If you have ever dreamed of enjoying the rich, comforting flavors of lasagna without the fuss of layering and baking in the oven, then you are in for a real treat. This Easy Skillet Lasagna with Cottage Cheese Recipe brings together hearty ground turkey, tender zucchini, and gooey cheese all cooked together in one pan, making dinner time deliciously simple and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug and can quickly become your new weeknight favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but powerful players in making your skillet lasagna a winner. Each adds a layer of flavor and texture that melds beautifully in the pan, creating a dish that’s balanced and bursting with taste.
- 1 teaspoon olive or avocado oil: Provides a robust base flavor and keeps everything from sticking to your pan.
- 1 lb lean ground turkey (or lean ground beef): Offers lean protein and a savory foundation for the lasagna.
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- 1 zucchini, diced: Brings fresh moisture and a subtle crunch that brightens the dish.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Infuses a warm, aromatic kick that pairs perfectly with Italian seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties all the ingredients together with classic Mediterranean flair.
- 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce: The heart of the dish, rich tomato sauce delivers tang and sweetness.
- 8 oz uncooked lasagna noodles (GF if necessary): Broken up for ease but still tender and chewy once cooked.
- 1 1/2 cups water: Helps cook the noodles directly in the sauce for that perfect softness.
- 1 cup cottage cheese (omit for DF): Adds creamy protein and a delightful tang to replace traditional ricotta.
- 1 cup low fat shredded mozzarella, divided (omit for DF): Melts beautifully for that classic, stretchy lasagna cheese pull.
How to Make Easy Skillet Lasagna with Cottage Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Turkey
Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and adding the olive or avocado oil. Toss in the lean ground turkey along with diced onion, zucchini, and minced garlic. Season with salt and Italian seasoning. Keep breaking up the turkey with your spoon as everything cooks together, allowing the flavors to meld for about 5 to 7 minutes until the meat is cooked through and the veggies have softened just right.
Step 2: Add the Sauce, Pasta, and Water
Now, take your uncooked lasagna noodles and break them into large pieces; no need for perfection here as they’ll soften nicely in the sauce. Pour in the marinara sauce and add water to create the perfect simmering environment. Stir everything gently to make sure the noodles are coated and mostly submerged. Cover your pan with a lid and turn the heat down to low. Let this simmer for 25 to 35 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure the noodles cook evenly through.
Step 3: Stir in the Cottage Cheese and Mozzarella
Once your noodles are tender, remove the lid and turn off the heat. Gently fold in the cottage cheese and half of your shredded mozzarella. The warmth from the skillet will start melting the cheeses, creating a luscious, creamy texture that brings everything together beautifully.
Step 4: Melt the Remaining Mozzarella on Top
For a nicely browned cheesy topping, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the lasagna’s surface. For a golden finish, place the pan under your oven’s broiler for 3 to 4 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn. If you’d rather keep it simple, just cover the pan again for 5 minutes to let the cheese melt gently. Allow the dish to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the flavors settle and the lasagna firms up slightly.
How to Serve Easy Skillet Lasagna with Cottage Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh and colorful touch, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top before serving. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a thrilling little heat contrast. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil finishes it off with a silky sheen and flavor boost.
Side Dishes
This skillet lasagna shines brightly on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables brings a wonderful balance. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette can also be a delightful side that soaks up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family meal, serve the skillet lasagna straight from the pan at the table. It’s rustic and inviting and encourages everyone to dig in. Alternatively, scoop portions into individual oven-safe dishes, sprinkle extra mozzarella on top, and pop under the broiler for mini, personalized cheesy crowns.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the lasagna completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 4 days, making it a perfect candidate for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this skillet lasagna freezes beautifully. Spoon portions into freezer-safe containers and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef for the ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef works just as well and will give the dish a richer flavor if you prefer beef over turkey.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cottage cheese and mozzarella?
Yes, you can omit both cheeses or use dairy-free cheese alternatives available in most grocery stores to keep this dish dairy-free.
Do I have to break the lasagna noodles before adding them?
Breaking the noodles helps them cook faster and more evenly in the skillet. It’s a handy shortcut that works perfectly here.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
How do I know when the noodles are fully cooked?
The noodles should be tender and soft after simmering for 25 to 35 minutes. Stir frequently and check a piece by tasting to ensure they’re cooked through.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Skillet Lasagna with Cottage Cheese Recipe is a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you want all the flavors of lasagna without the hassle. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and watch it disappear from the skillet!
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Easy Skillet Lasagna with Cottage Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy Skillet Lasagna with Cottage Cheese is a quick and delicious one-pan meal that simplifies traditional lasagna. Featuring lean ground turkey, sautéed vegetables, and layers of marinara sauce and cheese, this recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna without the need for boiling noodles or multiple dishes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it cooks entirely on the stovetop with a quick broil finish for a bubbly cheese topping.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 teaspoon olive or avocado oil
- 1 lb lean ground turkey (or lean ground beef)
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Seasonings and Sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
Pasta and Dairy
- 8 oz uncooked lasagna noodles (use gluten-free if necessary)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup cottage cheese (omit for dairy-free)
- 1 cup low fat shredded mozzarella, divided (omit for dairy-free)
Instructions
- Sauté Ingredients: Place a large pan on the stove over medium heat. Add the oil, ground turkey, diced onion, diced zucchini, minced garlic, kosher salt, and Italian seasoning. Break up the turkey and stir continuously as you cook for 5-7 minutes until the turkey is fully cooked and the vegetables are softened.
- Add Noodles and Simmer: Break the uncooked lasagna noodles into large pieces and add them to the pan along with the marinara sauce and water. Stir everything together so that the noodles are evenly distributed and submerged under the sauce. Lower the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let the lasagna simmer gently for 25-35 minutes until the noodles are tender, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Once the noodles are soft, remove the pan from heat and uncover. Stir in the cottage cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until the mozzarella melts into the mixture, creating a creamy texture.
- Melt Topping Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella evenly on top of the lasagna mixture. For a melted, bubbly topping, either broil the pan in the oven for 3-4 minutes or cover the pan again and let it sit for 5 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the skillet lasagna to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the layers set and the flavors meld together.
Notes
- You can substitute lean ground beef instead of turkey if desired.
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles if you require a gluten-free dish.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cottage cheese and mozzarella or replace with dairy-free alternatives.
- Breaking the noodles into large pieces helps them cook evenly in the sauce.
- Stirring every 5 minutes while simmering prevents noodles from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- The broiling step is optional but creates a nicely browned, bubbly cheese topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
