One Pot Hamburger Lasagna – Cozy Comfort in One Skillet
There’s something magical about the way rich tomato sauce, tender noodles, and gooey melted cheese come together in one harmonious bite. One Pot Hamburger Lasagna captures all that magic in a single pan — no oven required, no layers to fuss over, and no sink full of dishes to dread later. It’s the weeknight hero that tastes like a Sunday dinner.
When I first made this dish, it was one of those chilly evenings where everyone in the house craved something hearty and warm. I didn’t have the energy to build a traditional lasagna, but I had everything I needed to whip up a comforting one-pot version. That was the night this recipe became a staple in our kitchen — and it’s been bringing cozy smiles to the dinner table ever since.
This recipe combines everything you love about classic lasagna — the seasoned beef, tangy tomato sauce, creamy cheese — but it comes together in a single skillet in under an hour. It’s the perfect recipe for busy families, cozy couples, or anyone who wants homemade flavor without the hassle.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into large pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Brown the beef. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add aromatics. Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened — about 3 minutes.
- Build the sauce. Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add noodles. Break lasagna noodles into rough pieces and add them directly into the skillet. Stir to submerge them in the sauce.
- Simmer and cook. Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid has reduced.
- Add the cheese. Drop spoonfuls of ricotta evenly over the mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Cover again for 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts into a luscious, gooey layer.
- Finish and serve. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
One Pot Hamburger Lasagna
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown beef in skillet with olive oil.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in sauce, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings.
- Add broken noodles and simmer 25 minutes.
- Top with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Cover until cheese melts; garnish and serve.
Notes
Tips & Tricks:
- Use a deep, heavy skillet (like cast iron) to ensure even heat and prevent sticking.
- Want extra flavor? Add a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers.
- For a spicier version, mix in crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage in place of ground beef.
- If you’re craving that baked flavor, pop the skillet under the broiler for a couple of minutes to brown the cheese.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Swap the beef for lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground substitute.
- Cheesy Overload: Add a layer of provolone or fontina cheese on top before melting.
- Low-Carb: Replace noodles with zucchini ribbons or low-carb pasta alternatives.
- Mexican Twist: Use taco seasoning instead of Italian herbs and top with cheddar and cilantro.
Serving Suggestions:
This skillet lasagna pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or buttery garlic bread. For a cozy touch, serve it family-style right from the skillet, letting everyone scoop out their cheesy portions. Don’t forget a sprinkle of extra Parmesan — because when is there ever too much cheese?
Storage Information:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. It also freezes beautifully — portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQ:
Can I use oven-ready noodles?
Yes! Oven-ready noodles work great — just reduce the liquid slightly (about ½ cup less broth).
Can I add veggies?
Absolutely. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers blend in wonderfully with the sauce.
Can I make this ahead?
You can prepare the sauce and beef mixture ahead, refrigerate, then reheat and add noodles when ready to cook.
History / Fun Facts:
Lasagna is one of Italy’s oldest pasta dishes, dating back to the Middle Ages. Traditionally layered and baked, it symbolizes comfort and celebration. The one-pot version, however, is a modern twist born from the need for simplicity — a nod to busy home cooks who crave authentic flavor without an hours-long process.
This recipe pays homage to that tradition while embracing modern ease. It’s a reminder that comfort doesn’t have to be complicated — sometimes, all it takes is one pot and a little love.
