Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna

This Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Skillet is a delightful mashup of two beloved comfort foods. It layers garlic bread cubes with hearty meat sauce and creamy cheeses right in one skillet, making a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

I first tried this recipe when I needed something satisfying but fuss-free. Now it’s a favorite that my family asks for whenever we want comfort food that feels special.

Ingredients

• Large baguette or Italian loaf cut into cubes: provides the crispy garlic bread texture
• Unsalted butter: melted, essential for coating bread cubes with rich flavor
• Fresh garlic: minced, adds a fragrant punch to both bread and sauce
• Fresh parsley: chopped, brings a fresh herbal note
• Ground beef, Italian sausage, or plant-based alternative: forms the savory meaty base
• Onion: diced, builds a sweet and pungent foundation
• Marinara sauce:
• Dried oregano: lifts the sauce with classic Italian aroma
• Black pepper and salt: balance and season the dish
• Ricotta cheese: adds creaminess and richness
• Large egg: binds the ricotta mixture
• Grated Parmesan cheese: provides a salty, nutty depth
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully on top for gooey goodness

Ingredients

When choosing bread, a crusty loaf that holds up in baking is best. For the meat, Italian sausage gives an extra layer of spice but ground beef works beautifully too.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Meat and Onions:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onions. Cook for about five to six minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain off excess fat for a cleaner flavor.

Simmer the Sauce:

Stir in minced garlic, marinara sauce, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Let the mixture simmer for five minutes to allow flavors to meld. Remove the skillet from heat.

Prepare Garlic Bread Cubes:

In a large bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. Toss the bread cubes in this mixture until they are fully coated. Set aside.

Mix the Ricotta Filling:

In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. This will add rich creaminess in layers.

Assemble Layers in the Skillet:

Spoon half of the meat sauce over the bottom of the skillet. Layer half of the garlic bread cubes on top of the sauce. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the bread cubes, then sprinkle with one cup of shredded mozzarella.

Add Remaining Layers:

Take the reserved half of the meat sauce and spoon it over the cheese layer. Top with the remaining bread cubes, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.

Bake Covered:

Cover the skillet loosely with foil and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.

Finish Baking Uncovered:

Remove foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Rest and Serve:

Let the skillet cool for about 10 minutes to set. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired.

Save

This recipe is especially close to my heart because of the way it brings people together around the table. The combination of garlic bread and lasagna always sparks nostalgic smiles and happy appetites.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the bread crispy or microwave with a moist paper towel if short on time.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Use turkey or chicken sausage to lighten the dish
• Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a different texture
• Replace baguette cubes with gluten-free bread to keep it gluten-free

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil for balance
• Pair with roasted vegetables for a hearty meal
• A glass of red wine complements the rich meat sauce and cheese beautifully

Cultural Background

This skillet recipe is a playful adaptation of traditional lasagna, blending it with garlic bread, an Italian-American staple. It highlights the spirit of comfort food innovation that’s popular in many home kitchens.

Pro Tips

• Toast the bread cubes lightly before mixing with butter and garlic for extra crunch
• Don’t skip the resting time after baking—it helps layers set and improves serving
• Use a cast iron or oven-safe skillet to cook and bake for fewer dishes and even heat distribution

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bread works best for this dish?

A large baguette or Italian loaf cut into 2-inch cubes works best, as it crisps nicely and absorbs the sauce well.

→ Can I use plant-based protein instead of meat?

Yes, substituting ground beef or sausage with a plant-based alternative works well and keeps the dish hearty and flavorful.

→ How do I ensure the cheese melts evenly?

Layer the cheeses evenly and cover with foil during the first part of baking, then uncover to let the top bubble and turn golden.

→ Is it necessary to simmer the sauce before baking?

Simmering allows the flavors to meld and thickens the sauce, preventing excess moisture in the final bake.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the layers in advance and refrigerate, then bake fresh when ready to serve for convenience.