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Easy One-Pot Lasagna Recipe with Cheesy Golden Crust Perfect for Beginners

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A comforting and simple one-pot lasagna recipe that delivers a cheesy, golden crust and rich tomato flavor, perfect for beginners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes (San Marzano style recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups water or beef broth
  • 6–8 sheets uncooked lasagna noodles, broken to fit
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil (optional, chopped)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the ground beef or sausage. Break it apart and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Mix in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine. Pour in the water or beef broth, stirring to loosen the sauce.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
  6. Break lasagna noodles into smaller pieces (about 2-3 inch lengths) and scatter them evenly over the sauce in the skillet.
  7. Press the noodles gently into the sauce, making sure they’re submerged. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. While noodles are cooking, mix ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan, adding a pinch of salt and pepper.
  9. After noodles are tender and sauce thickened, dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the top. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmesan over everything.
  10. Increase heat to medium and cover again for another 5 minutes to melt the cheese and create a golden crust.
  11. Remove lid and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to prevent scorching. Stir occasionally but gently to avoid breaking noodles. If noodles look dry before 15 minutes, add a splash more water or broth. For a dairy-free option, substitute cashew ricotta and vegan mozzarella. For gluten-free, use gluten-free no-boil noodles or zucchini strips.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot lasagna, easy lasagna, cheesy lasagna, beginner recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food, quick lasagna

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/easy-one-pot-lasagna-recipe-with-cheesy-golden-crust-perfect-for-beginners/