Description
This hearty Hamburger Helper Lasagna combines ground beef, pasta, and rich marinara sauce in a one-pot dish that’s quick to prepare and full of classic Italian flavors. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s effortless to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Sauce and Liquids
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup milk
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz mafalda pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the beef: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Add seasonings: Stir in dried minced onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated with the meat.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in marinara sauce, beef broth, and milk. Add the uncooked pasta and stir well, scraping the bottom to deglaze.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add cheese: Mix in the shredded mozzarella cheese and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring until fully melted and combined.
- Serve: Dish out immediately while warm, garnished if desired, for a comforting, cheesy lasagna-style meal.
Notes
- You can substitute other short pasta varieties such as penne or rigatoni based on availability.
- For a creamier texture, add an extra ¼ cup of milk or a splash of heavy cream during the final step.
- Ensure pasta is fully cooked and liquid is absorbed for the best consistency.
- Can be garnished with fresh basil or extra shredded cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
