Hamburger Helper Lasagna Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make meal that your whole family will love, this Hamburger Helper Lasagna is the perfect choice. Combining the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and tender pasta all in one pot, it’s a quick, satisfying dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s an ideal recipe for weeknights when time is short but taste still matters!

Ingredients for Hamburger Helper Lasagna

Before we jump into cooking, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this delicious meal. Each component brings something essential to the dish, ensuring that you end up with the rich, cheesy, and flavorful lasagna-inspired dinner you crave.

• 1 lb ground beef – The hearty base for your dish. Ground beef provides richness and a savory, meaty flavor.
• 1 tablespoon dried minced onion – Adds a quick, easy burst of onion flavor without the need to chop fresh onions.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Infuses the dish with a mild, savory garlic flavor that complements the beef and pasta.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper – Just enough pepper to balance the seasonings.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – A perfect mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that bring out the Italian-inspired flavors.
• 2 cups marinara sauce – Provides the rich, tomato-based sauce that ties everything together.
• 8 oz mafalda pasta (uncooked) – The mini lasagna-shaped noodles hold sauce well, but any short pasta will work.
• 2 ½ cups beef broth – Adds depth and ensures the pasta cooks to perfection.
• ½ cup milk – For creaminess and richness.
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded) – Melts beautifully into the dish for a cheesy, gooey finish.

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Hamburger Helper Lasagna

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps for preparing this comforting one-pot meal.

1. Browning the Ground Beef for Flavor

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it apart as you go. Brown the meat until fully cooked through and no pink remains. This will form the flavorful base of your lasagna dish. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

2. Seasoning the Beef and Adding Aromatics

Next, sprinkle in the 1 tablespoon dried minced onion, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir everything together so that the seasonings are well distributed. This step is key to layering flavors into the dish and ensuring every bite is packed with taste.

3. Incorporating Marinara Sauce for Richness

Once the beef is seasoned, pour in 2 cups of marinara sauce. This rich, tomato-based sauce brings the lasagna flavor to life and helps keep the pasta moist as it cooks. Stir the mixture well to coat the ground beef evenly.

4. Cooking the Pasta in Broth for Full Flavor

Now it’s time to add the uncooked 8 oz mafalda pasta, 2 ½ cups beef broth, and ½ cup milk to the pot. The pasta will cook directly in the broth, absorbing the flavors of the beef, sauce, and seasonings. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Most of the liquid will be absorbed as the pasta cooks to a tender, perfect texture.

5. The Perfect Cheese Finish

Once the pasta is fully cooked, stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Allow it to melt into the dish for about 30 seconds. The cheese adds a creamy, luscious finish that takes this dish over the top. Serve immediately while warm for the best results.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this Hamburger Helper Lasagna, you won’t need a ton of equipment—just a few essential items to keep things easy:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Grater (if shredding mozzarella by hand)

Tips for Making the Best Hamburger Helper Lasagna

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Pasta: Be sure to monitor the pasta as it simmers. Overcooking will cause it to become mushy. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
2. Not Deglazing the Pot: After browning the beef, scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot when adding the broth and marinara sauce. This adds extra flavor to your dish.
3. Skipping the Cheese: Don’t skip the final step of melting mozzarella! It’s what gives the dish that creamy, comforting lasagna feel.

How to Adjust the Recipe for Different Pasta Types

If you can’t find mafalda pasta, don’t worry! You can use any short pasta such as rotini, penne, or shells. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the pasta is perfectly al dente.

Add More Veggies for a Healthier Version

To make this recipe a bit healthier, consider adding vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Simply sauté the vegetables along with the ground beef, and they’ll blend seamlessly into the dish.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serve your Hamburger Helper Lasagna in wide, shallow bowls for easy scooping. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra mozzarella for a pop of color and added flavor. Pair the dish with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.

For longer storage, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the lasagna in a freezer-safe container and make sure to leave some room at the top for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese? Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for lasagna, you could also use cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses for extra flavor.

How Can I Make this Recipe Dairy-Free? To make this dish dairy-free, simply substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk. You can also use a dairy-free cheese option or skip the cheese altogether.

Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead? Yes! You can prepare the dish and refrigerate it before adding the cheese. When ready to serve, reheat and stir in the cheese for a freshly melted finish.

Print