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Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper

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This recipe for homemade lasagna hamburger helper has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. It’s a comforting, one-pot meal that packs all the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna—hearty ground beef, savory marinara sauce, and tender pasta—but with a fraction of the effort.

Unlike the box mix version from the store, this homemade recipe offers fresher ingredients and richer flavors and allows for more customization, whether you want to sneak in extra veggies or use a different type of cheese. It’s a family-friendly easy weeknight dinner and far more satisfying than anything pre-packaged!

homemade lasagna hambuger helper in a skillet
  • GROUND BEEF
  • ONION
  • SALT AND BLACK PEPPER
  • PAPRIKA
  • ITALIAN SEASONING
  • RED PEPPER FLAKES (OPTIONAL)
  • GARLIC
  • BEEF BROTH
  • MARINARA SAUCE
  • HEAVY CREAM
  • ZITI PASTA
  • MOZZARELLA CHEESE
  • PARMESAN CHEESE

This homemade lasagna hamburger helper starts off just like the boxed version, with a pound of ground beef. However, you brown it in a skillet on the stove top along with 1/2 of an onion diced plus salt and pepper. Once you have brown beef and the onion is tender, drain off any excess grease. Now, you mix in some Italian seasoning and paprika. If you like, you can also add in some red pepper flakes. However, I leave that out for my family. Then, add some garlic and give it a minute to get fragrant.

Once those spices are mixed in, it’s time to add in some beef broth, marinara sauce, heavy cream, and uncooked pasta. This pasta is going to cook right in the pan just like the boxed hamburger helper. Just bring it all to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cover. Then give it about 10-15 minutes to cook while covered until the pasta is tender. You’ll want to give it an occasional stir just to help all the pasta cook evenly.

recipe for a Homemade version of Lasagna Hamburger Helper

Now is where the cheese comes in! Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella over the whole thing and all the cheese to melt. If you have an oven-safe skillet, you can even place it under the broiler if you want that cheese brown and bubbly. I set some grated parmesan cheese on the table to serve it with. Or you can always add a garnish of parsley.

Since there are only 3 of us at home, I was able to enjoy leftovers for lunch the next few days. So glad to have this recipe now and that I am able to share it with all of you.

scoop and cheese pull of Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper from a skillet

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the pasta with any pasta shape you prefer. Rotini, penne, shells, or even mafalda pasta work well for absorbing the sauce and cheese. The key is to use pasta that holds the sauce well.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta, and make sure your broth and any other ingredients you use, such as marinara sauce, are also gluten-free. This will make the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, adding vegetables is a great way to boost nutrition. You can incorporate vegetables like spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Simply sauté them with the beef or stir them in while the dish simmers.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a little extra broth or sauce to maintain its creamy texture.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

homemade lasagna hambuger helper in a skillet

Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper

Real Mom Kitchen

This homemade lasagna hamburger helper recipe is a quick and flavorful one-pot meal, perfect for busy weeknights. It combines ground beef, pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce for a dish that's much more flavorful than store-bought options. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a comforting and delicious alternative to boxed meals that your family will love.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 24 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Course Beef
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 488 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ onion diced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 Tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp of red pepper flakes optional I don’t use this
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz uncooked pasta I used ziti
  • 1-2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • Parmesan cheese or parsley for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, brown your ground beef along with the onion over medium heat.
  • Drain off any excess grease and season the meat with salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Add in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add in the beef broth, marinara, heavy cream, and uncooked pasta and stir until combined. Bring to a simmer, then deduce heat and cover. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring ocassionally, until the pasta is tender.
  • Sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese and allow to sit let it sit covered until melted. Or if using an oven safe skillet, place under the broiler until melted and golden.
  • Serve with Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on for serving. Serves 6.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 488kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 1056mg | Potassium: 637mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 885IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 156mg | Iron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

This recipe is adapted from Cooking in the Midwest.

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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