Hey y'all! If you love classic lasagna but dread all the dishes, you're going to adore this One Pot Lasagna Recipe. It's savory, cheesy, and brings all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna to your table—minus the mess and hassle. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual get-together, this dish will be a major crowd-pleaser. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This One Pot Lasagna Recipe
- One Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time for relaxing and less time scrubbing dishes.
- Ready Fast: Enjoy all the flavors of homemade lasagna in less than an hour from start to finish.
- Cheesy and Comforting: Each bite is layered with gooey mozzarella, creamy ricotta, and rich marinara sauce.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love its classic Italian taste and hearty texture.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe with your favorite proteins or veggies.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 10 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into thirds
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onions
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the diced onion and cook an additional 3 minutes, or until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add Sauce and Broth
Pour in the marinara sauce and broth, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to bring all the flavors together.
Step 3: Layer the Noodles
Scatter the broken lasagna noodles over the sauce. Gently press them down with a spoon to ensure most of the noodles are submerged in liquid.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover. Cook for 20 minutes or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add an extra splash of broth if the noodles absorb too much liquid.
Step 5: Cheese It Up!
Once the noodles are al dente, dollop ricotta cheese evenly over the top. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly across the skillet. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes (off heat) until the cheese is melted and creamy.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Sprinkle fresh basil on top if desired. Serve piping hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Break the noodles small enough to ensure even cooking—uneven pieces may result in some bite and some mush.
- If your sauce is very thick, add an extra ½ cup broth to cook the noodles fully.
- For a richer flavor, use half ground beef and half Italian sausage.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit the meat and add sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a veggie-forward version.
- Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes when browning the meat for a bolder kick.
- Chicken Alfredo: Swap the beef for rotisserie chicken and the marinara for Alfredo sauce.
Required Equipment
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven (with lid)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions
Let lasagna cool to room temperature, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot throughout, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with garlic breadsticks or a crisp green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Pair with a glass of medium-bodied red wine for the adults, or sparkling water for a refreshing touch.
- Top with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for restaurant-quality flavor.
Pro Tips
- Stir occasionally as the noodles cook to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Let the one pot lasagna rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and hold its shape.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for maximum meltability and flavor.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the recipe up to the point of adding cheese, then cool, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat and add the cheese as directed.
Can I use no-boil noodles?
Regular uncooked noodles work best, but in a pinch, you can use no-boil noodles—just lower the simmer time by a few minutes and check noodle tenderness often.
How do I avoid mushy noodles?
Be sure to stir occasionally, keep the noodles mostly submerged in liquid without overcooking, and use a timer for best results.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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2Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
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3Stir in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
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4Add the broken lasagna noodles and mix to combine. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
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5Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the lasagna, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover and cook for 3-5 more minutes, until the cheese is melted.
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6Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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