Description
Smoky Skillet Lasagna is a delicious one-pan Italian-American dish that combines the classic flavors of lasagna with the convenience of stovetop cooking. Ground beef simmered with smoked paprika and chili powder creates a rich, smoky base, layered with broken lasagna noodles and three types of cheese for a comforting, cheesy pasta experience perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Veggies
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Pasta
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into large pieces
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Meat and Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened, then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Season the Meat Mixture: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the meat mixture evenly with the spices.
- Add Sauce and Noodles: Pour in the marinara sauce and water. Add the broken lasagna noodles and gently press them into the sauce to ensure they are submerged and evenly distributed.
- Simmer Until Noodles Cook: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the noodles are tender.
- Add Cheeses: Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the top of the noodle mixture, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet again and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm for a hearty, smoky skillet lasagna experience.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked mozzarella or add a pinch of smoked salt.
- Ground turkey can be substituted for a lighter version of this dish.
- If the skillet mixture becomes too thick during cooking, add a small splash of water or broth to loosen it.
