This skillet lasagna recipe with bow tie noodles is an easy one-skillet weeknight dinner full of savory ground beef, gooey mozzarella, tangy sour cream, pasta sauce, and flavorful herbs. It’s a great way to get your lasagna fix all on your stovetop.

Skillet Lasagna with Bowtie Pasta
If you love lasagna, but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen making it, then this skillet lasagna recipe is for you!
This dish is easy to make, only requires one skillet, and is done in just about 30 minutes!
You can use ground beef, pork, turkey, or chicken. And best of all, there’s no need to preheat the oven! You can cook this lasagna on your stovetop in just minutes.
Other lasagna recipes you might like: slow cooker lasagna, slow cooker ravioli lasagna, or veggie lasagna roll-ups.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe
- Very little prep work is required! Brown some meat, boil some noodles, and mix together a few easy ingredients, and you’re ready to go.
- Versatile – You can use any ground meat that you like in this skillet lasagna – beef, pork, turkey, or chicken. You can add in veggies if you’d like, or keep it simple with just cheese and sauce.
- One-skillet recipes are always a winner in my book. Less dishes to wash is always a plus!
- Make ahead and freeze option. This skillet lasagna can be made ahead of time and frozen for later. Simply let it cool completely, then wrap it in foil or place it in a sealed container and freeze for two months.
Tools you’ll need
- Large Skillet – I have had this one for year and don’t have any complaints.
- Meat Chopper – I love this little tool to break up the meat as you’re browning it.
- Silicone Spatulas – I use these for everything.
Ingredients
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this recipe. Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card.
- GROUND BEEF – I like to use ground sirloin (like 93/7) because it is lean and has great flavor.
- BOW TIE NOODLES – Use bow tie noodles (like in my creamy bow tie pasta) or any other short noodle.
- SPAGHETTI SAUCE – Use your favorite jar of pasta – I like to make sure there is no sugar or unnecessary ingredients.
- GARLIC – Freshly minced garlic is best but minced garlic packed in olive oil will also work.
- SEASONINGS – Salt, pepper, Montreal steak seasoning (my favorite blend), onion powder, Italian seasoning.
- CHEESE – Shredded mozzarella cheese.
- SPAGHETTI SAUCE – Use your favorite jar of pasta – I like to make sure there is no sugar or unnecessary ingredients.
- SOUR CREAM – Sour cream adds a creaminess to the sauce. You could also use plain Greek yogurt for added protein.

How to make Skillet Bow Tie Lasagna
- STEP ONE: First, to a large pot of salted water, cook the noodles until al dente (according to the package instructions). Once done, drain, return to the pot, and drizzle with olive oil.
- STEP TWO: Meanwhile, while the noodles are cooking, to a large skillet, add a bit of olive oil and the minced garlic. Stir until fragrant and then add the ground beef, seasoning it with salt, pepper, Montreal steak seasoning, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Once no longer pink, pour in the spaghetti sauce and stir.
- STEP THREE: Next, pour in the cooked noodles, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Stir until fully combined and heat until melted and creamy.
Serve and enjoy!
Additions & Substitutions
- Make it extra cheesy! Add an extra ¼ cup of cheese to the recipe and some ricotta to make it even cheesier.
- If you don’t have bowtie noodles on hand, any other type of short noodle will do.
- You could also add in some chopped veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions for an extra boost of nutrition.

Tips & Suggestions
- Don’t skip out on seasoning the ground beef! It really makes a difference in the overall flavor of the dish.
- Salt your water before adding the noodles. This brings out the flavor in your pasta as well as prevents them from sticking together.
What to serve with your Stove Top Lasagna
While this lasagna dish can certainly be served as is, if you want to pair it with a side or two, I recommend going with something green like roasted green beans or zucchini, sauteed asparagus, or just a simple side salad.
Don’t forget the garlic bread!
How to store leftovers
This skillet lasagna recipe can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can you freeze it?
You can also freeze this dish for later. Let it cool completely, then wrap in foil or place in a sealed container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs
Can I use a cast iron skillet?
Yes, you can use a cast iron skillet for this recipe. Just make sure that it’s preheated before adding the ingredients.
Do I have to cook the bowtie pasta before adding them to the skillet?
Yes, you’ll need to cook them al dente before adding them to the skillet. There is not enough liquid in the main dish to cook the noodles and leave you with a sauce.
How do I get a bubbly golden brown cheese topping?
If you want a bubbly, golden brown cheese topping on your skillet lasagna, you can place it under the broiler for a few minutes after it has been assembled. Just make sure to keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t burn!
Need more skillet recipes? Try these:
Southwest Chicken Skillet
Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet
Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet
Mozzarella Chicken Skillet
Click here for my entire collection of pasta recipes.

Another great one-skillet dish to add to your repertoire! This bow tie lasagna is easy to make, hearty, and cheesy. It’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Give it a try tonight!
Originally published May 11, 2012

Goodness this looks so good, easy too so would be great for mid week! thanks so much for sharing 🙂
This recipe looks so delicious! Can’t wait to try it! We’re so glad you linked up to our “Strut Your Stuff Saturday.” Thanks for coming and we hope you’ll be back. -The Sisters
I just made this for dinner tonight and my Husband and I loved it. I’ll definitely maje this again.
Thank you, Karrie!
Can you substitute ricotta for the sour cream??
Yes, that should work well.