Name: One Pot Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
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

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