One-Pot Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper

Craving the classic Hamburger Helper Lasagna from the box? This homemade copycat recipe brings back that rich, cheesy, saucy flavor you know and love, but with simple ingredients you can feel good about. It all comes together in one pot, making it an easy, comforting weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup. Once you try this homemade version, you may never go back to the box.

Prep: 10 min

Cook: 25 min

Total: 35 min

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 tbsp minced garlic

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1½ tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp kosher salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 cups marinara sauce

• 2½ cups beef broth

• ¼ cup milk

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• 8 oz mafalda or other short pasta

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• 2–3 tbsp ricotta (optional)

• Fresh parsley/basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the beef as it cooks, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease if needed.

   
   

2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently so the garlic doesn't burn.

   
   

3. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes, if using. Stir and cook for 30 seconds over medium heat.

   
   

4. Pour in the marinara sauce, beef broth, milk and heavy cream. Increase the heat to medium-high and stir until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.

   
   

5. Stir in the pasta. Once the mixture returns to a boil, reduce the heat to low. You want a gentle simmer, not a rapid boil.

   
   

6. Cover the pot with a lid to prevent the sauce from splattering. Simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Cook until the pasta is tender. If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is finished, stir in a small splash of beef broth or milk.

   
   

7. Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy. If using ricotta, gently fold it in.

   
   

8. Remove the pot from the heat immediately once the cheese is melted. Serve right away so the pasta doesn't continue cooking.

   
   

9. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan, if desired.

Tip: For the closest texture to boxed Hamburger Helper, don't overcook the pasta. You want it tender but still slightly firm, with plenty of creamy sauce coating everything.