Easy One-Skillet Lazy Butternut Squash Lasagna: A Healthy, Gluten-Free Fall Favorite
Embrace the cozy vibes of fall with this incredible Lazy Butternut Squash Lasagna! It’s a gluten-free, noodle-less, one-skillet meal that delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with an extra boost of nourishing vegetables. Perfect for a chilly evening, this recipe proves that healthy eating can be both easy and utterly delicious. This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with, meaning if you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
If I had to pick a standout recipe from my collection, my 21 Day Fix One Skillet Lazy Zucchini Lasagna would undoubtedly be a top contender. It perfectly combines all the elements I love in a meal: simplicity, speed, and the comforting taste of lasagna. The rave reviews from my readers confirmed it was a true winner!
This original lazy lasagna recipe quickly became a go-to for countless families, including my own, thanks to its incredible convenience and satisfying flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes healthy eating feel effortless, proving that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to enjoy a wholesome, homemade meal. Its appeal lies in its straightforward approach: minimal prep, quick cooking, and all the goodness of lasagna without the traditional fuss.
And now, with the crisp air and changing leaves of autumn, it only felt right to introduce a seasonal twist to this beloved concept. Enter the new and improved, fall-inspired version: this delightful **Lazy, One Skillet Butternut Squash Lasagna**.
From the first bite, this dish screams “Fall on a plate.” I admit, I was initially a bit apprehensive about how my husband would react, knowing how particular he can be. But my worries were quickly put to rest when he devoured three generous servings in one night! #Oops! Given the substantial portion size, his enthusiasm was truly impressive, a testament to just how flavorful and satisfying this butternut squash lasagna is. It’s hearty, rich, and bursting with autumnal goodness, making it an instant family favorite.
Butternut Squash: The Star of Our Noodle-Less Lasagna
Butternut squash truly shines in this recipe, acting as the perfect healthy and delicious noodle alternative. Its naturally sweet, nutty flavor complements the savory beef and tangy tomato sauce beautifully, creating a depth of flavor that’s truly remarkable. Beyond its incredible taste, butternut squash is packed with essential nutrients, including high levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and dietary fiber, making this lasagna a fantastic way to boost your vegetable intake.
The most challenging step in preparing this lazy lasagna, if you can even call it that, is peeling and slicing the butternut squash. But don’t let that deter you! The good news is that the rest of the recipe is incredibly straightforward and quick, just like its zucchini counterpart. With a few simple tricks, even the squash prep becomes a breeze, ensuring an easy and enjoyable cooking experience from start to finish.
How to Easily Cut a Butternut Squash
Butternut squash can be notoriously tough to cut, but there are some fantastic shortcuts to make it much easier and safer:
- Microwave Method: For a quick softening trick, poke the squash all over with a fork a few times. Then, microwave it for 2-3 minutes. This will soften the skin and flesh just enough to make peeling and slicing significantly easier without fully cooking it. Be careful when handling it afterward, as it will be hot.
- Instant Pot Method: If you own an Instant Pot, it’s your best friend for squash prep! Place the whole (or halved, if it fits) butternut squash in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of water. Pressure cook on high for 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of your squash. Once the pressure is naturally released (or quick-released carefully), the squash will be soft enough to cut and peel with minimal effort. This method practically eliminates any worry about losing a finger!
Once softened, you’ll find that a vegetable peeler glides much more easily, and your knife will pass through the flesh with far less resistance. Always use a sharp chef’s knife and a stable cutting board to ensure safety.
Choosing Your Perfect Protein: What Meat Should I Use?
The beauty of this butternut squash lasagna is its versatility, especially when it comes to your choice of protein. I opted for lean ground beef in this particular version, as it evokes the nostalgic flavors of comforting fall dinners like beef stew and shepherd’s pie that I grew up with. Its rich taste pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the squash and the savory tomato sauce.
However, this dish would be equally fabulous with other protein options:
- Ground Chicken or Turkey Sausage: For a lighter take, ground chicken or turkey is an excellent choice. If you can find a spicy Italian-flavored poultry sausage, it will add a fantastic kick and depth of flavor, beautifully complementing the creamy ricotta and sweet butternut squash. You can even try making your own homemade Italian sausage with ground chicken or turkey for maximum flavor control.
- Beyond Beef: Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand or what your family prefers. Ground pork, a blend of beef and pork, or even a vegetarian ground alternative would also work well, allowing you to customize this lasagna to your dietary needs and taste preferences.
The key is to use a protein that you enjoy, as it will absorb the flavors of the sauce and spices, contributing to the overall deliciousness of this one-skillet meal.
Can I Freeze This Butternut Squash Lasagna for Future Meals?
Absolutely! This lazy butternut squash lasagna is a fantastic candidate for meal prepping and freezing, making your future weeknights even easier. Having a homemade, healthy meal ready to go in the freezer is a true game-changer for busy schedules.
Here’s how to properly freeze and reheat your lasagna:
- Before Broiling: After you’ve assembled the lasagna in your skillet or baking dish and topped it with mozzarella cheese, but *before* placing it under the broiler, this is the ideal time to freeze.
- Transfer if Needed: If your skillet isn’t freezer-friendly, carefully transfer the assembled lasagna to a broiler-safe baking dish or an aluminum pan. Make sure it’s a dish that can go from the freezer to the oven (and then under the broiler).
- Cool Completely: Allow the lasagna to cool completely to room temperature. Freezing a warm dish can create condensation and ice crystals, affecting the texture.
- Cover Tightly: Once cool, cover the dish tightly with a layer of plastic wrap, pressing it down onto the cheese, and then a layer of aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the lasagna fresh.
- Freeze: Place the tightly covered lasagna in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
To Reheat:
- Thaw (Recommended): For best results, thaw the frozen lasagna in the refrigerator overnight.
- Bake: Once thawed, remove the plastic wrap and foil (if using) and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbling around the edges. If baking from frozen, you may need to add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time, keeping it covered for the first part of the bake to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Broil for Perfection: The best part of any lasagna is that golden-brown, crispy cheese topping! After baking, remove any foil and place the lasagna under the broiler for 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly.
Enjoying a delicious, healthy, homemade meal doesn’t get much easier than this, even on your busiest days!
As the weather turns colder, make this easy and delicious dinner to warm you up! Happy October, everyone!
Craving More Fall-Inspired Meals? Try These Cozy Recipes!
As the autumn season deepens, bringing with it a craving for warm and hearty dishes, be sure to explore more of our favorite fall-themed recipes designed to comfort and nourish:
Healthy Shepherd’s Pie (Stovetop/Instant Pot)| 21 Day Fix Shepherd’s Pie
21 Day Fix Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage, Spinach, and Feta
21 Day Fix Butternut Squash Soup {Instant Pot/Crock Pot/Stove Top}
21 Day Fix Instant Pot Beef Bolognese with Spaghetti Squash
21 Day Fix Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili (Stovetop/Instant Pot)
21 Day Fix Pumpkin Pasta with Spicy Sausage (Gluten Free | Instant Pot Option)
Simplify Your Weeknights with More One-Skillet Meal Ideas!
One-skillet meals are a busy cook’s best friend, offering minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. If you loved the convenience of this butternut squash lasagna, you’ll definitely want to add these other one-skillet wonders to your rotation:
21 Day Fix One Skillet Caprese Chicken
21 Day Fix One Skillet Burrito Bowl
21 Day Fix Lazy Zucchini Enchilada Skillet
Italian Chicken Skillet {21 Day Fix}
Healthy Sausage, Bean, and Kale Skillet [Gluten-free | 21 Day Fix | Weight Watchers] | 21 Day Fix Sausage, Bean, and Kale Skillet
Cheesy Zucchini Taco Skillet {21 Day Fix}
Quick Turkey Taco Skillet {21 Day Fix}
Searching for More Healthy Lasagna Recipes? We’ve Got You Covered!
If you’re like us and can never get enough of delicious lasagna, especially healthy and creative twists, then you’re in the right place! Explore these other fantastic 21 Day Fix-friendly lasagna recipes, ranging from noodle-less options to comforting soups, each designed to fit your healthy lifestyle:
Low Carb Lasagna Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Instant Pot Zucchini Lasagna [CrispLid | Ninja Foodi Options]
Healthy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup | 21 Day Fix Lasagna Soup [Gluten-free]
21 Day Fix Spinach and Sausage Lasagna Roll Ups
21 Day Fix Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
21 Day Fix Mexican Lasagna
21 Day Fix Lasagna Recipes
Lazy Butternut Squash Lasagna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 cups butternut squash sliced into half or quartered moons
- 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
- 1 lb grass fed ground sirloin would also be great with poultry sausage
- 1/2 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups homemade or no-sugar added jarred tomato or marinara sauce
- 1 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese plus more for topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh ground pepper
- Fresh basil
Instructions
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In a broil safe pan, warm olive oil over medium-low heat and then add butternut squash. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, cover, and cook squash 10-12 minutes or until fork tender, adding up to 1/4 cup of water to help steam it, if necessary. Be sure to stir frequently. (Alternatively, you could saute squash for a few minutes, then add 20 minutes of bake time at 350 after assembling the lasagna before broiling to cook it through).
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Remove squash from pan and put aside.
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Add beef to pan and cook through. Add onions, garlic and spinach; cook until soft. Stir 1/4 cup of sauce to beef mixture.
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Add butternut squash back to pan, and flatten beef and veggies down slightly. Top with sauce
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Mix one egg, and T of Parmesan cheese into ricotta and sprinkle with fresh ground pepper. Layer ricotta mixture on top sauce.
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Finally, top with mozzarella cheese.
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Place in your broiler on low for 5-10 minutes or until cheese gets nice and toasty brown. Keep an eye on it, as it happens fast!
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Top with extra basil, Parmesan cheese, and sauce if desired.
Notes
WW: 9 points (per serving) [Calculated using 95% lean ground beef, no sugar added marinara sauce, fat free ricotta cheese, and reduced fat mozzarella]
Nutrition
