One Pan Lasagna

Lasagna is a beloved classic, but it often comes with a lengthy preparation process and a mountain of dishes. Enter the One-Pan Lasagna – great for busy families who crave the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna without the hassle and time. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also minimizes clean-up, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

To create this mouth-watering one-pan lasagna, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb. (450g/500g) ground beef: This forms the hearty base of the lasagna. Ground beef offers a classic taste.
• 1 onion finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that aromatic punch.
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes: Provides the rich tomato flavor.
• 1 bottle (700g) tomato sauce/Passata: Helps to thicken and enrich the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 1 teaspoon dried basil: These herbs bring authentic Italian flavors to your dish.
• 1 vegetable stock cube: Adds extra flavor to the dish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the meat and sauce.
• 8 lasagna sheets, broken into pieces: No need to pre-cook; they’ll soften perfectly in the sauce.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully into the lasagna layers.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a savory finish.
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional): Adds a fresh, herby touch for garnish.

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat

Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it’s evenly browned. This step is crucial for developing flavor as the meat caramelizes and releases its juices.

2. Add Aromatics

Once the meat is browned, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. These aromatics form the flavor foundation of your lasagna.

3. Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasoning

Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Breakup the stock cube and crumble it over the mixture. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to come together. This step ensures a rich, well-seasoned sauce that will soak into the lasagna sheets.

4. Add the Sheets

Break the lasagna sheets into smaller pieces and add them to the skillet, pushing them down into the sauce. Make sure the noodles are mostly submerged in the sauce. This method allows the noodles to cook directly in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors.

5. Simmer and Stir

Cover the skillet and let the lasagna mixture simmer over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a bit of water or broth to keep it saucy.

6. Add the Cheeses

Once the sheets are tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Drop spoonsfuls of ricotta cheese evenly over the top, then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. This cheesy trio creates a melty, gooey layer that’s irresistible.

7. Finish Cooking

Cover the skillet again and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the cheeses are melted and bubbly. This final step ensures that all the flavors come together, and the cheese is perfectly melted.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired and serve the lasagna hot directly from the skillet. This one-pan method keeps everything simple and minimizes clean-up, allowing you to enjoy more time with your family.

Why One-Pan Lasagna?

Convenience

One-pan lasagna is the epitome of convenience. With minimal prep and just one skillet to clean, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.

Flavor

Despite its simplicity, this lasagna is packed with flavor. Browning the meat, sautéing the aromatics, and simmering the noodles in the sauce ensures a rich, hearty dish.

Versatility

This recipe is highly versatile. You can swap ground beef for turkey, add more vegetables, or even use whole wheat noodles for a healthier twist.