Broken Lasagna – Panlasang Pinoy

This Broken Lasagna brings together everything you love about classic lasagna in one easy pan. It is creamy, meaty, cheesy, and filled with comforting flavors that make every bite satisfying.

Lasagna has always been one of those dishes that make any meal feel special. But when you want the same delicious flavor without the layering and baking, broken lasagna is the answer. The noodles cook right in the sauce, soaking up all that savory flavor while the cheese melts into a creamy, velvety mix. For the classic version, try my Homemade Lasagna Recipe.

What is Broken Lasagna

Broken Lasagna is a more relaxed, one-pan version of traditional lasagna. Instead of layering noodles, meat, and cheese, the pasta is broken into pieces and cooked directly in a tomato and beef sauce. It still captures that same rich, comforting flavor with less time and effort.

I love how easy this dish is to make on a weeknight. The noodles absorb the sauce beautifully, and the melted cheese ties everything together.

Ingredients for Broken Lasagna

• Lasagna – broken into pieces
• Ground beef – gives the sauce a meaty and savory base
• Whole tomatoes – bring brightness and acidity
• Tomato paste – deepens the tomato flavor and adds color
• Ricotta cheese – gives a smooth and creamy texture
• Mozzarella cheese – provides stretch and gooeyness
• Parmesan cheese – adds a nutty, salty flavor
• Sharp cheddar cheese – boosts richness and depth
• Fresh basil – adds aroma and freshness
• Yellow onion – adds natural sweetness
• Garlic – enhances the flavor of the sauce
• Beef broth – forms the savory base for the sauce
• Ground black pepper – balances the flavor
• Olive oil – used for sautéing

1. Sear and set the base
   Heat olive oil in a wide pan. Arrange the whole tomatoes around the edges and place the ground beef in the center. Cook the beef until it starts to brown.
2. Add aromatics
   Add onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion softens and releases a pleasant aroma.
3. Crush and combine
   Remove the tomato skins with tongs. Mash the tomatoes right in the pan and mix them with the beef until well combined.
4. Simmer the sauce
   Add tomato paste and pour in the beef broth. Stir and let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens and the flavors blend together.
5. Cook the noodles
   Add the broken lasagna pieces into the sauce. Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking and cook until the pasta is al dente.
6. Season and brighten
   Add ground black pepper and fresh basil. Stir well and taste before adjusting seasoning to your preference.
7. Make it creamy
   Lower the heat and stir in ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and sharp cheddar. Mix gently until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce turns creamy and smooth.
8. Serve
   Transfer the broken lasagna to a serving bowl. Garnish with more basil and serve it warm.

Best Ways to Enjoy Broken Lasagna

This dish is perfect for cozy weeknights or family dinners when you want something filling and satisfying. It pairs beautifully with bread or salad and makes any evening feel special.

If you love creamy pasta, try my Million Dollar Spaghetti for another comforting meal idea.

How This Broken Lasagna Stands Out

What makes this version special is how the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, soaking up every bit of flavor. The mix of four cheeses adds a perfect balance of creaminess and richness. It’s simple, hearty, and guaranteed to impress without the extra work.

• Replace ground beef with Italian sausage for a bolder flavor.
• Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
• Use parsley instead of basil for a lighter herbal taste.
• Try cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a leaner option.
• Add chili flakes for a gentle spicy touch.

Storage and Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
• Reheat in a saucepan or microwave with a small splash of broth or water to keep it creamy.
• Avoid freezing since the cheese and pasta can lose their texture after thawing.

What to Have with It

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can. Just drain some of the liquid so the sauce stays thick. The flavor remains delicious, and you save a bit of prep time too.

Which cheeses are the most important?
Ricotta and mozzarella make the sauce creamy and stretchy, while parmesan adds depth and cheddar gives it a rich finish. You can adjust the ratios depending on how cheesy you like it.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can cook the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, just cook the pasta and mix in the cheese for that freshly made taste.

Can I use other meats?
Yes, ground pork or a mix of beef and sausage also works well. Each gives the sauce a different character and flavor depth.

Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Spinach and mushrooms fit right in with this dish. They add color, freshness, and extra nutrients.

Broken Lasagna brings the joy of classic lasagna to your table in a simpler way. It’s creamy, flavorful, and comforting, with every bite filled with the perfect mix of cheese, sauce, and pasta. This recipe has become one of my family’s go-to favorites, and I hope it becomes one of yours too. Cook it, share it, and enjoy the smiles around your table.

Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag us on Instagram at @panlasangpinoy or hashtag #panlasangpinoy so we can see your creations!

Broken Lasagna

Broken lasagna cooked in a rich tomato and beef sauce, finished with ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and sharp cheddar, and topped with fresh basil.

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Cook: 40 minutes minutes

Total: 50 minutes minutes

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large pan. Arrange the whole tomatoes around the pan.

  3 tablespoons olive oil, 5 pieces tomatoes

• Add the ground beef in the center and sauté gently without disturbing the tomatoes until the beef browns.

  1 lb ground beef, 5 pieces tomatoes

• Add the garlic and onion. Sauté for about 2 minutes.

  3 cloves garlic, 1 medium yellow onion

• Peel off the tomato skins, mash the tomatoes, and stir well with the beef mixture.

  5 pieces tomatoes

• Add tomato paste and pour in beef broth. Stir and simmer for 20 minutes.

  3 tablespoons tomato paste, 4 cups beef broth

• Add the broken lasagna pieces. Stir occasionally and cook until al dente according to package directions.

  8 ounces lasagna

• Season with ground black pepper and mix in the chopped fresh basil.

  1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 8 pieces fresh basil

• Stir in ricotta, sharp cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella. Gently mix until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy.

  1/2 cup ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup sharp cheddar, 6 tablespoons parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup mozzarella

• Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve warm with garlic bread.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 837kcal (42%) Carbohydrates: 50g (17%) Protein: 45g (90%) Fat: 50g (77%) Saturated Fat: 20g (100%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g Monounsaturated Fat: 22g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 132mg (44%) Sodium: 1439mg (60%) Potassium: 810mg (23%) Fiber: 3g (12%) Sugar: 5g (6%) Vitamin A: 780IU (16%) Vitamin C: 6mg (7%) Calcium: 425mg (43%) Iron: 4mg (22%)

© copyright: Vanjo Merano