Lasagna Hamburger Helper is the cozy weeknight dinner we all crave! Cheesy, saucy, and oh-so comforting! Instead of spending hours layering noodles, sauce, and cheese, this one-pan recipe gives you all those classic flavors in about 30 minutes.
Forget the box, this homemade version is fresher, heartier, and guaranteed to be a new family favorite!
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What makes this recipe irresistible
There's a reason Hamburger Helper has stood the test of time. It's quick, easy, and hits the spot. But the box just doesn't compare to my homemade version!
You'll love that it's made with real ingredients, packed with cheesy lasagna flavor, and cooks entirely in one skillet (hello, fewer dishes!). Using a jar of marinara keeps it simple, while the melty mozzarella and creamy ricotta turn this into a dish that feels indulgent without the effort.
This recipe was tested three times until we got it just right! It's rich, saucy, and packed with that classic lasagna flavor in every bite. Each round brought us closer to the best balance of cheesy comfort and weeknight simplicity. Trust me, this one's a keeper!
Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card below for the exact measurements for this recipe.
Copycat Lasagna Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 24 ounce jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups malfalda pasta (mini lasagna noodle pasta) You can substitute any small pasta like elbow macaroni, rotini, or mini farfalle.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Next, add marinara sauce and beef broth. Season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Add pasta, stir well, then cover and reduce heat to medium low. Cook 12-15 minutes, stirring often to make sure the noodles don't stick. Cook until the pasta is al dente/tender.
- Stir in ricotta cheese until creamy and finish by sprinkling with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover and let sit 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts or place under the broiler to melt and brown the cheese.
- Allow to stand, loosely covered for 10 minutes prior to eating. Garnish with parsley or basil and enjoy!
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Nutrition
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
You can cook it ahead, but it's best served fresh. If you do reheat, drizzle in some broth and cover while warming so the pasta doesn't dry out.
Toss in some sliced zucchini, or mushrooms to the skillet when you cook the ground beef and/or add baby spinach, along with the pasta-they'll cook right in the sauce. It would be delicious!
Deb's top tips
Keep an eye on the pasta while it cooks; if it starts soaking up too much liquid, splash in a little more beef broth.
Related recipes
If you love this Copycat Lasagna Hamburger Helper, keep that skillet handy, because these easy dinner recipes are right up your alley! Try my Crunchy Taco Hamburger Helper for a cheesy, Tex-Mex twist packed with ground beef and bold flavor.
Or whip up a classic Homemade Hamburger Helper! A quick, from-scratch version of the boxed favorite that's creamy, hearty, and family-approved. And when you're craving something cozy and old-fashioned, the Shipwreck Skillet Recipe delivers a comforting mix of beef, potatoes, and veggies all cooked together in one pan.
Each recipe is simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to bring those comfort-food vibes straight to your table!
Serving suggestions
Serve up this Copycat Lasagna Hamburger Helper with a side of Garlic Bread for scooping up every last bit of that cheesy sauce, it's practically required! A crisp green salad or some Roasted Broccoli and Asparagus balances out the richness (you know, to make us feel like responsible adults, haha!).
And if you're really going for cozy vibes, finish the meal with a scoop of vanilla ice cream with Apple Tea Cake for dessert. Comfort food nights don't get much better than that!
Wrapping it up
This Copycat Lasagna Hamburger Helper is proof that comfort food doesn't have to be complicated. In just one skillet and about 30 minutes, you'll have a cheesy, hearty dinner on the table that tastes even better than the version in the box!
Give it a try this week and let me know! Did your crew clean their plates as quickly as we did? Leave a comment below or share your photos with me, I'd love to see your lasagna skillet suppers in action!
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