Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Skillet (Printable)

Garlic bread cubes layered with meat sauce and three cheeses, baked in a cast-iron skillet for easy, cheesy comfort.

# Components:

→ Garlic Bread

01 - 1 large Italian bread loaf (approximately 14 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Meat Sauce

06 - 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
07 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
10 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cheese Mixture

15 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
16 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
17 - 1 large egg
18 - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional)
19 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Additional Cheese

20 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

# Method:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
02 - In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until evenly coated. Set aside.
03 - Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
04 - Add chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
05 - Mix in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat.
06 - In a small bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, egg, chopped basil (if using), and black pepper.
07 - Layer half the garlic bread cubes in the skillet over the meat sauce, then dollop half the ricotta mixture, sprinkle with half the mozzarella. Repeat with remaining bread, ricotta, and mozzarella.
08 - Cover skillet loosely with foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
09 - Remove foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
10 - Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or basil if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like you spent hours layering traditional lasagna, but you'll be eating dinner in under an hour.
  • The garlic bread cubes get crispy and tender at the same time, which shouldn't work but absolutely does.
  • Everything bakes in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor concentration.
02 -
  • Don't skip the resting time—if you cut into it immediately, everything will slide apart and look sad instead of magnificent.
  • The meat sauce should be flavorful enough to eat on its own, because the bread and cheese will mellow it out once everything bakes together.
03 -
  • Day-old bread holds its shape and absorbs sauce better than bread fresh from the bakery, so plan accordingly or use a hearty loaf that's been sitting out.
  • If your skillet is well-seasoned and you let the bottom layer get a little crispy before serving, you've created the best part of the entire dish.
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