Hamburger Helper Lasagna

Craving the ultimate comfort food but short on time? This homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna is your new weeknight hero – all the cozy Italian flavors you love in one skillet and ready in just 30 minutes!

This isn’t your standard box mix. We’re talking perfectly al dente pasta swimming in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, and two kinds of melty cheese that create those irresistible cheese pulls with every bite. The best part? You’ll only have one pan to wash!

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 TBSP minced garlic

Seasonings:

• 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Sauce & Pasta:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz pasta (rotini or penne work best)

For Topping:

• 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste

Steps

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent. Look for browning on the bottom of the pan – this adds flavor!
2. Carefully drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor. Add seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes) and minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent garlic from burning.
3. Pour in beef broth, marinara sauce, and heavy cream. Add pasta and stir well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer (small bubbles around the edges), then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking. Pasta should be just tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Once pasta is al dente, sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let stand 2-3 minutes until cheese melts. For a golden brown top, place under broiler for 1-2 minutes if using an oven-safe skillet (watch carefully to prevent burning).
5. Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Let stand 3-5 minutes before serving – this allows the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency.

Smart Swaps

• Use whole grain pasta for extra fiber
• Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option
• Try lactose-free cream and cheese if needed

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Use Palmini noodles (hearts of palm pasta) to reduce carbs by 30g per serving
• Replace heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk + 1 TBSP cream cheese
• Add extra vegetables like diced zucchini or bell peppers for bulk without carbs

Pro Tips

• Don’t skip browning the meat – it adds crucial flavor
• Stir gently to avoid breaking the pasta
• Let it rest before serving to achieve the perfect sauce consistency