Longing for the indulgent taste of lasagna but pressed for time? Try this Quick One-Pot Lasagna! Streamline your dinner routine with this easy recipe that delivers the same robust flavors without the hassle of traditional layering. Just one pot is all you need to bring together al dente pasta, savory ground beef, a tangy tomato sauce, and a generous layer of melty cheese. Ideal for those hectic evenings when you want a comforting meal in a flash.
Ingredients:
- 200g (about 5-6 sheets) lasagna pasta sheets, broken into pieces
- 300g ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or your favorite herb)
- 2 teaspoons of salt and pepper, or adjust according to your preference
- 1 capsicum (bell pepper), diced (optional)
- 1 bird’s eye chili, chopped (optional)
- 1 can (400g) of tomatoes* (or substitute with ready-made tomato pasta sauce—see Notes)
- 2 cups water (plus extra as needed)
- 2 cups beef or chicken stock (or substitute with water)
- 1 cup cheese, shredded (mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large, deep skillet or pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Use a spoon to crumble the meat while it cooks, ensuring it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, chili flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
- Add Vegetables (Optional): If using, add the diced capsicum and chopped bird’s eye chili to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Pour in Tomatoes and Liquid: Add the canned tomatoes (or ready-made tomato pasta sauce), 2 cups of water, and 2 cups of beef or chicken stock to the pan. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Add the Pasta: Break the lasagna sheets into smaller pieces and add them to the pan, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Cover the pan and let the mixture simmer over medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more water if needed to keep the pasta from drying out.
- Add the Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pan again and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, straight from the pan.
Conclusion:
This Easy One-Pan Lasagna is a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic lasagna with a fraction of the effort. Perfect for those hectic evenings, this dish combines the richness of a traditional lasagna with the convenience of one-pan cooking. Whether you’re feeding the family or just want a comforting meal without the mess, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your weekly rotation. Serve it with a simple salad or some garlic bread, and enjoy a delicious, stress-free dinner!