Skillet Lasagna Recipe Blistered Tomato And Ricotta Dollops

I always look for dinner recipes that promise deliciousness without a mountain of dishes. That’s why this skillet lasagna recipe Blistered Tomato and Ricotta Dollops has become a cherished weeknight staple, filling my kitchen with the rich aroma of simmering sauce and bubbling cheese. It’s a game-changer for busy families, home cooks seeking delicious shortcuts, and anyone craving a comforting, cheesy meal without the usual fuss. This easy dinner idea transforms weeknights from stressful cooking to enjoyable family dinners, proving a true family favorite for its maximum flavor and minimal effort.

What You’ll Need for Your Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Preparing this hearty skillet lasagna requires simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to create a satisfying and easy family meal:

• Lasagna Noodles: 6-8 no-boil or regular noodles (broken into 2-3 inch pieces). No-boil saves time, but regular works too if fully submerged.
• Marinara Sauce: 24-32 oz (approx. 700-900g) of your favorite quality jarred sauce. (I often use a rich organic crushed tomato sauce for deeper flavor.)
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 oz (425g) whole milk ricotta for creamy dollops. (Part-skim is fine if that’s what you have, but whole milk yields a richer texture.)
• Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups (225g) shredded part-skim mozzarella, plus extra for topping. Fresh mozzarella can be used for superior melt.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan, for a salty, nutty finish.
• Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (approx. 340g) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved for easy blistering. Using ripe, in-season tomatoes truly enhances the sweetness.
• Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup (approx. 10g) fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish and fresh aroma.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) extra virgin olive oil, for sautéing.
• Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon / 15g). Pre-minced garlic is a convenient pantry shortcut.
• Onion: 1 small (about 100g) diced yellow onion, providing a foundational sweetness.
• Ground Meat (Optional): 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef or turkey for a higher-protein, heartier meal.

Step-by-Step Skillet Lasagna Method Made Simple

Creating your skillet lasagna recipe Blistered Tomato and Ricotta Dollops is quicker than traditional lasagna, perfect for easy dinner ideas. Follow these steps for a delicious and family-friendly meal:

1. Prep (10 minutes): Heat olive oil in a large 10-inch or 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. If using, brown ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains, then drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, ensuring everything is well combined and heated through.
2. Layer (5 minutes): Break lasagna noodles into manageable 2-3 inch pieces. In your skillet, create alternating layers: start with a thin layer of sauce, then scatter broken noodles, dollops of ricotta, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ensuring the noodles are mostly submerged in sauce so they can cook properly. My little ones love helping break the lasagna noodles; it makes them feel involved in creating this family-friendly meal.
3. Cook (20-25 minutes): Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and simmer on medium-low heat. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the noodles are tender when pierced with a fork and the sauce has thickened. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes during the last 5 minutes of cooking; they should soften and begin to blister slightly. If the sauce looks too dry during cooking, splash in 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth and continue simmering covered until tender.
4. Finish (5 minutes): Remove the lid. Dollop any remaining ricotta over the top, then sprinkle generously with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Briefly broil in the oven (if your skillet is oven-safe) for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, cover it on the stovetop for a few minutes to steam-melt the cheese. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves.

The noodles should be al dente and absorb the sauce, resulting in a rich, thickened consistency. The cheese topping should be beautifully melted with inviting golden spots. For a healthier twist on this skillet lasagna recipe, consider adding a layer of fresh spinach or thinly sliced zucchini ribbons with the noodles. This easy skillet lasagna recipe Blistered Tomato and Ricotta Dollops is truly a winner!

Perfect Occasions and Serving Inspiration

This easy skillet lasagna recipe is perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or casual gatherings.

• Pairings: A simple green salad with light vinaigrette or warm, crusty garlic bread complements this hearty dish.
• Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition & Everyday Wellness Benefits of this Skillet Lasagna Recipe

This hearty skillet lasagna offers balanced nutrition and sustained energy for healthy eating.

• Benefits: It provides high-protein from cheese and optional lean meat for satiety. It’s fiber-rich with vegetables like tomatoes and onion. Easily adaptable with whole wheat noodles and lean protein for a healthy, weight-friendly meal.

Why This Recipe Works for You

This skillet lasagna recipe saves time, reduces cleanup, and makes family mealtime enjoyable.

• Benefits: It’s budget-friendly, using common pantry staples and is highly customizable. It’s speedy, ready in under 45 minutes for quick meals. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder for minimal cleanup on busy nights.

Smart Upgrades and Adjustments for Your Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Tailor your skillet lasagna recipe with clever upgrades.

• Technique & Flavor: Use good quality marinara; ensure noodles are fully submerged in your 10-inch skillet. Add red pepper flakes for heat or a balsamic glaze drizzle for enhanced flavor.
• Dietary Adaptations: Easily adjust for low-carb (zucchini ribbons), vegan (plant-based alternatives), diabetic-friendly (whole wheat, lean protein), or kid-friendly (offer plain noodles on the side).

Reader Q&A About Skillet Lasagna

“Can I prepare skillet lasagna ahead of time?”

Yes, assemble all layers (minus blistered tomatoes and final cheese) and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Cook when ready to serve; this is a great meal prep recipe.

“Is skillet lasagna good for meal prep?”

Absolutely! This skillet lasagna recipe is excellent for meal prep. Cook a big batch, then divide into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

“What’s the best way to store leftovers?”

Store cooled skillet lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently.

“Are there healthier substitutes for this recipe?”

For a lighter meal, use whole wheat noodles, lean ground turkey, or plant-based crumble. Add extra vegetables like spinach or finely chopped mushrooms for a healthier skillet lasagna.

“Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil?”

Yes, but break them into smaller pieces. Ensure they are fully submerged in the sauce for thorough cooking and tenderness. I always check for tenderness before adding the final toppings.

“What kind of skillet is best for this recipe?”

A large (10-12 inch) oven-safe, deep-sided skillet (like cast iron or stainless steel) with a tight-fitting lid is ideal for even cooking and broiling.

Conclusion

Enjoy this simple, flavorful skillet lasagna recipe tonight. For more healthy eating and quick meal ideas, save this family dinner recipe on Pinterest!

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