This Easy Skillet Lasagna is quick, delicious, and ready in about 30 minutes — a family-friendly weeknight dinner everyone will enjoy.
This version of Easy Skillet Lasagna is an improved take on an older recipe I posted years ago. The original felt a little flat to me — likely because it lacked depth and texture — so I reworked the ingredients to deliver more flavor while keeping the dish fast and simple. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want comfort food without the fuss.
I redesigned the recipe to be faster and more reliable. Instead of breaking lasagna noodles by hand, I use a short, ruffled pasta such as campanelle that mimics lasagna’s texture but is far easier to toss and serve. Bowtie or most other dry pastas work well too — pick what you have on hand.
To keep the recipe approachable, I start with a store-bought jar of red pasta sauce and boost its flavor with Italian seasoning and a packet of dry Italian dressing mix. Adding ground beef and three kinds of cheese — cottage cheese, shredded parmesan, and shredded mozzarella — gives the dish a rich, familiar lasagna taste without multiple baking steps. The result is comforting, cheesy, and quick to assemble. My kids even like it, which is always a win!
Easy Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients
- 8 oz dry pasta (about 2 1/2 cups — campanelle, bowtie, or any short pasta)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 0.6 oz packet Italian dressing mix (dry)
- 24 oz jar red pasta sauce
- 16 oz tub cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra if desired)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the pasta in salted water following package directions. Drain and set aside. If you won’t use it immediately, toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces. Drain and discard any excess fat, then return the meat to the skillet.
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Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, Italian dressing mix, red pasta sauce, cooked pasta, and cottage cheese to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat until bubbling and warmed through.
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Sprinkle the parmesan and mozzarella over the top. Cover with a lid until the cheeses melt. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Video
Notes
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