There’s a particular kind of relief that washes over me when I realize dinner can come together in one pan. The Cottage Cheese Lasagna Skillet is my go-to for those evenings when time’s short but hunger is loud. The skillet fills the kitchen with the warm scent of garlic and herbs, teasing the promise of something hearty yet surprisingly light.
Last week, after a day packed with errands and zoom calls, I pulled this recipe out. As the onions softened and the beef browned, I found a moment to breathe. The bubbling marinara sauce mingled with broken lasagna noodles right in the skillet, and I couldn’t help but lean in to catch that comforting aroma. When the cottage cheese and mozzarella melted into creamy layers, it felt like a small reward – a quiet celebration of simple ingredients coming together. Sitting down with the first bite, I was wrapped in a cozy, satisfying warmth that stayed with me long after the plate was empty.
- Ready in just over half an hour, perfect for busy weeknights
- One-pan cooking means less cleanup, more time to relax
- A lighter twist on classic lasagna with creamy cottage cheese
- Balanced flavors with herbs, savory beef, and melted cheeses
- Comfort food that doesn’t feel heavy or overwhelming
If you’re hesitant about using cottage cheese in a skillet, don’t be. It melts into the dish beautifully, adding creaminess without weighing you down. This recipe fits seamlessly into any dinner rotation, especially when simplicity and flavor are your top priorities.
PrintCottage Cheese Lasagna Skillet
A quick and easy one-pan lasagna skillet featuring cottage cheese for a lighter, creamy twist. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with layers of pasta, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups water
8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in marinara sauce, water, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Add broken lasagna noodles to the skillet and stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover the skillet and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the skillet from heat and dollop cottage cheese evenly over the top.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the cottage cheese layer.
Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 5 minutes off the heat to allow the cheeses to melt.
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top before serving.
FAQ
Can I make this vegetarian? Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meatless option that’s just as satisfying.
What if I don’t have broken lasagna noodles? Regular lasagna noodles broken into pieces work perfectly. Just keep them about 2 inches long for even cooking.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can assemble it up to the simmering step and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure noodles cook through.
How do leftovers hold up? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep the cheese creamy.
When you’re craving that cozy, cheesy comfort but need a quick fix, this skillet recipe is waiting. Give it a try tonight and see how simple dinner can be.