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Macro Friendly Easy One-Pot Lasagna (High Protein)

published: May 8, 2023

updated: October 25, 2023

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Lasagna is a classic comfort food, but let's be honest, it can be a hassle to make. Boiling noodles, layering everything in a baking dish, and waiting for it to bake in the oven for what seems like an eternity can be time-consuming and exhausting. That's why I'm excited to share this recipe for one-pot lasagna made on top of the stove, which is a game-changer. This recipe cuts down on prep time and dishes, and it's just as delicious and satisfying as traditional lasagna.

One of the best things about this one-pot lasagna recipe is that it's versatile. You can customize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs. If you're a vegetarian, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra veggies. If you're trying to cut back on carbs, you can use zucchini or eggplant instead of noodles. The possibilities are endless. But no matter how you make it, the end result is a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for any night of the week.

When you take a bite of this one-pot lasagna, you'll be met with layers of savory meat sauce, tender noodles, and melted cheese. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water. It's a dish that will warm you up from the inside out and leave you feeling satisfied for hours. So, let's get cooking and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade lasagna without all the fuss.


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3 Reasons Why You Will Love This Macro Friendly Easy One-Pot Lasagna Recipe

scooping the lasagna
  1. Quick and easy to make: Traditional lasagna can be time-consuming and requires multiple pots and pans. This one-skillet version simplifies the process and allows you to have a delicious lasagna on the table in less than an hour. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
  2. Minimal cleanup: With only one skillet required, this recipe keeps cleanup to a minimum. You won't have to worry about washing a ton of dishes after dinner, which makes this recipe a great choice for anyone who dislikes doing dishes.
  3. Family-friendly: Lasagna is a classic family meal that everyone loves. This recipe is no exception, and it's a great way to satisfy the whole family's cravings for comfort food. Plus, with the convenience of only using one skillet, it's a great recipe for busy families who want a hearty meal without a lot of fuss.

You may also love our macro-friendly skillet lasagna recipe!

Ingredients

  • Ground turkey: I used ground turkey for the lasagna. You can also use ground beef, sausage, or a meatless substitute if you prefer.
  • Garlic: Can’t have Italian cooking without tons of garlic! This recipe uses minced garlic to add flavor and aroma to the dish.
  • Marinara sauce: For convenience sake, you will need 1, 24 oz jar of marinara sauce. You can use your favorite pasta sauce you like- four cheese, mushroom, etc. 
  • Lasagna noodles: We break the noodles into pieces to serve as the pasta layer of the dish. You can use regular or no-boil noodles.
  • Water: This is needed to help cook the noodles and create a saucy consistency.
  • Ricotta cheese: I used part-skim ricotta. This adds creaminess and richness to the lasagna.
  • Cheese: We use both shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for our melty topping for our dish.
  • Italian seasoning: One seasoning blend is all you need to give your dish an Italian flair! I used Italian seasoning which contains oregano, basil, garlic, and parsley.  
  • Salt and pepper: These general seasonings help to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Kitchen Tools Required

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Spoon
  • Serving plates

How to Make Easy One-Pot Lasagna 

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess liquids.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute. 
  3. Add the marinara, water, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot, and stir to combine.
  4. Break the lasagna noodles into pieces and add them to the pot, making sure they are fully submerged in the sauce.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure noodles do not stick to the bottom. 
  6. Once the noodles are tender, spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the top of the lasagna.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded cheeses over the top of the ricotta mixture. Allow the cheese to melt for a few minutes.
  8. Once the cheese is melted, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped basil if desired. Enjoy!
ingredients portioned out for one-pot lasagna
cooking the meat for lasagna
pouring sauce in lasagna
close up of macro friendly one pot lasagna
adding cheese on top of lasagna
one pot lasagna in a pan

Swaps or Alternatives

Here are a few alternatives or swaps that you can make to customize this one-pot lasagna recipe based on your dietary needs or preferences:

  • Gluten-free: Swap the regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free lasagna noodles or use zucchini noodles instead.
  • Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and replace with a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh, or add more vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach.
  • Vegan: Follow the vegetarian option and also use a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
  • Dairy-free: Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
  • Low-carb: Replace the lasagna noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant.
  • Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño peppers to the tomato sauce.
  • More veggies: Add additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to the sauce.

Quick Tip(s)

Here are some quick recipe tips for making your lasagna turn out amazing:

  • Use a large skillet: It's important to use a large skillet for this recipe, as it allows the ingredients to cook evenly. A 12-inch skillet is perfect for this recipe.
  • Brown the meat first: To ensure that the ground turkey is fully cooked, it's important to brown it first before adding the other ingredients.
  • Don't skip the ricotta mixture: Ricotta is my favorite part of lasagna! The ricotta mixture adds a creamy, cheesy layer to the lasagna. 
  • Add enough liquid: It's important to add enough liquid to the skillet to help the lasagna cook evenly. If you find that the liquid has evaporated too quickly, you can add a little extra water or tomato sauce.
  • Let it rest before serving: Once the lasagna is fully cooked, it's important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together.

FAQ’s

Here are some frequently asked questions for Easy One Skillet Lasagna:

Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can definitely use ground beef instead of ground turkey in this recipe. It will alter the taste slightly and also increase the fat content of the dish.

Can I substitute the cheese with a vegan alternative?

Absolutely, you can substitute the cheese with a vegan alternative if you are dairy-free or vegan. There are many delicious vegan cheese options available, and they can be used in the same quantities as regular cheese.

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles in this recipe. Simply add them to the skillet as directed in the recipe. Just be sure to cover the skillet with a lid and simmer the lasagna for the full cooking time to ensure the noodles are fully cooked.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Of course, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Prepare the lasagna as directed in the recipe, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to two days. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat the lasagna in the skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. You may need to add a little extra liquid, such as water or tomato sauce, to help it reheat evenly.

Macros & Nutrition Information

Serving Size: â…™ of recipe

MacrosNutrition
Calories428
Protein34.8g
Carbs38.7g
Fat16.3g

Macro-Friendly Easy One-Pot Lasagna

Jessie Hulsey
Made entirely on the stovetop, this recipe is a simplified version of the classic baked lasagna, but with all the same delicious flavors. With just a few simple ingredients and one skillet, you can have a hearty and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 428 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb. ground turkey
  • 8 lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 24oz marinara sauce
  • 1½ cup cup water
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • ¾ cup part-skim ricotta
  • ¾ cup reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese
  • Optional: fresh basil

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess liquids.
  • Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute.
  • Add the marinara, water, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot, and stir to combine.
  • Break the lasagna noodles into pieces and add them to the pot, making sure they are fully submerged in the sauce.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure noodles do not stick to the bottom.
  • Once the noodles are tender, spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the top of the lasagna.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheeses over the top of the ricotta mixture. Allow the cheese to melt for a few minutes.
  • Once the cheese is melted, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped basil if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Use a large, deep skillet to ensure all the ingredients can be easily combined and cooked together.
  • If you find that the liquid has evaporated too quickly, you can add a little extra water or tomato sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 428kcalCarbohydrates: 38.7gProtein: 34.8gFat: 16.3g
Keyword high protein, macro friendly, pasta
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About the author, Jessie Hulsey

Jessie is a recipe creator and registered dietitian consultant, specializing in weight management, healthy aging, and behavioral nutrition in Atlanta, GA. To lean into her creative side, she loves all aspects of recipe development and food photography. When not working, you can find Jessie at the dog park with her husband and pup, playing in her garden, and scoping out new restaurants!

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