Super Easy One Pot Lasagna: A Quick, Delicious Family Favorite

Super easy one pot lasagna is the ultimate dinner shortcut for busy nights. Tender noodles, hearty meat sauce, and gooey cheese all come together in a single skillet for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Yes, you read that right—all the lasagna goodness you love without the hassle of layering or boiling noodles.

I first made this dish on a hectic Thursday when I wanted something comforting but didn’t have the energy to deal with a full lasagna production. One skillet, a handful of pantry staples, and 15 minutes of prep later, I had this creamy, cheesy masterpiece bubbling away in the oven. Trust me, it’s foolproof and absolutely worth making tonight!

How to Make Super Easy One Pot Lasagna

This one-skillet wonder is packed with flavor but keeps things simple. We’re using kitchen shortcuts like no-boil lasagna noodles, jarred tomato sauce, and fresh mozzarella to make sure it’s delicious and hassle-free. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

What You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! For this one pot lasagna with ground beef, you’ll need simple staples you probably already have. Here’s the full roster:

• Shallots and Carrots: Minced for a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the meat sauce.
• Ground Beef: 1 pound, seasoned simply with a little salt and pepper.
• DeLallo Pomodoro Fresco Tomato Basil Sauce: A high-quality 25-oz jar of this ready-made sauce saves time while delivering incredible depth of flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Just 4 ounces for that irresistible creaminess that takes this lasagna up a notch.
• DeLallo No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: The MVP for skipping any pre-cooking steps.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Layered through and across the top for stretchy, melty perfection. You’ll want about 6–8 ounces.
• Basil and Parmesan: Freshly chopped basil leaves and grated Parmesan are the finishing touch for brightness and a little extra savory punch.

You’ll also need a large ovenproof skillet for this creamy skillet lasagna. I use my trusty cast-iron pan for even cooking and easy transfer to the oven, but any oven-safe skillet will work.

Step-by-Step Instructions

If you’re new to cooking or just feeling short on time, don’t worry—this recipe is super approachable. Each step will guide you through building the flavors for this quick oven-baked lasagna. Let’s get started:

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). Prepping ahead means this lasagna will be ready to bake as soon as it’s assembled.
2. Sauté the veggies: Toss the minced shallots and carrots into the same skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and fragrant.
3. Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with a good pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as you go. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish lighter.
4. Simmer the sauce: Stir in the jar of tomato basil sauce (or your chosen substitute). Let it simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Make it creamy: Stir in the cream cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth. This creamy base is key to making the lasagna extra indulgent.
6. Add the noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into 3–4 pieces each and gently stir them into the meat sauce. Make sure every piece is coated in that luscious sauce and laying flat.
7. Layer the mozzarella: Tuck a few slices of fresh mozzarella under and between the noodles in the skillet. Place the remaining slices across the top for that signature cheesy layer.
8. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25 minutes. For bubbly, golden-brown cheese, crank the heat to 425°F for an additional 10 minutes at the end.
9. Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 5–10 minutes before sprinkling generously with fresh basil and Parmesan. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for Perfect Easy One Pot Lasagna

Here are a few handy tips to make your lasagna foolproof and fabulous every time:

• Use fresh mozzarella: Pre-packaged shredded mozzarella won’t give you the same melty, gooey texture.
• No ovenproof skillet? No problem! Cook the sauce in a regular pan, then transfer everything to an oven-safe baking dish before baking.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the lasagna up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready!

Easy One Pot Lasagna FAQs

Got questions? Here are answers to some common concerns about this dish:

• Can I use another pasta? Stick to no-boil lasagna noodles for the best results—they’re designed to cook perfectly in the sauce. Regular noodles might not soften properly without pre-cooking.
• How do I store leftovers? Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for the best taste and texture.
• Can I freeze it? Yes! Freeze baked lasagna in individual portions for a grab-and-reheat meal, or freeze the unbaked dish and cook from frozen, adding a little extra time.
• What’s a good substitute for cream cheese? Ricotta cheese is a great swap, though it won’t give quite the same creamy consistency.

Let’s Make It Tonight!

If you’re looking for a comforting yet easy meal, this super easy one pot lasagna is a guaranteed success. It’s quick, delicious, and made for busy home cooks. Give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments—or tag us on social media @KitchenShortcuts.net so I can see your creations! If you’re into cozy dinners, check out my other fan-favorites like slow cooker lasagna soup or skillet chicken Alfredo.