My One Pot Lasagna recipe shows you how to make a lasagna WITH LAYERS in one pot. Well, in one fry pan!
“OMG, it actually has layers in it!”, my friend exclaimed when I served up this lasagna for lunch today. YES, this does!
Have you seen one-pot lasagnas floating around on the internet? I think Martha Stewart started the craze. Here’s the thing though. I am yet to see a “one pot” lasagna that actually looks like a lasagna. None of the ones I have seen actually have layers. They are more like a pasta bake with a delicious mess of broken up lasagna sheets mixed up with the filling and sauce.
So I guess you are wondering how I managed to get these layers in without scooping out the filling then creating layers like a traditional lasagna? It’s super easy! It’s much easier to show you as explaining it gets wordy, so here are step by step pictures (Baby Hands Alert!!).
Basically, you make the beef filling first. Then you slide a dry lasagna sheet in from the side so you can get it under the filling as best you can. Then you do the same with broken up bits to fill the edges in – I just needed four (one for each side around the main piece of lasagna). I use a spoon to push the pieces down and to spoon filling over the pieces. It’s not an exact science but as you can see from the photo, it works pretty well! Be generous with the broken bits, the overlapping is how you get more than 2 layers in some parts of the lasagna.
Once the bottom layer has been done, you just cover the surface with more lasagna sheets. Then pour over reserved tomato passata (pureed tomato) that I flavour with some seasonings, cover with cheese and bake.
You won’t get 3 or 4 layers like you do with traditional lasagna because this isn’t made the traditional way. BUT as you can see from the photo, you do get 2 layers, and 3 where the lasagna sheets overlap. And it looks far more like a real lasagna than just mixing broken up pieces of lasagna sheets into the pan.
See?
I’ve gone a bit lasagna crazy this week, trying out various versions. I’ve made it with this traditional tomato beef filling, a white chicken lasagna as well as a vegetarian version. I don’t know which I like best but I had to start off by sharing the classic beef one. 🙂
It really is that easy. Really! I am not convinced I’ll ever make lasagna the traditional way again…..
OK, I lie. I will. Because I do think the béchamel sauce is worth making the effort for, when you have the time. In a separate pot. 🙂
– Nagi
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One Pot Lasagna
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 small onion , diced
- 1 lb / 500g ground beef (mince)
- 24 oz / 700g (1 bottle) tomato passata (pureed tomato - Note 1), SEPARATED
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 beef bouillon stock cube (or substitute with chicken)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried Italian herb mix (Note 2)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper
Sauce Flavourings
- 1 tsp dried Italian herb mix (Note 2)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or 1 crushed garlic clove)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper
Lasagna
- 4 sheets dried lasagna
- 1 to 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp parsley , finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180C/350F.
- Heat olive oil in a medium size, deep fry pan over medium high heat. (Note 3)
- Add garlic and onion, sauté until onion is translucent - about 3 minutes.
- Turn up heat to high. Add beef and cook, breaking it up with the spatula, until nicely browned.
- Add HALF the bottle of tomato passata (reserve remainder for Sauce). Then add remaining Filling ingredients. Bring to rapid simmer, then turn down to medium high. Let it simmer for around 5 minutes to let the flavours come together and the liquid to reduce. Stir occasionally.
- Add Sauce Flavourings into the tomato passata bottle and shake to combine.
Assemble lasagna (see photo below)
- Remove fry pan from the stove. Slide one lasagna sheet, starting from the side, under the Filling - this will be the base of the lasagna. Use a spoon to push it down and cover it in Filling. Break up pieces of lasagne and slide them in under the filling around the sides of the pan (to form the remainder of the bottom layer), using a spoon to push them down and cover with Filling.
- Cover the Filling with the remaining lasagna sheets.
- Pour over the Sauce and spread over the top. Sprinkle with cheese.
- Cover with a lid or foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove cover and bake for a further 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and golden. Remove from oven and set aside for 10 minutes to set.
- Sprinkle with parsley (if using), then serve.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits says
YUM! I actually stay away from making lasagnas usually because it requires so much work. I absolutely LOVE the idea that this is all done in one pot! And yup, I am all about those lovely layers!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
I am so glad to read all these comments so I know it isn’t just me that usually stays away from traditional lasagna because it’s too much effort!! Thanks so much for your lovely message Lisa 🙂
Sarah @ Savoring Spoon says
Nagi this is such a great idea! I never thought of sliding the pasta layer under the cooked beef to make lasagna one-pot. Yum! What size pot did you use? My cast-iron pot is 24.5 cm / 10″ in diameter and about 2 inches deep, and I was wondering if it may be on the small side for the filling?
I will try this and let you know how it goes!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Sarah, thanks for asking! I can’t believe I didn’t mention the pan size! The fry pan I used was 26cm / 10″ in diameter and 6cm/2.4″ deep. As you can see in the photo, there was still room in the pan so I am confident yours will be fine. Love to hear what you think!
Karina says
Hi! I’m so glad I found your website! A question on the pan, did you use a non-stick? I see from one of the comments that they used a cast iron. Which would you recommend? Thanks!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Hi Karina! I made this in a non stick but anything will work. It’s not the time of dish that will stick to a pan because it’s saucy 🙂
Elaine says
Looks SO SO yum! Nagi. I love the first picture so much. I did not cook anything with lasagna but I really hope that I was on your side when you take the pictures. So I could have a bite.
