Hamburger Helper Lasagna

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Are you craving a tasty, comforting meal but short on time? This homemade Hamburger Helper lasagna recipe is just what you need.

You can whip up this delicious dish in only 30 minutes, using simple ingredients you likely have in your kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying.

This recipe combines ground beef, Italian sausage, and pasta with a flavorful blend of spices and cheeses. The result is a hearty, one-pot meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite pasta shapes or extra veggies if you like.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this tasty homemade Hamburger Helper lasagna:

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

You’ll also need a large skillet and a wooden spoon for cooking. This recipe serves 6 and takes about 30 minutes to make from start to finish.

The prep time is just 5 minutes, and the cooking time is around 25 minutes. Each serving has about 377 calories.

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Stir often until the meat browns, about 5-7 minutes.

Drain extra fat from the pan. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pour in marinara sauce, milk, and chicken stock. Add the pasta and stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then. The pasta should be tender when done.

Sprinkle in cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and blends in. This takes about 1-2 minutes.

Serve your homemade Hamburger Helper lasagna hot. Top with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan if you like. Enjoy your quick and tasty meal!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily change up this Hamburger Helper lasagna recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some tasty options:

Meat swaps:

• Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meal
• Plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version

Pasta alternatives:

• Whole wheat pasta for added fiber
• Gluten-free pasta for those with sensitivities
• Zucchini noodles for a low-carb option

Cheese choices:

• Ricotta for a more traditional lasagna flavor
• Dairy-free cheese for a vegan twist

Sauce variations:

• Use alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamy version
• Add a can of diced tomatoes for extra texture

Spice it up:

• Toss in some red pepper flakes for heat
• Mix in chopped spinach or kale for added nutrients

Try these fun mix-ins:

• Sliced mushrooms
• Diced bell peppers
• Black olives

Remember, you can always double the recipe for leftovers or halve it for a smaller portion. Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Use a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven for this recipe. It helps prevent spills and allows room for stirring.

For extra flavor, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder to the meat mixture.

You can swap ground turkey for beef if you prefer a leaner option. Just add a tablespoon of olive oil when cooking to keep it moist.

Don’t overcook the pasta. Check it a minute or two before the suggested cooking time to ensure it’s al dente.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to keep the pasta from drying out. Warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.

For a make-ahead meal, prepare the recipe up to adding the pasta. Cool and refrigerate. When ready to eat, heat it up and add the pasta to cook.

Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.