Hey there, my friend 
. If you love lasagna but hate the hassle of layering and baking, I’ve got something special for you. This one pot lasagna gives you all the cheesy, saucy goodness of classic lasagna—without the extra dishes. You’ll cook everything in just one pot, saving you time and effort.
And the best part? It’s ready in under 40 minutes. Let me show you how to make it.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Large pot or deep skillet with a lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Ladle for serving
Important Info
- Servings: 4 large bowls
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: About $12-$15 depending on your ingredients
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 450 kcal
- Cook method: Stovetop
- Season: Perfect for all seasons
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diets: Not gluten-free, but can be made vegetarian
How to Make One Pot Lasagna
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat |
| Marinara sauce | Crushed tomatoes + Italian seasoning |
| Ricotta cheese | Cottage cheese or Greek yogurt |
| Mozzarella cheese | Cheddar or provolone |
| Beef broth | Chicken broth or vegetable broth |
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to coat the meat with the spices.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth. Stir everything together.
- Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the pot. Stir to make sure they’re submerged in the sauce.
- Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
- Once the noodles are soft, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the ricotta cheese.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top. Cover with the lid for 2-3 minutes to let the cheese melt.
- Garnish with fresh basil if you like, then serve hot.
Helpful Tips
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
- Stir the noodles occasionally so they don’t stick together.
- Want more veggies? Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the pot.
- For a spicy kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes while cooking.
- If you don’t have a lid, cover with foil to trap heat and cook evenly.
What to Serve with One Pot Lasagna
Lasagna is a full meal on its own, but you can pair it with:
- Garlic bread for dipping into the sauce
- Side salad with balsamic dressing
- Roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini
- A glass of red wine for the perfect Italian dinner
How Do You Serve One Pot Lasagna?
Serve this dish straight from the pot. A deep bowl works best because it holds the sauce well. If you want to be fancy, sprinkle extra parmesan and fresh basil before serving.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This one pot lasagna is perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners when you don’t have time for layering and baking
- Potlucks and gatherings because it’s easy to make in bulk
- Comfort food nights when you need a cozy, satisfying meal
- Meal prep since it reheats well and stays delicious
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Keep leftovers in the pot with a lid for up to 2 hours.
- If serving later, transfer to an airtight container once cooled.
Refrigeration
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or in the microwave.
Freezing
- Let the lasagna cool completely before freezing.
- Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular pasta instead of lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can use any short pasta like penne or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time to match the pasta type.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, skip the meat and use mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles instead. Also, swap beef broth for vegetable broth.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can use cottage cheese or Greek yogurt instead. It gives a creamy texture without changing the taste too much.
Can I add more cheese?
Of course! Feel free to add extra mozzarella or parmesan on top. Some people even mix in cream cheese for extra creaminess.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.