Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper

This skillet lasagna captures all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna without the long wait or multiple pans. It is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something cheesy and satisfying but do not have hours to spend in the kitchen. By combining ground beef, marinara, pasta, and melted cheese all in one pan, this dish delivers that classic Italian taste quickly and easily.

I first made this when I needed a quick dinner after a hectic day and it quickly became a family favorite that everyone asks for again and again

Ingredients

• One pound of ground beef: preferably 80/20 for flavor and texture without too much grease
• One medium onion: chopped for sweetness and depth
• Half a teaspoon of salt: to enhance the flavors
• Half a teaspoon of black pepper: for a mild heat
• One teaspoon of paprika: adds warm smoky notes
• One teaspoon of Italian seasoning: gives authentic herb flavor
• Quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes: adds a gentle kick
• One tablespoon of freshly minced garlic: for aromatic depth
• Two cups of beef broth: which provides a savory base and helps cook the pasta
• Two cups of quality marinara sauce: is essential for that classic tomato flavor
• Half a cup of heavy cream: creates a rich and creamy texture reminiscent of lasagna filling
• Eight ounces of pasta: such as penne or rigatoni which hold the sauce well
• One to two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese: for melty gooey goodness
• Grated Parmesan cheese: to finish with an authentic Italian touch

Step by Step Instructions

Brown the Beef and Onion:

In a large skillet over medium heat cook the ground beef and chopped onion together breaking up the meat as it cooks until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft and translucent. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish creamy and not oily

Season the Meat:

Add the salt black pepper paprika Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to the browned beef. Stir thoroughly so the spices evenly coat the meat. Let cook for about one minute to bloom the spices and deepen their flavors

Add Garlic and Liquids:

Stir in the minced garlic cooking for about thirty seconds until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth marinara sauce and heavy cream. The mixture should be soupy as the pasta will absorb the liquid during cooking

Add Pasta:

Add the uncooked pasta directly to the skillet stirring to combine well. Make sure all the pasta is submerged in the sauce adding a little more broth if needed

Simmer Covered:

Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed

Melt Cheese:

Remove the skillet from heat and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts. For a bubbly golden top you can broil it for 1 to 2 minutes if your skillet is oven-safe

Finish and Serve:

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the melted mozzarella. Let the dish rest a few minutes for the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld before serving hot and gooey

One of my favorite memories is making this with my kids who love helping sprinkle the cheese and watching it melt

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight making the dish even tastier the next day. Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of marinara or broth to keep it creamy. Reheat the whole pan gently on the stove covered to prevent drying out

Ingredient Substitutions

Italian sausage can replace half the ground beef for a more complex flavor. Vegetables like diced zucchini or bell peppers can be added with the onions for extra nutrition. To make it vegetarian skip the meat and add extra vegetables plus ricotta cheese for protein. If heavy cream is not available use milk but add it gradually to avoid curdling

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside garlic bread to soak up extra sauce and a simple Caesar salad to balance richness. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and an authentic Italian touch. This skillet meal works great for casual family dinners or quick weeknight gatherings

Cultural Context

This dish is a deconstructed take on classic Italian lasagna adapted for busy American families who want comfort food fast. It reflects a modern approach where convenience meets traditional flavors without sacrificing taste or texture

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Pro Tips

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ What type of pasta works best?

Penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal since they hold sauce well and cook evenly in the skillet. Avoid long pastas like spaghetti.

→ Can I omit heavy cream?

You can substitute milk but heavy cream adds richness and a lasagna-like texture. Add milk gradually to avoid curdling.

→ How to tell when pasta is done?

Pasta should be tender to the fork and most liquid absorbed. If still firm, add broth and cook a few minutes longer.

→ Can ricotta cheese be added?

Yes, stirring in ½ cup ricotta with mozzarella creates an even more authentic lasagna flavor and creaminess.

→ How to store and reheat leftovers?

Store refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth to restore moisture.