There’s something deeply comforting about a bubbling lasagna fresh off the stove—but who says you need a baking dish and an hour in the oven to enjoy that nostalgic, cheesy goodness? Enter: One-Pan Skillet Turkey Lasagna. This dinner is a game-changer for weeknight meals. It’s cozy, hearty, and—best of all—it comes together in a single skillet. That means less cleanup and more time to enjoy every forkful. This is no ordinary turkey lasagna recipe; it’s fast, flavorful, and layered with the kind of love that usually takes hours to develop. Whether you’re on the hunt for healthy lasagna recipes or simply craving a delicious lasagna that doesn’t require a Sunday-level time commitment, this dish fits right in.
One-Pan Skillet Turkey Lasagna
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Large nonstick skillet or cast-iron skillet with a lid The lid is important to trap steam and cook the noodles evenly. A deep sauté pan also works.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula For browning meat and stirring the sauce.
Cheese Grater If you’re shredding your own mozzarella and Parmesan (recommended for melt quality).
Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 lb ground turkey – lean and perfect for lighter lasagna with ground turkey. You could also use a blend of turkey and chicken for a different twist similar to chicken breast recipes.
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes – look for fire-roasted for extra depth.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a bit of a kick
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8-10 no-boil lasagna noodles broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese – this is crucial if you want that creamy texture typical in a classic lasagna recipe with ricotta.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Brown the Turkey
Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Toss in the ground turkey and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. This base is what sets this apart from a standard ground beef lasagna recipe.
Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well, then add the crushed tomatoes. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors start to marry.
Add the Noodles
Break your lasagna noodles into 2–3-inch pieces and gently nestle them into the sauce. Press them down so they're mostly submerged. Cover the pan with the lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much before the noodles are fully cooked.
Cheese It Up
Once the noodles are tender, dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover again for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey. If you like a crispy cheese top, broil the skillet (if oven-safe) for 2–3 minutes.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley over the top and let the lasagna sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything firm up a bit for easier scooping.
Perfect Pairings for Your Skillet Turkey Lasagna
This hearty, flavorful lasagna stands beautifully on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic Bread – The crispy edges and buttery richness are perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.
- Simple Arugula Salad – Peppery greens with a lemon vinaigrette offer a nice contrast to the lasagna’s richness.
- Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts – Adds crunch and earthy tones to your plate.
- A glass of Chianti or Pinot Noir – These wines have enough acidity to cut through the richness without overpowering the dish.
Want to keep things seasonal? A butternut squash or pumpkin lasagna side could complement this turkey version during fall.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in lasagna?
Absolutely! Many turkey pasta recipes are built around this swap. Ground turkey is leaner and absorbs flavor well, making it a great choice for healthy lasagna recipes. You won’t miss the beef at all in this dish—it’s just as satisfying.
2. What type of ground turkey should I use?
Go for 93% lean ground turkey for the best balance of flavor and moisture. Leaner (99%) can be a bit dry, but if you’re focused on health-conscious choices, it still works with a bit of added olive oil or a splash of broth.
3. Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?
Sure! Cottage cheese is a common swap and works well if you're aiming for a lighter version. It’s a good option if you’re riffing on homemade lasagna recipes but don’t have ricotta on hand.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. Cook everything through and let it cool. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
5. How does this compare to baked lasagna?
This skillet version offers all the cozy richness of the best lasagna recipe ever but in a fraction of the time. It’s a fresh take for anyone tired of traditional ground beef lasagna recipe variations, while still hitting those classic comfort food notes.
