Copycat Lasagna Hamburger Helper
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This Copycat Lasagna Hamburger Helper takes the classic boxed version to the next level with fresh, flavorful ingredients and a rich, cheesy taste that you just can’t get from store-bought mixes. While it may require a little extra time to gather the ingredients, the effort is well worth it. The hearty, comforting flavors make this dish a standout meal.
One of the best parts? You still get the convenience of a one-skillet recipe, meaning fewer dishes to wash and an easy cleanup. The pasta absorbs all the delicious flavors as it cooks, creating a perfectly blended, creamy, and satisfying dish in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or looking for a delicious homemade meal, this recipe delivers big on taste without sacrificing ease!
Ingredients for copycat Lasagna Hamburger Helper
- GROUND BEEF
- DRIED MINCED ONION
- GARLIC POWDER
- SALT
- ITALIAN SEASONING
- MARINARA SAUCE
- MARINARA
- BOW TIE PASTA (OR MALFALDA PASTA)
- BEEF BROTH
- MILK
- MOZZARELLA CHEESE
Instructions for Copycat Lasagna Hamburger Helper
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
Season the Beef: Once the beef is cooked, reduce the heat to medium and sprinkle in the dried minced onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the meat, allowing the flavors to meld for about 1 minute.
Add Sauce and Liquids: Pour in the marinara sauce, followed by the uncooked mafalda pasta, beef broth, and milk. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. These add extra flavor!
Simmer the Mixture: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it gently simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking and to ensure even cooking. The pasta should be tender, and most of the liquid should be absorbed.
Add Cheese: When the pasta is fully cooked, sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Allow the cheese to melt for a minute or two to create a creamy and gooey texture.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to slightly thicken. Serve immediately while warm, garnishing with additional mozzarella or fresh basil if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! If you don’t have mafalda pasta, you can substitute it with broken lasagna noodles, rotini, or elbow macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan?
Stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet and ensures even cooking.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can bulk up the meal by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Sauté the vegetables with the ground beef before adding the seasonings.
Do I have to cook the pasta separately?
No, the pasta cooks directly in the skillet with the beef broth and marinara sauce, making this a convenient one-pot meal.
Can I add more cheese?
Yes! Feel free to add extra mozzarella or Parmesan cheese. You can also experiment with different cheeses like cheddar for a sharper flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Copycat Lasagna Hamburger Helper
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt to taste
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 oz bow tie pasta uncooked (or other pasta like mafalda)
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add in the dried minced onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir until evenly distributed.
- Next, add in the marinara sauce, uncooked mafalda pasta, beef broth, and milk. Stir to combine and loosen any brown bits off of the bottom of the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked (most of the liquid should be absorbed).
- Sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese and allow the dish to cook for another minute or two or until the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve immediately while warm. Serves 6.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Bake It With Love.
