One-Pan Lasagna Bake saved my evening. It was one of those days when everything felt rushed, and dinner seemed like an impossible task. I glanced at my pantry, wondering what I could whip up quickly without sacrificing flavor. That’s when I remembered my trusty One-Pan Lasagna Bake recipe. It’s my go-to for busy nights, and the best part? It all comes together in just one pan—no extra dishes to wash!
Memories of Family Dinners
As I browned the ground beef and onions, the rich aroma filled the kitchen, taking me back to family dinners when I was a kid. My mom used to make a classic lasagna that took hours, layering pasta, sauce, and cheese with care. This One-Pan Lasagna Bake might be quicker, but it doesn’t skimp on that comforting, homemade taste. I added garlic, tomato sauce, and some Italian seasoning, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
The Magic of One Pan
The best part of One-Pan Lasagna Bake is how the uncooked noodles soak up the sauce while cooking. I broke lasagna noodles into pieces and nestled them into the bubbling sauce. A generous handful of mozzarella and dollops of ricotta brought it all together, and the pan went straight into the oven. There’s something magical about a one-pan meal—it feels effortless yet tastes like you spent hours preparing it.
Dinner Around the Table
When the timer went off, the One-Pan Lasagna Bake was perfectly golden and bubbling. I set it on the table, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in. We served it with a simple salad and some crusty bread, and it felt like a feast. Watching everyone enjoy their meal reminded me why I love cooking—especially when a dish this easy can bring so much joy.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- One-Pan Lasagna Bake
- Prep Everything in Advance: Have all your ingredients measured, chopped, and ready to go before starting. This reduces stress and makes cooking smoother.
- Use a High-Quality Skillet: A cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains heat evenly and creates a nice crust on the bottom layer of noodles. Make sure it’s oven-safe if you’re using the broiler option.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Break the noodles into even-sized pieces so they cook uniformly without clumping together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Customize to Taste: Adjust the seasoning as you go. You can add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the marinara sauce or extra herbs for a more robust flavor.
- Cheese Melting Tip: For an extra gooey cheese layer, shred your own mozzarella instead of using pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly.
- Add a Fresh Garnish: Fresh basil, parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil elevates the dish visually and enhances the flavor.
- Monitor Liquid Levels: If the sauce looks too thick or the noodles aren’t cooking evenly, add a splash of water or broth. Keeping the mixture moist is key to achieving tender noodles.
- Consider a Two-Cheese Blend: Mixing mozzarella with provolone can give the dish a slightly tangier and creamier cheese topping.
One-Pan Lasagna Bake
4
servings5
minutes30
minutes722
kcal35
minutesExperience the ultimate comfort food with this quick and easy One-Pan Lasagna Bake! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers all the rich flavors and satisfying textures of traditional lasagna in half the time. Imagine layers of savory Italian sausage, tender noodles, and melted mozzarella all cooked together in a single skillet—minimal cleanup, maximum taste! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this dish is customizable to suit your family’s favorites. Bring home the cozy vibes and hearty satisfaction that everyone will love. Get ready to impress with this delicious and hassle-free lasagna alternative!
Ingredients
- Proteins and Oils
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
0.5 pounds Italian-style sausage
- Aromatics
2 garlic cloves finely minced
- Sauces and Liquids
24 ounces marinara pasta sauce
1 cup water
- Seasonings
0.5 tsp Italian herb blend
- Pasta
9 lasagna noodle pieces broken into 1-2 inch segments
- Cheeses
1 cup ricotta cheese
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Spices
0.25 tsp kosher salt
0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Alternative Ingredients:
Italian Sausage: Substitute with ground beef or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
Lasagna Noodles: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
Ricotta Cheese: Replace with cottage cheese or a dairy-free ricotta alternative for lactose intolerance.
Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for dairy-free shredded mozzarella to make the recipe vegan.
Pasta Sauce: Choose a low-sodium marinara sauce to reduce sodium intake.
Olive Oil: Can be substituted with avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
Directions
- Cooking the Sausage: Begin by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until it’s thoroughly browned and no longer pink, approximately 8-10 minutes. Ensure you break the sausage into smaller pieces for even cooking. *Optional:* Drain excess fat for a lighter dish.
- Adding Aromatics: Once the sausage is cooked, incorporate the minced garlic cloves into the skillet. Sauté the mixture for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its fragrant aroma. Be careful not to let the garlic burn to maintain a rich flavor.
- Preparing the Sauce: Pour in the marinara pasta sauce and add the cup of water along with the Italian herb blend. Stir the ingredients together to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporating the Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into 1 to 2-inch pieces and add them to the skillet. Mix the noodles thoroughly with the sauce to ensure they are fully submerged. Place a lid on the skillet and increase the heat to medium-high, bringing the sauce to a boil.
- Simmering the Noodles: Once boiling, give the skillet a brief stir to prevent sticking, then replace the lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the noodles to simmer in the sauce for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce begins to dry out before the noodles are tender, add additional water as needed.
- Adding Cheeses: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Once the noodles are cooked, drop small dollops of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top for a gooey, golden finish.
- Finishing Touches: To melt the cheese, you have two options. First, place the skillet under your oven’s broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned, ensuring your skillet is oven-safe. Alternatively, keep the lid on the skillet and continue to cook over medium-low heat until the cheese melts completely. *Optional:* Garnish with fresh basil before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serving: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Serve the skillet lasagna hot, enjoying the delightful blend of flavors and textures. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 722kcal
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 1710mg
- Potassium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 33g
- Vitamin A: 800IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 300mg
- Iron: 4mg
FAQs- One-Pan Lasagna Bake
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of lasagna noodles?
Yes! Short pasta like penne or rigatoni works well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and sausage mixture in advance. When ready to serve, reheat it, add the noodles, and cook as directed.
What if I don’t have a broiler?
No worries! Simply keep the skillet covered on low heat until the cheese melts. You can also finish it off in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a hearty vegetarian option.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Allow the dish to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
