Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna – If you’re, in the mood for the comforting flavors of lasagna but need a fast and convenient dinner option look no further! Our recipe for Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna combines the cheesy goodness of lasagna with the ease of a one-pan meal. In 30 minutes you’ll have a mouthwatering dinner ready to enjoy. Say goodbye to store-bought versions. Let’s dive into making this family-friendly favorite.
I still remember the first time I prepared this Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna for my family. It was one of those busy evenings when I needed something satisfying in no time. Soon as the enticing aroma of the simmering sauce filled our kitchen, my husband and child hurried over curious about what was cooking. The sight of that creamy cheese-covered pasta bubbling away made their mouths water instantly. One bite sealed their love for it. Since then it has become a favorite at our dinner table.
What makes this Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna truly delightful?
This Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna is a delight, for weeknights – quick, satisfying and requires minimal cleanup with its one-pan wonder magic in just 30 minutes. You can add your touch to the taste by selecting your type of block cheese such, as cheddar, Parmesan, mozzarella or Monterey Jack. Moreover its consistency and delightful cheesiness make it a favorite, among both children and adults blending the indulgent and satisfying flavors of lasagna with the ease of a home-cooked dish.
What You Need To Make This Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna Recipe?
Ground Beef: When selecting your ground beef you have the option to choose a variety, for an alternative or opt for higher fat content if you desire an extra burst of flavor. Either way, you can expect the delightful essence of beef to shine through in each and every bite.
Chicken Stock: The addition of chicken stock brings richness to the dish enhancing its flavor profile. If you happen to have homemade stock available it adds a touch of goodness. However store-bought stock works well making this recipe convenient and adaptable.
Tomato Paste: This concentrated tomato goodness imparts a tangy kick to the sauce. There’s no need to worry about using a can if you’re not preparing a batch; any leftover paste can be saved for your next culinary exploration.
Spices: The combination of onion powder, powder, dried oregano and dried basil infuses the sauce with those Italian flavors we all know and love. Feel free to adjust the quantities according to your personal taste preferences. These seasonings are like the ingredients that make this recipe truly special.
Milk: Milk plays a role in achieving that indulgent texture in the sauce. You have the freedom to choose between milk for added richness or opting for an option if you prefer a healthier twist. Remember, it’s, about achieving that velvety consistency.
Pasta: When it comes to making pasta the choice of pasta is really important. You can use Mafalda. Break up lasagna pieces to get a texture, to traditional lasagna sheets. However you can also get creative. Try pasta shapes. Just make sure to keep an eye on the cooking time so that you achieve that al dente texture.
Cheese: For this recipe, it’s best to shred your cheese. This will give you a gooey and melt, in your mouth experience. Cheddar cheese adds a sharpness while Parmesan, mozzarella or Monterey Jack each brings their flavors. Feel free to mix and match these cheeses to create your masterpiece of flavors.
Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget about salt and pepper! They may seem like ingredients. They play a crucial role in enhancing all the other flavors in your dish. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Remember that a little goes a long way. Start with a pinch and taste as you go along.
Steps To Make Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna:
Step 1: In a frying pan cook the ground beef, over high heat until it turns brown. If needed drain any fat.
Step 2: To the pan over high heat add the chicken broth, tomato paste, onion powder, garlic powder dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt and a pinch of pepper. Mix them well until they blend together. Then increase the heat to high. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid reduces by about half.
Step 3: Lower the heat to low and temporarily remove the pan from the stove to stop the simmering process. Add the Mafalda pasta into the pan and give it a gentle stir. After that pour in the milk. It’s important to avoid using higher heat to prevent curdling of the milk.
Step 4: Once you’ve added in the milk quickly stir everything together. Return the frying pan back onto the stove.
Step 5: Cover it with a lid. Let it simmer on heat for around 6 to 7 minutes, for pasta that is cooked al dente or follow the cooking time instructions mentioned on your pasta package.
Step 6: When your pasta is cooked to your desired texture take off both the lid and frying pan from heat. Stir in cheese until it melts completely and becomes creamy.
Step 7: Serve immediately while savoring every bit of its goodness!
Tip:
To enhance the taste of your Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna you can start by sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic in a skillet before adding the ground beef. Begin by heating a drizzle of olive oil or a knob of butter, over medium heat. Once the oil is hot. The butter has melted, add around half of a chopped onion and a few cloves of minced garlic to the pan. Cook them until the onions become translucent and give off an aroma, which usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. This action adds an aromatic chasm to the sauce bringing a layer of savoriness to your dish. Your family and guests will surely appreciate this touch as it elevates the dish from good, to gourmet!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While it’s typically recommended to use Mafalda or lasagna pasta for the lasagna experience feel free to experiment with pasta shapes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed when freshly made. You can prepare some of the components ahead of time to save time. Just be careful when reheating as the pasta might end up overcooked.
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken or even a vegetarian meat alternative according to your preferences.
Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna
Ingredients
- ½ pound ground beef
- 2 c chicken stock
- 3 ounces tomato paste
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp sugar
- 2 c milk
- 2 ½ c dry uncooked Mafalda pasta or broken-up lasagna pasta pieces
- ¼ c cheddar cheese shredded off the block
- ¼ c Parmesan Monterey jack, or mozzarella cheese, shredded off the block
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet, over high heat until it turns brown. If there’s grease remember to drain it.
- Using the skillet add chicken stock tomato paste, onion powder, garlic powder oregano, basil, sugar and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a stir. Let it come to a simmer.
- Lower the heat. Put in the pasta. Pour in the milk as well. Stir everything together. Let it simmer gently on low heat for about 6 to 7 minutes or until the pasta is cooked to your liking.
- Once done remove from heat. Stir in the shredded cheeses until they melt into a creamy texture.
- Serve away. Savor your delicious Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna!
Notes
