Why I love this skillet lasagna recipe so much!

This easy lasagna has all the components of traditional lasagna without all the fuss and takes minimal effort. Did I say one pan? Literally one pan. I know sometimes recipes say one pan but there are actually two pans, a bowl, and cutting boards. This is no joke. It is one pan and one pan only! As much as I love to cook, the hardest time for me to feed my family is right before a holiday.  I am so into preparing the one big meal that the days leading up to the holiday (you name it Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, birthdays) end up being filled with egg sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, naan bread pizza’s or Thai take out!

Skillet Lasagna will change your life!  My kiddos have declared this great recipe their new favorite meal.  And guess what? It takes less than 30 minutes from start to table. Did I tell you that you only need one pan?

Gather these ingredients

This how you make easy skillet lasagna.

Brown beef in a large skillet over medium high heat breaking meat up with a wooden spoon or spatula.

Turn heat down low and add 1- 1/2 cup of water to the browned beef.

Break lasagna noodles into small pieces. Place broken lasagna noodles over browned beef and water.

Pour the whole jar of marinara sauce over the noodles.

Cover with a tight lid. Turn heat to medium low heat let cook for 15 minutes without removing the lid! (If it sounds or smells like it may be burning, lift the lid and add an additional 1/4 cup of water, replace the lid.)

After 15 minutes, remove the lid and stir ingredients around in the pan. The noodles should be al dente. If they are not done enough for your taste add another 1/2 cup of water and return the lid to the pan and let it cook for another 5 minutes.

When noodles are cooked to your liking dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese around over the top of the lasagna and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Cover with lid for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts.

** or if you like your lasagna cheese toasty and bubbly, preheat your stove top to 400 degrees and place pan (if it is oven proof) in oven for 10 minutes or so until lasagna cheese is brown and bubbly**

Tips & Variations

• Using leftover spaghetti sauce: When making spaghetti sauce I make double and freeze half so I have it on hand when I need a quick meal. If you have freezer spaghetti sauce you can use it as a replacement for the lean ground beef and jars of marinara. Add water to pan, add broken noodles, then layer your (thawed) premade spaghetti sauce on top of noodles and proceed with the recipe as written in recipe card.
• Meatless lasagna: If you are a vegetarian, or practicing meatless Mondays, this recipe is very easy to convert. Simply leave out the meat! Add 1 cup of water to a large skillet, broken lasagna noodles on top, then pour your favorite marinara sauce over noodles and proceed as usual. Easy peasy.
• Alternative protein options: Ground chicken, ground turkey, Italian sausage can all be used to replace the ground beef in this recipe or a combination of any and all.
• Serving Suggestions: We all need more extra veggies in our lives, so I try to serve this with a salad, or maybe I’ll throw some broccoli on a baking sheet and roast it in the oven. Of course my family never says no to garlic bread. My garlic bread hack is to use leftover hot dog or hamburger buns spread butter and sprinkle with garlic salt and toast under the broiler. Voila! Happy family and annoying leftover buns used up!
• Leftovers: I honestly doubt you will have leftovers. We rarely do. However if you find that you have leftover skillet lasagna pack it in an airtight container and have them for lunch. Lasagna, in my opinion, is always better the next day.

Here we go! The easiest way to get dinner on the table any night of the week is to make this classic lasagna with a twist. The twist? One pan, 30 minutes to a comforting homemade dinner that the whole family will come running for!

If you love lasagna but don’t always have the time (or energy!) to make the traditional version, I hope this easy skillet lasagna becomes one of your go-to dinners. It’s comforting, cheesy, hearty, and best of all, it gets dinner on the table with just one pan and about 30 minutes. That’s my kind of family meal!

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how your family liked it! Please take a moment to rate the recipe in the recipe card below—your ratings help other readers find recipes they can trust. And if you want to save this easy dinner for later, be sure to Pin it! Finally, if you’d like more easy, family-friendly recipes and seasonal menu inspiration delivered right to your inbox, sign up for my newsletter at the top of the website. I’d love to have you join the Eat 2 Gather community! From my table to yours with love, Sheila

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Skillet Lasagna

Easy Skillet Lasagna is all the comfort of classic lasagna without all the work! Made in one pan and ready in about 30 minutes, this hearty, cheesy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to bring everyone to the table.

Course dinner

Cuisine Italian

Keyword easy, ground beef, ground turkey, lasagna, marinara, marinara sauce, one pan, quick

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 447kcal

Author Sheila

Equipment

• 1 12" deep oven proof skillet

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 16 ounce box lasagna noodles
• 24 ounce jar marinara sauce or 5 cups spaghetti sauce with meat
• 1 cup ricotta
• 1-2 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Instructions

• Brown beef in a large skillet over medium high heat breaking meat up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Add 1 cup of water over meat.
• Break up noodles over meat and water, spread noodles evenly over meat. Pour jar of marinara over noodles, spread around over top of noodles. Put lid on turn to medium low and allow to cook for 15 minutes with out touching it.
• Lift lid and stir around if noodles seem to need more time add 1/2 cup water replace lid and give it another 5 minutes. Stir and move on to next step.
• Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta over noodles and sprinkle with mozzarella Place lid back on pan for 2-3 minutes, just to melt the cheese.
• **If you would like your cheese to get brown and bubbly you can put the pan in a preheated 400° oven for 15 minutes or until cheese is brown and bubbly.
• ** alternative add ins = red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese, more mozzarella on top, garlic salt, more Italian seasoning. You can spice your sauce up in the pan any way you like it.

Notes

When I make spaghetti sauce I like to freeze the leftovers to use later to make this recipe.  You need 5 cups of spaghetti sauce with meat = 24 ounce jar marinara and 1 lb ground beef.  Pour water in pan, then add noodles, add spaghetti sauce on top, cover and let cook for 15 minutes. Continue with the recipe as written above. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 447kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 922mg | Potassium: 792mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 185IU | Calcium: 230mg | Iron: 4mg

Try these quick and easy one pan dinners

Goulash

No-Peek Beef Tips

Rotel Crock Pot Chicken

Easy Chicken Pie

The post Skillet Lasagna appeared first on Eat 2 Gather.

This Fall has been busy, but honestly the it’s only the beginning, our families busy season will start the middle of November.  Deep breath in, deep breath out.  I love spending time watching my kiddos play the sports they love and supporting them, but I know that our families time around the table together is going to be scarce once basketball and club volleyball start.  I will need to get creative.

For starters I’ve started making double of meals that I’m preparing now and freezing them.  I have also been on the look out for sales on high quality prepared meals from the freezer section.  There are some good ones out there I’ll share more about that later….

For now I wanted to share a few of my favorite meals that are easy to make ahead and freeze so when you run in to a dinner dilemma you can just pull a home cooked meal out of the freezer pat yourself on the back and say Voila!  Dinner is served.

All four of these meals are easy to double and freeze.  I usually make one to eat right away and then freeze one to eat in a couple of weeks.  My only dilemma with freezer meals is actually remembering to take them out of the freezer in the morning so they are thawed on time to cook for dinner!

Easy to make ahead and  freeze:

1.  Enchiladas Verde 

2. Chicken Fontinella

3. Spaghetti Sauce

4. Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

I have learned to love my slow cooker in the last couple of years.  We are BFF’s.  Not only can I have my meal done when it needs to be, but my family can eat when ever they please.  Which is what happens many nights when we are all running in different directions.

Crock Pot Meals:

1. Slow Cooker Pork Roast

2. Chicken Cacciatore

3. Chicken and Bean Stewp

4. No Peek Beef Tips ~ this meal is not a crock pot meal but it is a meal that comes together quickly and you can pop it in the oven and forget about it for 3 hours!  This is also a great meal to make ahead and freeze!

