One Pot Lasagna Recipe: Easy, Flavorful, and Ready in One Pan

Introduction

Lasagna has always held a special place at the dinner table. From the bubbling cheese to the layers of rich sauce and tender pasta, it’s the kind of meal that brings people together. But anyone who’s ever made traditional lasagna knows it can be a bit of a project. Boiling noodles separately, prepping multiple sauces, layering everything just right, and baking it for nearly an hour can feel like a marathon—especially on a busy weeknight.

That’s where one pot lasagna comes in. It captures all the comforting flavors of the classic Italian dish without the hassle. No separate pots. No hours spent cleaning. Just one pan, simple steps, and a whole lot of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or planning an easy meal for guests, this dish is a game changer. It’s rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, all while saving you time and energy.

One pot lasagna brings everything together in a single skillet—meat, sauce, noodles, cheese—and cooks it all in harmony. The pasta soaks up the savory tomato sauce as it simmers, and the cheese melts into a gooey, golden topping that’s impossible to resist. Best of all, it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner and special enough for the weekend.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a delicious one pot lasagna. This list includes common pantry staples and everyday ingredients. Below is a calorie breakdown for reference if you’re keeping an eye on your intake.

Ingredient	Quantity	Calories (Approx.)
Olive oil	2 tablespoons	240
Ground beef (85% lean)	1 pound	960
Yellow onion, chopped	1 medium	45
Garlic cloves, minced	3 cloves	15
Crushed tomatoes	1 can (28 ounces)	150
Tomato paste	2 tablespoons	30
Water or beef broth	2 cups	10
Italian seasoning	1 tablespoon	10
Salt	To taste	0
Black pepper	To taste	0
Lasagna noodles (uncooked)	8-10 sheets	700
Ricotta cheese	1 cup	300
Mozzarella cheese, shredded	1 ½ cups	480
Parmesan cheese, grated	½ cup	215
Fresh basil (optional)	For garnish	5

Total Calories (Approximate): 3,160
Servings: 6
Per Serving: Around 525 calories

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.

2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Stir constantly to keep it from burning. The garlic should become fragrant.

3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed, especially if you’re using a fattier cut.

4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Add water or beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well.

5. Break lasagna noodles into large pieces and nestle them into the sauce. Make sure the noodles are covered with sauce to ensure even cooking. Don’t worry if they overlap a bit.

6. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to make sure all noodles cook evenly.

7. Once the noodles are tender, add dollops of ricotta cheese across the surface. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top.

8. Cover and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes. The cheese should melt and become bubbly. If you like a slightly crispy top, place the pan under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes uncovered.

9. Remove from heat and let the lasagna sit for 5 minutes. This helps it thicken and makes it easier to serve.

10. Garnish with fresh basil just before serving. It adds a lovely burst of color and a fresh herbaceous note.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

One of the best things about one pot lasagna is how flexible it is. You can tweak it based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Here are some great ways to customize it:

• Go vegetarian: Swap the beef for mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils. You’ll still get that meaty texture without using animal products.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles: Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta types absorb liquid differently.
• Boost the veggies: Stir in spinach, kale, or shredded carrots while the sauce is simmering for added nutrition.
• Add creaminess: Mix a bit of heavy cream or mascarpone into the sauce before adding the noodles.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this hearty one pot lasagna provides a satisfying balance of protein, carbs, and fats. Here’s a quick breakdown:

These numbers can vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use, but the dish overall delivers a wholesome, filling meal.

Serving Suggestions

One pot lasagna is rich and satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides:

• Garlic bread: Perfect for scooping up any extra sauce in the pan
• A crisp green salad: Something light with arugula, lemon, and shaved Parmesan complements the richness of the lasagna
• Roasted vegetables: Think Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots for a balanced plate
• A glass of red wine: A dry Italian red like Chianti brings out the tomato and herb flavors beautifully

If you have leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze one pot lasagna?
Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It keeps for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the oven.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the dish up to the point before adding cheese, then store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat and add the cheese just before serving.

What kind of skillet works best?
A large nonstick skillet or enameled Dutch oven is ideal. It should be deep enough to hold all the ingredients and wide enough for even cooking.

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, no-boil noodles work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure they’re fully submerged in sauce for even cooking.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very much so. The simple flavors, cheesy layers, and familiar textures make it a hit with both kids and adults.

Conclusion

Cooking lasagna doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious. With just one pot, a few fresh ingredients, and a little time on the stove, you can enjoy all the richness and comfort of traditional lasagna without the mess or the wait. Whether you’re feeding your family on a weekday or having friends over for a cozy dinner, this one pot lasagna delivers bold flavor and comforting warmth in every bite. Give it a try and see why so many home cooks are making the switch to this easy, satisfying version of a classic favorite.