Description
Creamy hamburger helper lasagna delivers a quick, comforting meal that combines pasta, ground beef, and cheese in one skillet. Home cooks appreciate this simple dish that brings convenience and flavor to weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound ground beef
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 2 cups uncooked mafalda pasta
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings, Sauces, and Cheese:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 ounces) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, ensuring no pink remains visible.
- Remove excess grease from the skillet, leaving a thin layer for sautéing aromatics.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes, then sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, creating a robust and flavorful base.
- Introduce uncooked pasta directly into the simmering sauce, ensuring each piece is submerged.
- Cover the skillet and reduce heat, letting the pasta cook for approximately 12-14 minutes until tender and fully absorbed.
- Gradually fold in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Optional: Enhance the dish’s richness by swirling in a dollop of ricotta cheese.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to personal preference.
- Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a vibrant, aromatic touch.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative for a lighter protein option.
- Customize spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning to suit personal taste preferences.
- Consider adding extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for increased nutrition and depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 413 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg