Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper that combines the flavors of lasagna with the convenience of a one-pot meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 10 oz (280 g) pasta (cavatappi, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion, cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add uncooked pasta directly into the sauce. Stir and cover. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in ricotta and half the mozzarella until creamy and melted.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover until cheese melts — or broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden bubbly top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, serve hot straight from the skillet, and enjoy that lasagna-meets-pasta comfort!
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg