Name: Quick Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin; 1 small yellow onion finely chopped; 1 pound lean ground beef (grass-fed 90/10); 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; ½ cup parmesan cheese grated; ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese; Optional garnishes: chopped fresh basil or chopped fresh Italian parsley

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 5 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, no-fuss dinner that hits all the right spots, I’ve got you covered with my fan-freaking-tastic Quick Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper Recipe. It’s everything you love about classic lasagna but with the ease and speed of a one-pot meal. Think tender mini lasagna noodles simmered right in a rich, savory sauce with ground beef and a blend of cheeses — all without the hours of layering and waiting. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so you nail it perfectly every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pot Convenience: This recipe cooks everything in a single skillet, cutting down on cleanup and making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Perfect Pasta Texture: Using mini lasagna-shaped noodles that cook right in the sauce ensures tender pasta without pre-boiling.
Balanced Flavors: Tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes give depth and a touch of heat, making every bite satisfying.
Cheesy Goodness Layered In: The trio of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan melted right in adds creaminess and authentic lasagna flavor without fuss.

Quick Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper, easy lasagna skillet dinner, one-pot lasagna recipe, quick ground beef dinner, cheesy lasagna pasta - 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

Each ingredient here plays a starring role in creating a hearty, saucy dish that’s easy to put together but feels like a warm hug on a plate. From the ground beef’s savory base to the fresh-touch herbs, I’ve found these choices give you the best balance of flavor and texture. Plus, I’ll share some tips to help you shop smart!

Quick Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper, easy lasagna skillet dinner, one-pot lasagna recipe, quick ground beef dinner, cheesy lasagna pasta - 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: Extra virgin is best for sauteing your onions and beef, adding subtle richness.
Yellow Onion: Provides sweetness and depth; finely chop so it blends seamlessly.
Lean Ground Beef: I love using 90/10 grass-fed for flavor and less grease.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasoning essentials that bring out the natural flavors.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Garlic: Fresh minced gives the best aroma, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that instantly makes the sauce taste homemade and cozy.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds subtle heat; adjust to your spice tolerance.
Crushed Tomatoes: I opt for organic for the freshest flavor without added sugars.
Beef Broth: Use low-sodium or regular—not condensed!—to control saltiness and aid pasta cooking.
Mini Lasagna-Shaped Pasta: Key to this recipe—ensure it’s not “no-boil” type, so it cooks perfectly in the sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded melts easily, adding that gooey factor we all crave.
Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and nutty, it gives depth to the cheesy layers.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and lightness; dollops scattered throughout make it extra special.
Fresh Basil or Italian Parsley (Optional): Adds brightness and freshness when sprinkled on top.

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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 making this Quick Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper Recipe my own depending on what I have in the fridge or the season. Don’t hesitate to play with veggies, cheeses, or even swap out the beef for a leaner protein or vegetarian alternative—there’s room to make it truly yours.

Meat Variation: I’ve swapped in Italian sausage or ground turkey when I’m looking for different flavors or lighter fare; both are fantastic after draining extra fat.
Vegetarian Version: When I’m skipping meat, sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach make the dish just as hearty and more veggie-packed.
Pasta Substitutes: Broken regular lasagna noodles or even bow tie pasta can work—just avoid “oven-ready” noodles that won’t absorb liquid well.
Cheese Alternatives: Cottage cheese can stand in for ricotta if that’s what you prefer—or grab fresh mozzarella for a different melt.
Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your heat tolerance; I personally like a little kick to wake up the flavors.

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

Step 1: Sauté Onions to Flavor Town

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in finely chopped yellow onions and cook, stirring occasionally until they’re soft and translucent—about 3 to 5 minutes. This step unlocks sweetness and forms the aromatic base of your sauce. Don’t rush it; those softened onions are key!

Step 2: Brown the Beef Perfectly

Add your lean ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon or spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Keep stirring gently until it’s nicely browned, about 3 to 5 minutes. You want it fully cooked but not dried out—little browned bits add flavor, so don’t skip this. Remember to drain any excess grease if it looks too oily.

Step 3: Spice Things Up with Seasoning

Sprinkle in kosher salt, black pepper, tomato paste, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let those spices bloom for about a minute. This step infuses the meat with rich, savory flavor and wakes up the sauce elements.

