Name: Easy Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin; 1 small yellow onion finely chopped; 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 grass-fed recommended); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 cloves garlic minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder); 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 28 ounce crushed tomatoes (organic preferred); 2 ½ cups beef broth (not condensed); 12 ounces uncooked mini lasagna-shaped pasta (avoid no-boil or oven-ready); 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded (divided); ½ cup parmesan cheese grated (divided); ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese; Chopped fresh basil or chopped fresh Italian parsley

Jump to Recipe·5 from 44 reviews

If you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to wrestle with a whole lasagna pan, you’re going to love this Easy Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper Recipe. It’s like all the best parts of lasagna, but made in one skillet, quick and fuss-free. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to weeknight meals — it’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for cozy evenings.

🤎

Why This Recipe Works

One-pot Magic: Everything cooks in the same pan, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor melding.
No-Boil Noodle Shortcut: The dry mini lasagna noodles cook right in the sauce, soaking up all those juicy flavors perfectly.
Balanced Flavor Profile: Garlic, Italian seasoning, and a touch of red pepper flakes give just the right kick without overpowering.
Cheesy Goodness Layered In: Mixing mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan creates that classic creamy, melty lasagna texture.

Easy Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper, creamy lasagna skillet meal, quick lasagna dinner, cheesy hamburger casserole, one-pot lasagna recipe - A close-up of a wooden spoon lifting a serving of baked pasta from a white dish on a white marbled surface. The pasta dish has several layers: a base layer of twisty pasta in a rich red tomato sauce mixed with browned ground meat, topped with melted white cheese that stretches in thin strands from the lifted spoon to the pan below. The colors include the orange-yellow hue of the cooked pasta, dark red sauce with chunks of meat, and creamy white melted cheese covering the top layer deeply. In the blurry background, there is a blue cloth with pieces of bread on it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here is chosen to bring out authentic lasagna flavors with an easy twist. I always recommend fresh herbs and quality cheeses — they make a noticeable difference in this one-skillet wonder.

Easy Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper, creamy lasagna skillet meal, quick lasagna dinner, cheesy hamburger casserole, one-pot lasagna recipe - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with extra virgin olive oil, a whole small yellow onion with its papery skin partially peeled, a mound of fresh lean ground beef, a small white bowl with coarse kosher salt, another small white bowl with whole black peppercorns, a small white bowl holding thick red tomato paste, two whole cloves of fresh garlic, a small white bowl containing dried Italian seasoning blend, a small white bowl with red pepper flakes, a simple white ceramic bowl heaped with crushed ripe red tomatoes, a white ceramic bowl filled with rich beef broth, a neat pile of uncooked mini lasagna-shaped pasta pieces, a small white bowl with shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl with grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl holding creamy whole milk ricotta cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh green basil arranged carefully, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: A staple to get your onions soft and your beef browned evenly.
Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth; chop finely so it blends well with the sauce.
Lean ground beef: I go for 90/10 grass-fed for flavor and a bit of healthy fat without grease overload.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Simple seasoning that brings everything to life.
Tomato paste: Concentrates that rich tomato flavor — don’t skip it!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic hits so much better than powder, but powder works in a pinch.
Italian seasoning: Herbs like oregano and basil give you that classic Italian vibe without fuss.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch amps up the flavor; add more if you want a little heat.
Crushed tomatoes: Go organic or whatever you love — this forms the flavorful saucy base.
Beef broth: Keeps everything juicy and turns the noodles tender in the sauce.
Mini lasagna-shaped pasta: The secret to speedy cooking but still getting that lasagna bite — avoid “no-boil” or “oven-ready” noodles for best results.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives you that stringy, gooey texture everyone loves.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty umami that brightens up the dish.
Ricotta cheese: Creamy dollops that make every bite extra rich and comforting.
Fresh basil or Italian parsley (optional): A fresh hit of herbiness to finish it off perfectly.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love keeping this recipe flexible. Sometimes I add more veggies for an extra health boost or swap in different cheeses just for fun — and honestly, it always turns out delicious. You can easily customize this to fit whatever you have on hand or dietary needs.

Meat alternatives: I’ve swapped the ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey when I wanted a change — just drain any extra grease so it doesn’t get oily.
Vegetarian option: Mushrooms and zucchini are great replacements if you’re skipping meat; it still feels hearty and satisfying.
Pasta swaps: When I couldn’t find mini lasagna noodles, I used broken regular lasagna pieces or even bow tie pasta — just watch cooking time.
Cheese variations: Cottage cheese works in place of ricotta if you prefer, and pre-shredded cheese is totally fine; just expect less ooey-gooey texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your finely chopped onion and stir occasionally for about 3 to 5 minutes, until it’s soft and translucent. This is where the magic starts — those sweet little bits will layer into the sauce beautifully.

Step 2: Brown the Beef Just Right

Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon or spatula, and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes. You want it nicely browned but not overcooked here — keep stirring to prevent any clumps. Season it well with kosher salt and black pepper as it cooks.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let that cook for a minute or so just to toast the garlic and bloom the spices — it really brings out the flavor. Then dump in your crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and the uncooked mini lasagna noodles. Bring the whole lot to a boil, then turn down the heat low, cover, and simmer gently.

Step 4: Patience Pays Off

Simmer for about 18 to 20 minutes until the noodles are tender. Stir it every 5 minutes or so to stop the noodles from sticking to the bottom. This step is key — patience here makes sure every noodle cooks evenly and the sauce thickens just right.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Stir in half the mozzarella and parmesan, cooking uncovered for another 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese starts to melt into that rich sauce. Remove the skillet from heat, then dollop ricotta cheese all over in spoonfuls. Gently press them into the sauce but don’t stir — you want those creamy pockets to stay somewhat intact for texture.

Step 6: Let It Melt and Garnish

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top, cover the skillet again, and let it sit off heat for 5 minutes. This step melts the cheese without overcooking. Finish with some chopped fresh basil or parsley if you like that fresh pop of green — I always do!

💡

Pro Tips for Making Easy Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper Recipe

Don’t Rush the Simmer: Stir the noodles regularly to keep them from sticking and watch for tenderness so they don’t get mushy.
Oil Your Skillet Well: Especially if using lean beef, a little extra olive oil helps prevent sticking and keeps flavors rounded.
Layer Your Cheeses Carefully: Add ricotta at the end so it remains creamy and distinct, not mixed completely into the sauce.
Avoid “No-Boil” Pasta: It disrupts timing and texture here since this recipe relies on noodles absorbing liquid while cooking in the sauce.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper Recipe

Easy Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper, creamy lasagna skillet meal, quick lasagna dinner, cheesy hamburger casserole, one-pot lasagna recipe - In the image, there is a white plate on a white marbled surface with pasta mixed with a thick red-brown meat sauce spread across it. On top of the pasta, there is a dollop of white cream with a small green basil leaf placed on it. Thin green basil strips and a sprinkle of shredded white cheese are scattered around the pasta on the plate. A silver fork rests on the edge of the plate. Behind this plate, a larger white bowl filled with more of the pasta dish sits on a light cloth, garnished with a whole basil leaf in the center. To the upper right, part of another white plate with the same pasta dish is visible. Small red cherry tomatoes are scattered at the bottom right corner on the white marbled surface, and a small shaker with red pepper flakes is placed to the left of the main plate. The scene is cozy and inviting, all set on the clean white marble background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top mine with freshly chopped basil or Italian parsley because they brighten the rich flavors and add a lovely color contrast. Sometimes a drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes takes it to the next level if the mood strikes.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread to mop up every last bit of that saucy goodness. Roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts on the side work beautifully, too!

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served this in individual ramekins topped with fresh mozzarella slices and popped under the broiler for a quick golden crust. It’s a charming way to elevate this humble dish for guests without any extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just heat individual portions gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep it nice and saucy.

Freezing

This easy homemade lasagna hamburger helper freezes really well. Once cooled, I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove with a splash of broth, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave in intervals to avoid drying out the cheese and noodles. This keeps that creamy texture intact.

FAQs

Do I need to pre-cook the lasagna noodles for this recipe?

Nope! One of the best parts of this Easy Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper Recipe is that the dry mini lasagna noodles cook right in the sauce. They soak up all that delicious liquid and flavor while simmering, so no pre-boiling is needed.
Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Absolutely. While I usually use lean ground beef, you can swap in Italian sausage, ground turkey, ground pork, or even a mix. Just make sure to drain any excess fat if it’s a fattier meat to keep the dish from getting greasy.
What if I can’t find mini lasagna noodles?

No worries! You can use regular lasagna noodles broken into smaller pieces, bow tie pasta, or even egg noodles. Just adjust cooking time and avoid “no-boil” or “oven-ready” noodles, which don’t work well in this skillet method.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the meat with hearty veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or a mix. This still results in a flavorful, satisfying dish with the classic cheesy lasagna experience.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper Recipe is one of those meals I always come back to when I want something cozy but don’t want to fuss with layers of noodles or oven baking. It cuts down on time and dishes but keeps all that satisfying, cheesy, tomatoey goodness I crave. Give it a go — I promise it’ll become a fast favorite in your house, just like it did in mine!