Print

Hamburger Helper Lasagna Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Hamburger Helper Lasagna combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan in one comforting skillet meal. It delivers classic lasagna-inspired flavor without the layering or lengthy baking time.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef
  • Mafalda pasta or another short pasta
  • Yellow onion
  • Garlic
  • Tomato sauce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Tomato paste
  • Beef broth
  • Italian seasoning
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley or basil, optional

Instructions

  1. Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion.
  2. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked and the onion is tender, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Carefully drain excess grease if necessary.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth and stir to combine.
  6. Add the uncooked pasta directly to the skillet, making sure most of it is covered by the liquid.
  7. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Cook according to the pasta package timing, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a little additional broth if needed before the pasta becomes tender.
  8. Once the pasta is tender, remove the lid and simmer briefly if needed to thicken the sauce.
  9. Spoon small amounts of ricotta over the pasta. Gently stir some into the sauce while leaving a few creamy pockets throughout the skillet.
  10. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover and cook over low heat for a few minutes until the cheese has melted.
  11. Let the Hamburger Helper Lasagna rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

  • Mafalda pasta works especially well because its ruffled shape resembles traditional lasagna noodles.
  • Rotini, penne, bow ties, or broken lasagna noodles can be substituted for mafalda.
  • For an extra-cheesy version, increase the mozzarella and Parmesan or add shredded provolone.
  • For a creamier sauce, stir in additional ricotta or a small amount of cream cheese.
  • Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini can be added for extra vegetables.
  • For additional heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
  • Ground turkey can replace the ground beef. Cook ground turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Ricotta can be omitted or replaced with cottage cheese if desired.
  • Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has become too thick.

Nutrition