Description
This Easy High Protein Skillet Lasagna is a quick, one-pan Italian-inspired dish perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner. Combining ground beef, broken lasagna noodles, and a flavorful blend of cheeses, it layers classic lasagna flavors in a skillet, then finishes under the broiler for a golden, cheesy top. Ready in just 40 minutes and serving six, it’s a comforting meal that minimizes cleanup without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 Pound Ground Beef
- 1 Small Onion, finely diced
- 3 Cloves Garlic, mashed
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 2 Teaspoons Cumin
- 1/2 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 2 Teaspoons Sea Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Sauces and Liquids
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 24 Ounce Jar Marinara or Bolognese Sauce
- 1 Cup Water
Pasta and Cheese
- 7 Large Lasagna Noodles, broken into pieces
- 3/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 Cup Cottage Cheese
- 3/4 Cup Mozzarella Cheese
Instructions
- Heat Skillet: Heat a 10 or 12-inch skillet over medium heat. A cast iron skillet is preferred but any large skillet will work.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add olive oil to the hot skillet, then sauté the finely diced onion and mashed garlic for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Browns Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a utensil, and cook for about 5 minutes until it starts to brown.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in Italian seasoning, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to release the spices’ aromas.
- Add Marinara Sauce and Water: Pour the jar of marinara sauce and the cup of water over the beef mixture, stirring gently to combine.
- Add Lasagna Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into pieces and stir them into the sauce, ensuring each noodle is submerged and coated with liquid.
- Cover and Simmer: Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low-medium. Simmer the mixture for 23-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and al dente.
- Prepare Cheese Blend: In a separate bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese until evenly combined.
- Mix in Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and uncover. Stir the cheese blend into the cooked lasagna mixture, then sprinkle additional Parmesan and mozzarella over the top.
- Broil: Place the skillet under a broiler for approximately 2 minutes until the top cheese melts and turns golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish. Enjoy your hearty skillet lasagna!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil can be sprinkled on top instead.
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Watch the broiler carefully as cheese can burn quickly in just a couple of minutes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
