Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This one-pan dish combines savory ground beef, onions, paprika, and Italian herbs with rich marinara and a touch of heavy cream. Simmered together with pasta and topped with melty mozzarella, it delivers comforting lasagna flavors in a fraction of the traditional time. No layering or baking pans needed—just a simple skillet and about half an hour. Add a finish of Parmesan for extra richness, then serve piping hot for a hearty family meal that captures all the essence of classic lasagna with minimal effort and clean-up.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Sat, 28 Jun 2025 19:32:06 GMT
A close up of a homemade lasagna hamburger helper. Save
A close up of a homemade lasagna hamburger helper. | lilicooks.com

This homemade lasagna hamburger helper brings all the rich flavors of classic Italian lasagna together in a single skillet for those busy nights when you need comfort fast. It is creamy cheesy hearty and satisfies even the pickiest eaters with a fraction of the effort compared to traditional lasagna.

When I first made this during a hectic school week my family devoured it and now it is our top request on chilly nights at home.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: for hearty protein and classic hamburger helper vibe Choose ninety three percent lean for best flavor without excess grease
  • Onion: chopped for sweet depth and aroma Look for firm onions with papery skin for freshness
  • Salt and pepper: to perfectly season the base Use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper for best results
  • Paprika and Italian seasoning: for smoky warmth and herby notes Choose a good quality Italian blend for big flavor
  • Red pepper flakes: for a gentle kick Adjust to your heat preference
  • Minced garlic: to sharpen and enliven the sauce Fresh cloves are best for pronounced flavor
  • Beef broth: as the liquid foundation Opt for low sodium so you can better control salt
  • Marinara: to bring tomato richness Use a jarred sauce you love or make your own
  • Heavy cream: for silky texture and subtle richness Go for real unwhipped cream
  • Short pasta: such as rotini fusilli or penne to capture the sauce Well shaped pasta holds more flavor
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: for melty gooey comfort Freshly shredded melts better than prepackaged
  • Parmesan cheese: on top for a salty tang Choose real parmesan and grate it yourself for best melt

Step by Step Instructions

Brown the Meat:
Begin by browning ground beef and chopped onion together over medium heat in a large skillet Stir occasionally and cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions turn translucent bringing out sweetness and flavor
Drain and Season:
Drain off any extra fat from the skillet This keeps the sauce from getting greasy Season the cooked meat evenly with salt pepper paprika Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes making sure the spices are well incorporated for maximum flavor
Add Liquid and Pasta:
Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant for about one minute Pour in beef broth marinara heavy cream and uncooked pasta Stir everything together ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid
Simmer Covered:
Reduce heat to medium low Cover the skillet with a lid and let the mixture simmer for ten to fifteen minutes Stir a couple times while simmering so the pasta cooks evenly and nothing sticks to the bottom The sauce should thicken as the pasta absorbs the flavors
Melt the Cheese:
Once pasta is tender sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top Cover again and let sit for a few minutes so the cheese melts into gooey perfection If using an oven safe skillet you can also broil it for one or two minutes until bubbly and golden
Finish and Serve:
Sprinkle the finished dish with freshly grated parmesan cheese Serve hot straight from the pan for best gooey stretchy texture
A close up of a homemade lasagna hamburger helper. Save
A close up of a homemade lasagna hamburger helper. | lilicooks.com

My favorite part is how the mozzarella forms a stretchy cheesy top My kids love seeing those cheese pulls and it has become our favorite reward after busy days

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to four days The pasta gets even better as it absorbs more sauce when sitting overnight Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen if needed

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version If you are out of heavy cream a splash of whole milk or half and half works too Gluten free pasta holds up well in this flavorful sauce for allergy friendly meals

A homemade lasagna with hamburger helper. Save
A homemade lasagna with hamburger helper. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple green salad or roasted veggies on the side for freshness Fresh garlic bread or a crusty baguette helps scoop up that cheesy sauce You can even garnish with extra herbs like basil or parsley for brightness

Cultural and Historical Context

Hamburger helper style meals became a mainstay in American households in the 1970s for their budget friendly approach and ease of preparation This homemade version brings Italian flair to a classic one skillet technique inspired by both convenience cooking and the beloved flavors of lasagna

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?

Absolutely, ground turkey works well and will result in a lighter flavor profile while keeping the same seasonings and method.

→ Which type of pasta should I use?

Short pasta shapes such as rotini, penne, or elbows hold up well, but most small varieties will work for this dish.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir the dish a couple of times during simmering and keep it partially covered to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

→ Can this meal be made ahead of time?

It can be prepared ahead and reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if it thickens.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, allow it to cool, then freeze in an airtight container. Thaw and reheat with extra broth if needed for best texture.

Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper

Tender ground beef, pasta, and cheese blend together for an easy family-style skillet dinner.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cooking Time
25 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: ~

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 lb ground beef
02 1 chopped onion
03 1/2 tsp salt
04 1/2 tsp black pepper
05 1 tsp paprika
06 1 tsp Italian seasoning
07 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
08 1 TBSP minced garlic
09 2 cups beef broth
10 2 cups marinara sauce
11 1/2 cup heavy cream
12 8 oz pasta
13 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
14 Parmesan cheese

Steps

Step 01

Brown the ground beef in a skillet with chopped onion over medium heat.

Step 02

Drain any extra grease once the beef is browned, and season with salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

Step 03

Stir in minced garlic, beef broth, marinara, heavy cream, and pasta.

Step 04

Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 05

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top and cover until melted, or place under the broiler if using an oven-safe skillet.

Step 06

Garnish with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Required Tools

  • Large skillet
  • Lid for skillet

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Dairy
  • Gluten

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 25 g