I have quite a few throw together at the last-minute meals, unfortunately I don’t have many of them on my blog….I need to work on that!  Here are a few of my families favorite whip-um-up meals!

Quick throw it together meals:

1. Stir Fried Ramen

2. Tex-Mex Orecchietta Pasta 

3. Goulash

4. Quick & Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

As you know I have called in back up for my Dinner Dilemma series, and have been blessed to have some great dinner dilemma guest bloggers come to the rescue!  For all the amazing dinner dilemma ideas from Guest Bloggers check out the What’s 4 Dinner~Dinner Dilemma Pinterest Board.  If you are a blogger and would like to be a Dinner Dilemma guest blogger please email me!  I would love to chat.

Stay tuned next week Liz from the The Lemon Bowl is sharing a healthy meal that is great for busting your meal time blues!!

XOX, Sheila

The post Dinner Dilemma Round-up appeared first on Eat 2 Gather.

Yes I’m a good mom Charlie Brown.

So even though it’s summer the dinner dilemma chugs on….many of you have shared that it really doesn’t matter the season, dinner is a dilemma. I decided this week to round-up some old posts of quick easy meals to help you tackle meal time, and get your family and friends around the table together.

Roast Chicken

Roasting chicken is a good start  to many a great meal.  Roast Chicken is great with a salad and a vegetable.  Voila dinner is served.

You can use roast chicken to make two of the below recipes.  Or Chopped Chicken Salad and Cherry Chicken Salad are great to have in the refrigerator for lunch or dinner.  Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo also makes good use of roast chicken and is quite the crowd pleaser!   I often will forgo roasting the chicken myself and pick one up at the store.  So easy.

Hash Brown Egg Casserole

We love breakfast for dinner.  This recipe is great because you can make it ahead and bake it when ready, and the leftovers are always good.

Thai Chicken Salad

Peach Salsa Grilled Pork Chops

Looking for an easy yet elegant new grilling recipe?  Here it is!  This grilled pork chop with peach salsa takes minutes and will knock your neighbors socks off!

Goulash

One of our old stand-byes.

Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

This is a winter time favorite, but I see no reason why you couldn’t make it in the summer!

Baked Reuben Sandwich

Love a good reuben sandwich?  Well then this recipe is my gift to you!  This sandwich is so easy to whip up, and would be great for a picnic or a concert in the park!

Have a great weekend!  Sheila

The post Dinner Dilemma round-up appeared first on Eat 2 Gather.

Why I love Goulash

Are you busy?  Are you running around like a chicken with your head cut off?  Kids sports, work, church, lost library books, meetings, drivers training, Christmas shopping, Holiday parties, book club, cooking dinner……who has time to cook dinner?!  If your family is a bunch of lunatics like mine…meaning that you are all going in different directions and no one knows quite where the other one is. This classic goulash recipe will save your keester on busy weeknights.  It’s so easy. I promise the whole family will love it. Four ingredients plus spices! You can make it in 15 minutes, or as long as it takes you to boil the noodles!

Yesterday evening I found my self in the car from 3:40pm to 7:30pm.  If I wasn’t dropping off I was bringing.  I did have a few in between moments to pop in the house and make sure who ever was home was doing what they needed to be doing, ie. homework, piano, cello, bass, eating dinner.  I made this in the twenty minutes I had between drop off for basketball and pick up for the swimming carpool.  If you have time you can make it ahead and throw it in your crock-pot to keep warm for eating on the go.

I grew up eating this classic dish—it showed up on our table often, and now I understand why. It’s inexpensive, incredibly easy to make, and the leftovers are just as good (if not better) the next day. When I finally called my mom to ask for the recipe, I remember thinking, “That’s it?” It almost seemed too simple. I was tempted to tweak it—add some garlic, extra spices, maybe a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or a bay leaf. And you absolutely can. But honestly, it doesn’t need a thing. Somehow, with just a handful of simple ingredients, this hearty pasta supper turns out so full of flavor, your taste buds are gonna be pleasantly surprised.

Gather these ingredients

How to make Goulash

In a Dutch oven or large skillet, combine the lean ground beef, chopped onion. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat, until browned and no pink remains. Add salt, pepper, and allspice.

Salt water well, at least 1 tablespoon salt. Bring water to boil. Add pasta and cook for 1 minute less than box directions suggest. Drain in a colander.

Add hot cooked noodles back in pan they were cooked in and add the butter, stir until butter melts.

Combine butter noodles and meat mixture. So far easy peasy!

Pour one 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes in with noodles and meat. Add sugar. Stir to combine. Turn stove to medium-low heat and cook for 5-10 minutes. You just want it to get nice and hot. Then it’s ready!

Tips

• Cook your lean ground beef over medium-high heat until fully browned for the best flavor.
• Don’t skip the yellow onion—it builds a base of flavor that makes this dish taste like home.
• For a little extra somethin somethin add bay leaves, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added flavor.
• Stir occasionally so the elbow macaroni cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom.
• For extra flavor, finish with parmesan cheese or a handful of sharp cheddar cheese right before serving. Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up every last bite.

Variations

• Swap the lean ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
• Try adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or shredded carrot for a twist on this classic American goulash recipe.
• Sprinkle with cheeses like parmesan cheese or sharp cheddar cheese for added flavor.
• Adjust the seasoning—some different versions lean heavier on Italian seasoning for a more herb-forward flavor.
• Like it saucier? Add a splash or two of beef broth at the end with a couple tablespoons of tomato paste.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store leftovers?
Let the goulash cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Can I reheat leftover goulash?
Yes! Leftover goulash reheats beautifully on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if needed.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. This easy dinner is great for meal prep, and the flavors get even better the next day.

What type of pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but any small macaroni noodles will work in this classic goulash.

Is this the same as traditional goulash?
This is a classic American goulash, which is different from Hungarian versions. It’s a simple, hearty pasta recipe made with ground beef and pantry-friendly ingredients.

This ultimate comfort food is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table without a lot of fuss. I grew up eating this classic dish—it showed up on our table often, and now I understand why. It’s inexpensive, incredibly easy to make, and the leftovers are just as good (if not better) the next day. Somehow, with just a handful of simple ingredients, this hearty pasta supper turns out so full of flavor, your taste buds are going to be pleasantly surprised. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for dependable easy dinners, this comforting goulash delivers every time. Don’t forget to check out the recipe card below for exact measurements—and make a little extra, because leftover goulash might just be the best part. If you make it, I’d be so grateful if you’d take a minute to rate the recipe, share or pin it for later, and leave a comment—I’d truly love to hear from you!

From my table to yours with love, Sheila

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Quick & Easy Classic Goulash Recipe

A classic American goulash made with lean ground beef, elbow macaroni, and simple pantry staples. This comforting, one-pot pasta recipe comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for an easy weeknight dinner with delicious leftovers.

Course dinner, lunch, potluck

Cuisine American

Keyword allspice, comfort food, crockpot, easy, easy meal, ground beef, onion, roma tomato

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 6 people

Calories 604kcal

Author Sheila

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 lb lean ground beef ground chicken or turkey work as well
• 1 cup onion chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp sugar

Instructions

• Add macaroni to salted boiling water, slightly under cook noodles. Drain noodles, add hot noodles back to pan add 2 tablespoons of butter.
• While noodles are boiling brown ground meat with onion. If there is an excess of grease or juice spoon it off the cooked ground meat.
• Add salt, pepper, and allspice to meat. Chop meat up as much as possible with a wooden spoon or a meat chopper.
• Combine meat and spice mixture, with buttered noodles Add 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes and sugar. Turn stove top to medium low heat. Stir and cover. Cook for another 5-10 minutes.
•  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Goulash can also be made ahead and put in crockpot on warm for potluck or for those nights when people are eating at all different times. 

Nutrition

Calories: 604kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 525mg | Potassium: 1061mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 3mg

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