Step 4: Combine Tomatoes, Broth, and Pasta

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then stir in the uncooked mini lasagna-shaped pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil—this jumpstarts the pasta cooking right in the sauce. Make sure to stir really well so the noodles aren’t clumped together.

Step 5: Simmer and Stir

Reduce the heat to low, cover your skillet, and let it simmer gently for about 18 to 20 minutes. Every 5 minutes or so, give it a good stir to prevent the noodles from sticking and ensure even cooking. The sauce will thicken, and the pasta will absorb all that goodness.

Step 6: Add the Cheesy Layers

Stir in half of your shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese, then cook uncovered for another 1 to 2 minutes to let the cheese start melting into the sauce. Take the skillet off the heat and spoon dollops of ricotta cheese on top. Gently press those dollops down to swirl them through the saucy noodles. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan. Cover again and let it rest for 5 minutes until everything is gooey and melty.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Uncover and sprinkle on fresh chopped basil or parsley if you’re using it. It adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens every spoonful. Then dig in and enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Quick Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper Recipe

Don’t Rush the Sauté: Softening the onions fully before adding beef boosts flavor—be patient, your taste buds will thank you.
Use Low Heat to Simmer: Cooking the pasta gently in the sauce prevents mushiness and ensures perfect texture.
Stir Frequently: Every 5 minutes helps avoid pasta clumping or sticking to the bottom of the skillet—a small step that makes cleanup easier, too.
Cheese Timing Matters: Adding ricotta off the heat and allowing it to rest covered helps keep the cheese creamy without breaking down.

How to Serve Quick Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper Recipe

Quick Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper, easy lasagna skillet dinner, one-pot lasagna recipe, quick ground beef dinner, cheesy lasagna pasta - 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 chopped fresh basil or Italian parsley. It adds a herbaceous brightness that’s a perfect counterpoint to the rich, cheesy sauce. Sometimes, I even sprinkle a little extra parmesan for that salty finish. Trust me, it makes every serving look and taste just a bit more special.

Side Dishes

For sides, a crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely, and garlic bread or toasted baguette slices soak up leftover sauce perfectly. Roasted veggies like asparagus or a simple steamed green bean almondine can round out the meal beautifully without overcomplicating things.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or casual dinner parties, I love serving this in individual ramekins with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of good olive oil. It makes the meal feel fancy but stays totally approachable. Sometimes, I’ll even layer it in a casserole dish and bake with extra cheese on top for a bubbly golden finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the lasagna helper cools completely, I transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays delicious and safe to eat for up to 4 days—perfect for lunches or quick dinners. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even better than the first night.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe successfully by letting it cool fully, then portioning it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It lasts up to 2 months frozen. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheating is easiest in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth or water to re-moisten the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Microwave works in a pinch—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out. Stir occasionally for even heating and creamy texture.

FAQs

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

Nope! That’s one of the best parts about this Quick Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper Recipe — the uncooked mini lasagna noodles cook right in the sauce during the simmering step, absorbing all the delicious flavors and saving you a step.
Can I use other types of meat besides ground beef?

Absolutely! Italian sausage, ground pork, or ground turkey all work wonderfully. Just remember to drain any excess fat if the meat is on the fattier side to avoid a greasy dish. You can also go vegetarian by swapping the meat with hearty veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
What if I can’t find mini lasagna-shaped noodles?

It’s okay to substitute small pasta shapes like broken regular lasagna noodles, bow tie, or egg noodles. Just steer clear of “no-boil” or pre-cooked noodles, as they won’t absorb the sauce properly during cooking.
How do I avoid the pasta sticking during cooking?

Give the pot a good stir every 5 minutes or so while simmering. This simple step keeps the noodles from clumping or sticking to the bottom, and it helps the dish cook evenly.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it ahead and refrigerate before cooking, but for best texture, I recommend cooking it fresh. Leftovers store well refrigerated or frozen—just reheat gently.

Final Thoughts

This Quick Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper Recipe has become one of my go-to weeknight meals because it’s comforting, cheesy, and simple to make. I love how it captures the heartiness of classic lasagna without the fuss, and I know you’ll enjoy how it comes together effortlessly in one pan. Give it a try—you’ll feel like you just whipped up something special even on your busiest nights.