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thanks Elaine!! Well pop on by to Sydney! There will always be a seat at my dinner table for you! 🙂
mira says
Genius idea Nagi! I rarely make lasagna, but after seeing this recipe I’ll be giving it a try! Love the pictures!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thanks Mira! 🙂
Easyfoodsmith says
Just my kind of meal. Looks fabulous 😀
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thanks so much! 🙂
Daphne says
Good Mornin Nagi, What a fabulous way to make lasagne…. I honestly would never have thought to make it this way, in one pot. I make lasagne quite a lot, and make it the traditional way, but next time I make it I am going to follow your recipe. It looks so fabulous. You have encouraged me think outside the box when it comes to cooking.
Best Wishes to you.
Daphne
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Hi Daphne, thanks for your wonderful message! I absolutely love the traditional lasagne – especially the white sauce – but I made this one up just for a handy version. 🙂 So lazy that I even make the tomato sauce IN the bottle rather than cooking it up in a separate pot! Thank you for your wonderful comment and I am glad that you’ve gotten an idea for a different way to make lasagna! 🙂
Anna (Hidden Ponies) says
Oh this is goooood! Lasagna needs layers, otherwise we’re just talking one-pot pasta. Gorgeous photos and lasagna is one of my favourite foods, so I’ll need to try this!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
YES, I agree! He he!! 🙂
Allie | Baking a Moment says
Nagi this is genius! The layers look amazing and I love how simple it is! PS- your baby hands are the cutest 🙂
Nagi | RecipeTin says
SO RUDE!! He he!! 🙂
Kathleen | HapaNom says
Brilliant – I love a great ‘one pot’ recipe! And what could be better than a one pot lasagna – talk about a serious YUM factor! Your dishes are always so clever 🙂
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thanks Kathleen! 🙂
Jody says
This is great for the boxes of lasagna I have in my pantry! Are you using the no boil lasagna? Would the recipe work with regular ones?
I recently came across your recipe for Asian noodles-esp pad see ew. Loved it with much success and raves from the family. Thanks!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
That’s so great to hear Jody, thanks for letting me know you enjoyed the Pad See Ew! Yes, I am using no-boil lasagna. Just the ordinary dry lasagna sheets you layer with fillings then pop straight into the oven. This recipe won’t work with fresh lasagna sheets. Well, let me rephrase- you would need to scoop out the filling and layer it the traditional way because fresh lasagna sheets are floppy so you can’t “slide” it under the filling like you can with dried lasagna sheets. 🙂
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
This is preeety impressive, Nagi! I love love love lasagna, but actually haven’t made it in a very long time (don’t tell anyone, but the last time I did I dropped it when taking it out of the oven … sort of put me off for a while).
To be honest, too, I’m put off by how long it takes to make all the separate components, so this is GENIUS! I just love how you poke those lasagna sheets in there to make such beautiful layers!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thanks Helen! I have to be honest, I don’t make full blown lasagna very often either because it takes so long! And YES I have dropped a lasagna too!! Disaster disaster…..dish broke, lasagna went everywhere!!
Bam's Kitchen says
You have the perfect recipe for layers instead of a pot of lasagna soup. Deliciously cheesy and low clean up are always big in my house ! The only issue I see is in my house that portion would only feed about one teenager, so would need to get both of my iron skillets out and in use…or maybe we could just rename it to “One Pot Lasagna for One Teenager”… LOL Sharing, of course! Have a super weekend.
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Must change the recipe name! Ha ha! 🙂
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile says
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more perfect looking lasagne before! Yum! You’ve totally outdone yourself. xx
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thanks Lucy!
Shinee says
You’re such a pro! Love this layered one-pot lasagna!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thanks so much Shinee!! 🙂
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I know some will correct me but I prefer lasagna without a ton of bechamel on top. Give me loads of mozzarella any day of the week. How easy is this lasagna!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
YES – easy is the word! John is asking for it….no?? He he! 🙂
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
How fabulous! I love that this one pot lasagna presents like traditional lasagna (though as you said – nothing wrong with haphazard DELISH lasagna, too)! This one is a keeper!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thanks so much Alyssa! 🙂
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
Ok that first picture is sending me to lasagne heaven. And I totally know what you mean- there are all these one pot and slow cooker recipes that look delicious, but totally deconstructed!!! Like, where are the layers?? (Apparently, right here! 🙂 )
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Awww, gee, thanks Medha! That is totally the reason I was on a mission to try to find a way around it…the layers! The layers! Lasagna is all about the layers – otherwise it is just a pasta bake!! 🙂
Caroline @ Shrinking Single says
Ah that is so clever with the layers. I have made one of those lasagna hot messes but ended up calling it cheesy pasta as I thought it was too much of a stretch to call it lasagna.
Nagi | RecipeTin says
And those hot messes are DELICIOUS Caroline!! 🙂 But I get what you mean, they are definitely more like pasta bakes! 🙂
Immaculate says
OMG! NagI! . All am going to think about is this One Pot lasagna- with layers. It has always been a HOT MESS for me. Now, I have one I would look forward to make . I love all the steps. By the way, I have been enjoying your 5 minute all purpose sauce. I tried in on salmon, salad, shrimp and it works! – It truly is , All purpose . Thanks for sharing!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thanks Imma! And there is absolutely nothing wrong with a one pot lasagna MESS! Still delicious 🙂
Rachel (Rachel's Kitchen NZ) says
GENIUS – Nagi!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thanks Rachel! 🙂