Hamburger Helper Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 3 oz tomato paste
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 2 cups milk
- 2 1/2 cups dry uncooked mafalda pasta
or broken up lasagna pasta pieces
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese
shredded off block, not pre shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan
Monterey jack, or mozzarella cheese, shredded off block, not pre shredded
- salt and pepper to taste
see recipe notes below on salt
Directions
- 1
In a deep skillet: sauté ground beef (1/2 lb.) on medium high heat until browned. Drain grease if necessary.
- 2
To the same pan, still on medium high heat: pour in the chicken stock (2 cups), tomato paste (3 oz. or half of a small can), onion powder (1 tsp.), garlic powder (1/2 tsp.), dried oregano (1 tsp.), dried basil (1 tsp.) sugar (1/2 tsp.), and salt (1/2 tsp.-see note on salt) and pinch of pepper to taste.
- 3
Stir broth, tomato paste and seasonings until well blended and increase heat to high for 5 minutes until the liquid has reduced by almost half.
- 4
Reduce heat to low, and temporarily remove the pan from the burner to stop the simmer. Add the dry, uncooked Mafalda pasta (2 1/2 cups), give a slight stir, followed by 2 cups milk. Do not overcook it, and do not use higher than medium low heat, as this can curdle the milk.
- 5
Once the milk has been added, give a quick stir and return the skillet to the burner.
- 6
Simmer, covered, on low heat about 6-7 minutes for al dente, or according to pasta package time. (See note on pasta cooking time.)
- 7
When the pasta is done, remove lid and skillet from heat. Stir in shredded cheese (1/2 cup total- a blend of cheddar and Parmesan, mozzarella or Monterey jack) until melted.
- 8
Serve immediately, and enjoy.
Hamburger Helper Lasagna
Similar Recipes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/232850-cheese-and-hamburger-macaroni-ddmfs-3X4-0399-0ba17818fec7486996ce7f4e228132b5.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RS0225DINN_skillet-ravioli-lasagna166-0e28a128c1ba4c41baf9055b04861c66.jpg)
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Craving that comforting, cheesy skillet pasta from your childhood? This homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna recipe brings back all those nostalgic flavors, made from scratch in one convenient skillet.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines by combining hearty ground beef with mafalda pasta and a rich, creamy tomato cheese sauce, all cooked together in a single pan. It's designed to deliver the familiar taste of the boxed classic, but with the fresh quality and control of a homemade meal. The blend of aromatic spices and two types of cheese creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile.
What to Expect
You'll be rewarded with tender mafalda pasta, savory ground beef, and a luxuriously smooth tomato cheese sauce that clings to every bite. The dish features a delightful melty finish from a combination of sharp cheddar and your choice of Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella cheese. It's a wholesome, hearty meal that feels both familiar and deeply satisfying, perfect for a no-fuss dinner any night of the week.
Customization & Variations
- If mafalda pasta is hard to find, broken-up lasagna pasta pieces make an excellent substitute.
- While ground beef is traditional, you can explore other ground meats like ground turkey, or even a plant-based crumble for a vegetarian option.
- Don't have a specific cheese on hand? Feel free to experiment with your favorite blend of cheddar, Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella to suit your taste. Just remember to use cheese shredded off the block for the best melt and texture.
- Adjust the salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind the inherent saltiness of your chicken stock.
Serving & Context
This robust, comforting dish is ideal for busy weeknights or a relaxed family dinner. Serve it hot directly from the skillet, perhaps alongside a simple green salad to round out the meal.