– **Title**: Easy Hamburger Helper Lasagna
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
– 1 package (7.25 oz) Hamburger Helper Lasagna pasta
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and the Hamburger Helper Lasagna pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the mixture is thickened.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese until well combined.
6. Once the pasta is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the ricotta mixture until evenly distributed.
7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, cover, and let sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy your Easy Hamburger Helper Lasagna!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for its balance of flavor and fat. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well. For a meatless version, try lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Pasta: While I prefer farfalle or rotini because they hold the sauce nicely, any short pasta like penne or fusilli would do the job. If you’re gluten-free, there are many gluten-free pasta options available in stores!
Marinara Sauce: Jarred marinara saves time, but homemade is great if you have extra time. If you want a little kick, try spicy marinara. For a lighter version, substitute with crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce flavored with herbs.
Cheeses: I love the creaminess of ricotta, but cottage cheese can be a healthier alternative. For the mozzarella, I use part-skim for less fat, but full-fat gives that wonderful stretch. If you’re out of Parmesan, grated pecorino or nutritional yeast can boost flavor too.
How to Ensure Perfectly Cooked Pasta in This Dish?
Cooking the pasta perfectly is key to a great lasagna. You want it tender but not mushy, soaking up all the flavors. Follow these tips:
- Cook the pasta right in the sauce so it absorbs the flavors. This is a one-pot meal!
- Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat, making sure the pasta cooks evenly.
- Keep an eye on it! Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat right when it’s al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking in the oven.
How to Make Easy Hamburger Helper Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as farfalle or rotini)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 35-45 minutes total to cook and bake. You’ll spend a bit of time browning the meat and simmering everything together before it goes into the oven to melt the cheese. It’s simple and so satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula. Keep cooking until it’s browned, then drain any excess fat. This helps keep your lasagna from getting greasy!
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent. This will make your kitchen smell amazing!
3. Adding the Pasta and Sauces:
Now it’s time to stir in the uncooked pasta, beef broth, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil, which will make everything super flavorful. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll want the pasta to be tender and the liquid mostly absorbed.
4. Mixing in the Ricotta:
Once the pasta is cooked, take it off the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese gently. Mix it until it’s evenly distributed throughout the pasta. This gives your dish a creamy texture!
5. Baking the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the dish for baking. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish, making sure it’s spread out evenly. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Yum!
6. Final Baking Touch:
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until all the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s all golden and gooey—just how a good lasagna should be!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Finally, garnish your creation with some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it up and enjoy your deliciously easy Hamburger Helper Lasagna!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure the meat is fully cooked before proceeding with the recipe.
What Type of Pasta Can I Use?
You can use almost any short pasta, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli. If you prefer whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, those work too, but you may need to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta’s package instructions.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. If it seems dry, you can add a splash of beef broth or marinara sauce to help it stay moist.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your lasagna. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic in the beginning to ensure they’re cooked properly before adding the other ingredients.
