Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Skillet

Experience the ultimate comfort food fusion with our Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Skillet. This dish takes the savory, layered goodness of a traditional lasagna and pairs it with the irresistible crunch of buttery garlic bread, all layered and baked to golden perfection in a rustic cast-iron skillet.

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There is nothing quite like the aroma of garlic-infused butter and simmering marinara filling your home. This skillet recipe is designed to be approachable yet impressive, making it an ideal choice for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends where you want to serve something truly satisfying.

Ingredients

• For the Garlic Bread Cubes:
• 1 large baguette or Italian loaf, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 tsp salt
• For the Lasagna Filling:
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage or plant-based alternative)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt. Toss the bread cubes until well coated and set aside.

Step 3

Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion; cook until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Step 4

Stir in minced garlic, marinara sauce, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 5

In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, and Parmesan until smooth.

Step 6

Remove half the meat sauce from the skillet and set aside.

Step 7

Layer half of the garlic bread cubes over the remaining sauce in the skillet. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the bread cubes, then sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella.

Step 8

Spoon the reserved meat sauce over the cheese. Layer with remaining bread cubes, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella.

Step 9

Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbling and top is golden.

Step 10

Cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best texture, use a day-old baguette or Italian loaf, as slightly drier bread absorbs the garlic butter and sauce more effectively. For the ultimate flavor, use freshly shredded mozzarella rather than pre-shredded varieties, and be sure to drain the excess fat from your meat to keep the sauce thick and savory.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version, simply replace the beef with plant-based meat or sautéed mushrooms. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce if you enjoy a spicy kick, or substitute the ground beef with spicy Italian sausage for extra depth of flavor.

Serviervorschläge

This hearty skillet lasagna is best served with a crisp, refreshing green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. To complete the experience, enjoy your meal with a glass of Chianti, which complements the rich tomato sauce and savory garlic notes perfectly.

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Whether you are feeding a hungry family or looking for a crowd-pleasing party dish, this Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Skillet delivers on every front. Enjoy the perfect harmony of gooey cheese, savory meat, and crunchy garlic bread in every single bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the entire skillet up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.

→ What type of bread works best?

A day-old Italian loaf or baguette yields the ideal texture. Slightly stale bread holds up better during baking without becoming mushy. Avoid soft sandwich bread.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Portion leftovers into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until hot throughout, about 20-25 minutes.

→ How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Don't over-sauce the layers. Ensure bread cubes are well-coated in butter mixture first. Bake uncovered for the final 15 minutes to crisp the top layer.

→ Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles instead?

Yes, break no-boil noodles into pieces and layer them with the meat sauce. The garlic bread can then be used as a topping only for extra crunch.