Description
Homemade hamburger helper lasagna combines classic comfort with convenient cooking. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this dish a family favorite you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sauteing)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1.5 cups uncooked lasagna noodles (broken into smaller pieces)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- 0.5 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
- 0.5 cup cottage cheese (instead of ricotta)
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for extra cheesiness)
- 2 tbsps tomato paste (for richer tomato flavor)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare protein and aromatics by sautéing ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until meat is thoroughly browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Enhance flavor profile by incorporating minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Allow spices to bloom for 1-2 minutes, releasing their aromatic compounds.
- Create sauce foundation by introducing marinara and beef broth, stirring to integrate ingredients uniformly.
- Incorporate broken lasagna noodles directly into the skillet, ensuring complete coverage in liquid. Increase heat to initiate boiling, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent ingredient adhesion.
- Introduce cheese elements by folding in mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan. Continue cooking until cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Optional flavor amplification includes integrating red pepper flakes, tomato paste, cottage cheese, or cheddar during the final cooking stage for enhanced depth and complexity.
- Complete preparation by garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and texture.
Notes
- Trim fat from ground beef to reduce greasiness and create a leaner dish.
- Let noodles absorb liquid completely for rich, authentic lasagna texture without becoming mushy.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels and customize flavor intensity.
- Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg