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If you love the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna but dread the lengthy process and the mountain of dishes to clean, this One Pot Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It delivers the rich, cheesy, meaty goodness of classic lasagna all cooked together in a single pan, blending layers of tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and melty mozzarella for a hassle-free weeknight meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One Pot Lasagna Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen not only for its flavor but also for how it contributes to a balanced texture and vibrant color, making sure your dish is as delicious as it is visually inviting.
- Olive oil: Use good quality oil to gently sauté garlic and onions, providing a flavorful foundation.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic adds a punch of aromatic warmth that infuses through every bite.
- Small onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the meat sauce after sautéing.
- Ground beef (500g): The heart of this dish, imparting rich, savory meatiness with just the right amount of fat.
- Tomato passata (700g, divided): Fresh and slightly sweet pureed tomatoes create a luscious base sauce that ties everything together.
- Water (1/2 cup): Helps the pasta cook evenly right in the sauce, melding all the flavors together.
- Beef bouillon stock cube: Adds an extra layer of umami, intensifying the meat sauce without overpowering it.
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Concentrated tomato flavor gives the sauce body and richness.
- Dried Italian herb mix (2 tsp, divided): This classic blend of oregano, basil, and thyme lifts the sauce with authentic Italian flair.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the savory flavors.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): A convenient boost to garlic’s natural flavor, enhancing the sauce complexity.
- Dried lasagna sheets (4): The star noodles that cook gently right in the pot, absorbing all the delicious sauce.
- Grated mozzarella cheese (1 to 2 cups): For that irresistible gooey, melty texture that makes lasagna truly special.
- Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, finely chopped, optional): Adds a fresh, herbal burst of color and brightness just before serving.
How to Make One Pot Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 180C/350F to get it ready for finishing off the lasagna. Meanwhile, choose a medium-sized, deep frying pan that has a lid to cook all your ingredients together without losing moisture.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Onion
Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until the onion turns translucent and soft, about 3 minutes. This step releases the foundational flavors that build up the sauce’s depth.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Turn the heat to high and add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. Let it go until it’s nicely browned, which brings out that rich, caramelized flavor vital to a meaty lasagna.
Step 4: Add Tomato Passata and Simmer the Filling
Pour in half the bottle of tomato passata while reserving the rest for the sauce. Add water, the crumbled beef stock cube, tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a rapid simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-high and let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes, allowing all those savory flavors to meld perfectly and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
Take the reserved tomato passata and stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Shake or stir well to combine, creating a bright, herb-infused sauce that will elevate your layered lasagna.
Step 6: Layer and Cook Everything Together
Now for the magic of the One Pot Lasagna Recipe: add the dried lasagna sheets directly to the beef mixture, spreading them evenly. Pour the seasoned sauce over the top to cover and ensure the pasta cooks evenly. Cover the pan with a lid or foil and place it in the oven for about 25 minutes so the noodles soften and soak up all those scrumptious flavors.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the pan from the oven, sprinkle a generous 1 to 2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese evenly across the top. Return the pan uncovered to the oven for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden. The cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible topping that completes this effortless but impressive dish.
How to Serve One Pot Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of bright green freshness and a delightful herbal aroma that beautifully contrasts the rich sauce and cheese.
Side Dishes
This dish shines wonderfully on its own but pairs well with a crisp green salad and a simple vinaigrette to lighten the meal. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also a fantastic choice for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small oven-safe dishes or ramekins for personal lasagna mini casseroles. You can even layer in some sautéed veggies like spinach or mushrooms between the layers for extra nutrition and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, your One Pot Lasagna Recipe will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes beautifully! Pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container and it will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers either in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 175C/350F until warmed through. Cover with foil in the oven to prevent the cheese from drying out, and you’ll have that just-made taste all over again!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner version of this dish. Just keep in mind that the cooking time remains the same, but the flavor may be slightly lighter, so consider adding extra herbs or spices to boost taste.
Do I have to use dried lasagna sheets? Can I use fresh?
Dried lasagna sheets are best for this recipe because they soften as the sauce simmers and bake. Fresh sheets usually cook faster and might turn mushy in this method, but if you want to experiment, adjust the liquid accordingly.
Is it necessary to pre-brown the beef?
Yes, browning the beef first is crucial because it adds caramelized flavor and texture, enriching the sauce. It also helps reduce excess fat before combining with the tomato ingredients.
Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based mince to make a vegetarian version without sacrificing texture or flavor.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?
This One Pot Lasagna Recipe is mild by default, focusing on classic Italian flavors. If you like a bit of spice, simply add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the sauce for a gentle kick.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Lasagna Recipe is a game changer for anyone craving lasagna’s satisfying layers without the stress. It’s straightforward, comforting, and packed with flavor — perfect for busy evenings or any time you want a hearty meal with minimal cleanup. Grab your pan and ingredients, and let this tasty, easy lasagna become a staple in your kitchen!
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One Pot Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One Pot Lasagna recipe simplifies the traditional lasagna by cooking all the layers and ingredients in a single deep pan or skillet, combining rich ground beef, tomato passata, Italian herbs, and creamy mozzarella cheese into a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 lb / 500g ground beef (mince)
- 12 oz / 350g tomato passata (half bottle)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 beef bouillon stock cube (or substitute with chicken)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried Italian herb mix
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 12 oz / 350g tomato passata (remaining half bottle)
- 1 tsp dried Italian herb mix
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or 1 crushed garlic clove)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients:
- 4 sheets dried lasagna
- 1 to 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180C (350F) to prepare for finishing the dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a medium-sized, deep frying pan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until the onion turns translucent, approximately 3 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to high, add the ground beef to the pan, and cook it thoroughly, breaking it up with a spatula until it is nicely browned and no longer pink.
- Add Tomato and Simmer Filling: Pour in half of the tomato passata (about 12 oz) reserved for the filling, then add water, crumbled beef bouillon stock cube, tomato paste, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a rapid simmer, then reduce to medium-high heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors develop and the liquid reduce slightly.
- Prepare the Sauce: To the remaining half bottle of tomato passata, add 1 tsp dried Italian herb mix, garlic powder (or crushed garlic), salt, and black pepper. Shake or stir well to combine and set aside.
- Assemble the Lasagna in the Pan: Remove the beef mixture slightly from heat. Layer the dried lasagna sheets over the beef mixture in the pan, breaking them as needed to fit. Pour the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the top of the layered lasagna sheets. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese generously over the tomato sauce.
- Bake: Transfer the deep frying pan (if ovenproof) or another oven-safe dish if needed, to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered at 180C (350F) for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle finely chopped parsley on top if using. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Note 1: Tomato passata is a smooth pureed tomato product that is ideal for sauces.
- Note 2: Use your favorite dried Italian herb mix, typically containing basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
- Note 3: Use a deep, ovenproof frying pan or skillet to cook and bake the lasagna in one pot.
- Lasagna sheets should be broken to fit the pan size and layered evenly.
- You can adjust the amount of mozzarella cheese based on preference for cheesiness.
