Pin Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Skillet. This recipe brings together all the classic, savory flavors of a traditional lasagna—rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella—but replaces the usual noodles with golden, buttery cubes of garlic bread. Baked in a cast-iron skillet, it’s a crowd-pleasing, fuss-free twist that’s perfect for family dinners.
Pin This Italian-American fusion dish is designed for those who want the heartiness of a pasta bake without the effort of boiling noodles. By layering the bread cubes directly into the meat sauce and cheese mixture, the bread absorbs the savory juices while maintaining a delightful texture on top.
Ingredients
- Garlic Bread: 1 large loaf Italian bread (about 400 g), cut into 1-inch cubes; 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter; 3 cloves minced garlic; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 tsp salt.
- Meat Sauce: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves minced garlic; 1 can (15 oz/425 g) crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Cheese Mixture: 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional); 1/4 tsp ground black pepper.
- Additional Cheese: 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Oven and Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, toss the Italian bread cubes with melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and 1/4 tsp salt until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Step 2: Brown the Meat
- Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
- Mix in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Step 5: Mix the Cheeses
- In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, egg, optional basil, and black pepper.
- Step 6: Assemble the Skillet
- Layer half of the prepared garlic bread cubes over the meat sauce in the skillet. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the bread and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, ricotta, and mozzarella.
- Step 7: Bake
- Cover the skillet loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Step 8: Rest and Garnish
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or basil if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, ensure the meat sauce is well-thickened before layering to prevent the bread from becoming too soggy. Using a cast-iron skillet is highly recommended as it retains heat evenly and provides that signature rustic presentation.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version or use vegetarian crumbles to make the dish meatless. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers.
Serviervorschläge
Pair this hearty skillet meal with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich cheese. A glass of Chianti or any medium-bodied red wine complements the Italian flavors perfectly.
Pin In just one hour, you can have a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece ready for the table. This Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Skillet is sure to become a new favorite for anyone who loves the combination of garlic bread and classic Italian comfort food.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the entire skillet up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking cold from the refrigerator.
- → What type of bread works best?
A sturdy Italian or French bread works best. Avoid very soft sandwich bread as it may become too mushy. Day-old bread actually holds up well in this dish.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months. Portion into airtight containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- → How do I know when it's done baking?
The dish is ready when the cheese is fully melted and bubbling, with golden-brown spots on top. The bread should be crispy around the edges but tender in the center.
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian crumbles work well. You may want to add extra herbs or a splash of olive oil to maintain richness.
- → Do I need a cast-iron skillet?
While cast-iron is ideal for even heat retention, any oven-safe 12-inch skillet will work. A deep dish pan or casserole dish works too.