 5 cups marinara sauce use high-quality sauce for best flavor
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter for a silky, rich texture
For the Pasta and Cheese Layers
  • 12 oz no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into 2–3 inch pieces no pre-cooking required
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided melts beautifully
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided adds nutty flavor
  • 15 oz whole-milk ricotta cheese for creamy, rich texture

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat and Brown the Beef: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 7–9 minutes, breaking it up until browned. Season with salt, then add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir in chopped basil.
  2. Step 2: Build the Sauce: Pour in marinara sauce and stir to combine. Add butter and let it melt into the sauce for a smooth texture. Adjust seasoning to taste and bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Step 3: Add the Pasta and First Layer of Cheese: Break the lasagna noodles into 2–3 inch pieces and stir into the sauce. Add 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan, stirring until melted. Cook for 2 minutes to coat noodles evenly, then remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: Add the Ricotta Mixture: Mix ricotta with 1/2 cup Parmesan in a small bowl. Drop spoonfuls over the pasta and gently fold to create creamy pockets throughout.
  5. Step 5: Top and Bake: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

To lighten it up, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a vegetarian option, replace meat with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Add red pepper flakes for heat or Italian seasoning for depth. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer to a baking dish before baking. Freshly shredded cheese melts best.