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Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna

This Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna combines ground beef, mafalda pasta, tomato sauce, and a blend of cheeses, all cooked in one skillet for a quick and comforting dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 3 ounces tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 1/2 cups dry mafalda pasta or broken lasagna pieces
  • 1/4 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Monterey Jack, or mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Ground Beef

  • In a deep skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary and return the beef to the skillet.

Prepare the Sauce Base

  • To the skillet, add chicken stock, tomato paste, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined, then increase the heat to high. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, reducing the liquid by nearly half to concentrate the flavors.

Incorporate the Pasta and Milk

  • Reduce the heat to low and temporarily remove the skillet from the burner. Add the dry mafalda pasta, followed by the milk, stirring gently to combine. Return the skillet to the burner, maintaining a low heat to prevent the milk from curdling.

Simmer the Pasta

  • Cover the skillet and simmer the mixture on low heat for 6–7 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and does not stick to the bottom of the skillet.

Add the Cheeses

  • Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese along with Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella, mixing until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is creamy.

Serve Immediately

  • Transfer the dish to plates or bowls and serve warm. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, showcasing the creamy texture and rich flavors.
Keyword Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna