Skillet Lasagna is a 30 minute one-pot meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. With a ground turkey or beef meat sauce and all the flavors of lasagna in a quick cooking pasta dish.

This is another recipe from "The Best 30 Minute Recipe" cookbook (from the kitchens of Cook's Illustrated). I have yet to make something from this book that we don't love, and this is no exception!
Lasagna is one of my favorite meals, but it takes a long time to assemble the components, and it makes a TON of food - so much that we end up throwing a lot out, which really bothers me.
It's kind of a catch 22, because I feel that it's too much work to just make enough for 2-4 servings, but we can't possibly eat the 12 that a full pan makes.
I would love if I could make multiple casseroles and freeze the others, but our tiny freezer is already packed to the brim (our apartment building supplies the fridge/freezer and it's not even a full-sized one!) Maybe someday when I have a big deep freeze.
Ok, back to reality, so casseroles aren't always the best option for the two of us. This skillet lasagna is the perfect solution for now because it only makes 4 servings. Plus it's a one pot meal!
I used ground turkey instead of meatloaf mix and reduced the amount of Ricotta cheese. We really liked this dinner and will make it again!
Gluten Free Option
Use gluten free lasagna noodles (like rice noodles) for this recipe instead of traditional pasta for an entirely gluten free meal.
📖 Recipe

Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 6 ounces curly-edged lasagna noodles (8 sheets, broken into 2-inch pieces)
- 26 ounces jarred pasta sauce (such as Rao's)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup whole-milk ricotta cheese (or less as desired)
- ¼ cup shredded basil
Instructions
- Brown meat in 12-inch nonstick skillet over high heat, breaking it into pieces with a wooden spoon, 3 to 5 minutes.1 pound ground turkey
- Stir in the garlic, pepper flakes, and salt and cook over medium-high heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds.2 cloves garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Sprinkle broken noodles in skillet, then pour in tomato sauce and water over top. Cover and cook, stirring often and adjusting heat as needed to maintain vigorous simmer, until noodles are tender, about 20 minutes. You may need to add a little more water if your noodles are not soft after 20 minutes.6 ounces curly-edged lasagna noodles, 26 ounces jarred pasta sauce, 2 cups water
- Off heat, stir in half of mozzarella and half of Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Dot heaping tablespoons of ricotta over noodles, then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover and let stand off heat until cheeses melt, 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle with basil before serving.½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, ¾ cup whole-milk ricotta cheese, ¼ cup shredded basil, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Mary Ann says
I love that this only makes 4 servings! It looks quick and easy and delicious. Totally understand why you love this!
Leslie says
I have never made lasagna..why? who knows..but I love it and so does my hubby. Maybe I should get on the bandwagon
La Bella Cooks says
I am craving lasagna now! This looks so yummy and perfectly portioned and not too big.
Unknown says
Thanks for this awesome recipe. I'm bookmarking it right now. Love lasagna and would love to make quicker, smaller servings of it from tiem to time.
Melissa says
Looks delicious!
Macaroni and Cheesecake says
That looks great! I love your photo. This is perfect for a weeknight meal! Especially when you get the great taste of lasagna without all the effort!
Bob says
Oooo, that sounds awesome. I never get to make lasagna since my girlfriend won't touch it and I haven't found a freezer recipe yet.
Maria says
i have never made lasagna in a skillet. Love the idea!
CaSaundraLeigh says
Never tried making lasagna in a skillet!
Kerstin says
What a pretty meal with all that lovely fresh basil on top! This is a great idea!