This Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper is one of my favorite recipes! I LOVE the taste of traditional lasagna so the fact that I can make this in less than 30 minutes and still get the same effect is exactly why it is in my weekly dinner rotation! Not to mention, my whole family raves about this recipe and we rarely have leftovers when I make it. It’s simply that good.
Ingredient list
- Elbow pasta
- Ground beef– I recommend using lean ground beef so you will have less grease to drain after cooking it.
- Pasta sauce– Marinara sauce may also be used for a more zesty flavor!
- Yellow onion
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt & black pepper
- Shredded mozzarella cheese– freshly shredded taste the best! You may also use parmesan cheese as a substitute.
- Cottage cheese or Ricotta cheese- You may use either based on your taste preferences.
Why you’ll Love this homemade hamburger helper lasagna
This recipe is perfect if you are on the hunt for an easy weeknight dinner idea. This is a cheap and easy stovetop meal that requires minimal dish washing (yes please) and it can be made in less than 30 minutes! And like most homemade meals, it taste much better than the boxed version. All you have to do is gather the listed ingredients and follow the recipe card below to prepare this easy meal that the whole family will love!
How to make homemade lasagna hamburger helper
Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the pasta per package instructions until al dente. Drain off the excess water and set aside (add a drop of two of olive oil and stir to prevent noodles from sticking)
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook until no pink is visible within the meat then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds. Drain off any excess fat. Season the meat with Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Add pasta sauce or marinara sauce, cooked pasta, cottage cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until well combined. Serve & enjoy!
Variations
- Customize it to fit your taste- Add extra veggies like bell pepper, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor. You can also mix in different cheeses or spices to create your own unique twist!
- Add Italian sausage- Use a 50/50 mixture of ground beef and Italian sausage to give it an extra kick!
- Make it creamy- Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to give this recipe an extra creamy texture!
- Spice it up- Add in some red pepper flakes if spicy is your thing!
What sides should I serve with this dish?
- Since this is meant to be a quick and easy meal, some basic sides that will pair well and are easy to make are a simple side salad, and garlic bread.
- My Southern Style Green Beans are also one of my favorite sides to serve with this meal when I have the extra time to prepare them.
How do I store leftovers?
- This is one of those recipes that taste even better the next day! Allowing it to rest over night ensures that all the flavors soak into the pasta making it delish!
- Allow leftover lasagna helper to cool to room temperature then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days!
- You can reheat this is a microwave or on the stove top over low heat! Be sure to stir the food occasionally when reheating to ensure it all heats up evenly.
Why is my leftover pasta dry?
- Pasta soaks up the sauce when it sits overnight which adds to the flavor but can dry it out some.
- If you like saucy meals then add in some extra sauce when you prepare the dish. This will help prevent the leftovers from being as dry.
Have more questions? Drop a comment below!
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out a few more:
Italian Parmesan Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow pasta cooked and drained
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 24- ounce jar pasta sauce
- ½ yellow onion diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups cottage cheese
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the pasta per package instructions. Drain and set aside (add a drop of two of olive oil and stir to prevent noodles from sticking)
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook until no pink is visible within the meat then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds. Drain off any excess grease. Season the meat with Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Add pasta sauce, cooked pasta, cottage cheese and mozzarella cheese. Stir until well combined. Serve & enjoy!
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