This One Pot Hamburger Helper Lasagna recipe is the ultimate comfort food that brings convenience and flavor to your dinner table.
It’s a perfect dish for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anytime you crave a hearty, home-cooked meal.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.
Enjoy the ease of one pot cooking and savor the deliciousness of lasagna without the fuss!
Benefits of One Pot Cooking
One pot meals are the epitome of convenience.
They save you time, reduce the number of dirty dishes, and often concentrate flavors in a way that’s hard to beat.
Plus, they’re perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without the hassle.
Serving Suggestions for Hamburger Helper Lasagna
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
With Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Green Salad: Pair with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for added nutrition.
With a Side of Olives: A small bowl of mixed olives complements the Italian flavors of the dish.
Topped with Fresh Herbs: Add extra fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of fresh flavor.
With a Glass of Red Wine: Pair with a glass of your favorite red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot.
Sprinkle of Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to enjoy with the cheesy sauce.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad can be a nice, cooling contrast to the rich lasagna.
With Antipasto: Serve with a small antipasto platter of cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables.
These serving suggestions will enhance your Hamburger Helper Lasagna and create a well-rounded, delicious meal. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best Hamburger Helper Lasagna:
Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella melt better and have more flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the noodles and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning.
Noodle Substitutes: You can use other pasta shapes like penne or rotini if you don’t have lasagna noodles on hand.
Extra Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after the noodles are cooked, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken. If it’s too thick, add a bit more beef broth.
Cheese Layer: For an extra cheesy experience, you can add half of the mozzarella cheese in the middle of the cooking process, stirring it into the noodles, and then top with the remaining cheese.
Slow Cooker Option: This recipe can be adapted for the slow cooker. Cook the beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet, then transfer to the slow cooker with the sauces and seasonings.
Cook on low for 4-5 hours, adding the noodles in the last hour and stirring in the cheeses just before serving.
Enjoy making and savoring this delicious and comforting One Pot Hamburger Helper Lasagna!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point before adding the final cheese layer. Store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to eat, reheat and add the cheese until melted.
What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses can add unique flavors to your lasagna.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
Hamburger Helper Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and break the lasagna noodles into pieces.
- Cook the Beef:Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Onion and Garlic:Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Sauces and Seasoning:Stir in the marinara sauce, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Add Lasagna Noodles:Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer:Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Add Cheeses:Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the ricotta cheese until well combined. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top. Cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
| Tips for Perfect One Pot Hamburger Helper Lasagna |
| Choosing the Right Pasta |
| While lasagna noodles are traditional, you can also use other pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed. |
| Adjusting the Seasonings |
| Taste as you go! Adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your preferences. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. |
| Adding Extra Vegetables |
| Feel free to sneak in extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots. They’ll add flavor and nutrition without overpowering the dish. |