Hamburger Helper Lasagna (Homemade Recipe)

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Craving that hearty, cheesy lasagna flavor but not the pile of dishes or hours in the kitchen? Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna combines all the rich, saucy goodness of a classic lasagna, but with a fraction of the effort. This skillet recipe brings comfort food to your table in about half an hour using simple ingredients found in most kitchens. If you miss those boxes from childhood, you’ll love this fresh, flavorful upgrade.

Why Make Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna?

Creating this skillet lasagna at home puts you in charge of the ingredients, flavor, and nutrition. You skip all the hard-to-pronounce additives and enjoy the satisfying mix of pasta, beef, tomato, and cheese with none of the shortcuts. One pan means fewer dishes, so cleanup is just as easy as prep.

Ingredients for One-Skillet Lasagna

Gather these staples for a balanced, crave-worthy meal:

• Ground beef: Lean or regular. Browning brings flavor, just remember to drain extra fat.
• Italian sausage: Adds depth and a touch of spice. If skipping, simply use more beef.
• Sweet onion: Delivers richness without overwhelming. Yellow onion works too.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives boldness—add an extra clove if you love strong garlic notes.
• Italian seasoning: For classic lasagna herbs. Combine basil, oregano, and thyme if you prefer homemade.
• Salt and black pepper: Adjust to taste.
• Marinara sauce: Store-bought or homemade, as long as it’s rich and full-bodied.
• Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, but 2% or non-dairy milks make good substitutes.
• Chicken stock: Keeps the pasta tender and flavorful. Vegetable or beef broth also work.
• Short-cut pasta: Campanelle and mafalda are ideal for their ruffled edges, but rotini or fusilli make good alternatives.
• Mozzarella and cheddar cheese: Blend for melty, creamy layers.
• Parmesan cheese: For topping; grated fresh is best.
• Flat-leaf parsley or basil: Fresh herbs enhance color and bring a pop of flavor.

Ingredient Measurements Table

Step-by-Step Instructions

You can get this one-pan lasagna on the table in under 30 minutes. Here’s how:

1. Brown the Meats

Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking both apart as they cook. Stir occasionally until meat turns brown and no pink remains. Drain off the fat.

2. Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Seasonings

Add diced onion to the pan. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly translucent. Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning. Keep everything moving so the garlic doesn’t burn. Sprinkle salt and pepper to your preference.

3. Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the marinara sauce, milk, and chicken stock. Stir thoroughly to combine and lift up any cooked bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the dry pasta and stir again.

4. Simmer Until Pasta Is Tender

Raise heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce to a low simmer, then cover with a lid. Check the pasta after 10 minutes; stir once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking. The sauce will thicken and the pasta should cook through, usually in 10-12 minutes.

5. Melt in the Cheese

Once the pasta is tender, lower the heat. Sprinkle in the mozzarella and cheddar, stirring until fully melted. The mixture should be thick and gooey.

6. Garnish and Serve

Spoon everything into bowls and scatter fresh parsley or basil on top. Sprinkle with parmesan just before serving.

Tips for Best Results

To get the most out of your skillet lasagna, keep these ideas in mind:

• Meat options: Ground turkey or chicken offer lighter alternatives. Even crumbled tofu can work for a vegetarian version.
• Layer in veggies: Fold chopped spinach, kale, or bell peppers in before adding the cheese for extra color and nutrition.
• Spice it up: Like heat? Toss in red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne, or a swirl of chili oil as the sauce simmers.
• Use block cheese: Shred mozzarella and cheddar yourself for better texture and easier melting.
• Broil for a crust: If you love browned cheese, transfer the skillet (if oven-safe) to a broiler for two minutes just before garnishing.
• Pick the right pasta: Choose shapes that hold sauce; skip long noodles which clump and break.

Serving Suggestions

Hamburger Helper Lasagna pairs perfectly with sides that balance its richness. Here are a few no-fuss ideas:

• Garlic bread: Crisp, buttery, and great for scooping up extra sauce.
• Simple green beans: Sauté with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
• Mixed salad: Leaves dressed with vinaigrette bring freshness to each bite.
• Steamed broccoli or zucchini: For a lighter touch.

(Vary your sides based on time and available ingredients—this dish welcomes simple, seasonal pairings.)

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Leftovers

This skillet lasagna is just as good (if not better) the next day. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• To store: Cool to room temperature. Place in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days.
• To freeze: Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers. Label and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• To reheat: For best texture, use the oven. Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, reheat individual servings in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure even heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble through step 4, let it cool, then refrigerate. When ready to eat, gently reheat, add cheese, and serve.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Swap short-cut pasta for your favorite gluten-free brand. Be sure to check all other ingredients for hidden gluten.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—a large Dutch oven or extra-wide skillet works. Double all ingredients as listed, and adjust simmering time as needed for the amount of pasta you’re cooking.

Why This Recipe Works

Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna draws its appeal from nostalgia and practicality. Using a single skillet and basic ingredients, you get robust flavor and hearty texture very quickly. The interplay of ground meat, herbs, tomato sauce, and gooey cheese creates the essence of lasagna in an easy weeknight supper.

Personal touches—picking your cheese, layering in fresh herbs, swapping in seasonal veggies—keep the recipe adaptable to every cook and craving.

Hamburger Helper Lasagna is a weeknight hero: warm, meaty, saucy, and comforting. Its flexibility means it’s easy to adjust for every taste or dietary preference, while the one-skillet method keeps prep and cleanup almost effortless. Whether you’re feeding kids or indulging your own comfort food cravings, this recipe delivers lasagna flavor in a fraction of the time.

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Hamburger Helper Lasagna (Homemade Recipe)

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4.7 from 1 votes

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Course: Recipes / Cuisine:

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cooking Time 25 minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 377 cal

This Hamburger Helper lasagna is quick and easy. It tastes just as good as the boxed stuff. It’s ready in as little as 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• Fresh parsley and grated parmesan for serving
• 1 cup milk
• 8 ounces short cut pasta (I used Campanelle)
• 1/2 lb ground sweet Italian sausage
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 2 cups chicken stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 small sweet onion, diced

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Break up the meat mixture with a wooden spoon. Stir occasionally. Continue cooking until the meat has browned.
2. Drain any excess fat from the meat. Add the onions to the skillet. Add the garlic to the skillet. Add the Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes. Stir frequently. Season with salt to taste. Season with pepper to taste.
3. Add the marinara, milk, chicken stock, and pasta to the skillet. Wait for the mixture to start boiling. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Simmer on low for approximately 10 minutes. Continue simmering until the pasta has fully cooked.
4. Stir in the cheddar cheese. Stir in the mozzarella cheese. Serve with fresh parsley. Add grated parmesan if desired. Enjoy!