Name: One-Pot 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 (90/10, grass-fed); 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 ounces 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 shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (divided); ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese; Chopped fresh basil or chopped fresh Italian parsley

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 5 reviews

Alright, friend, if you’re looking for a dinner that feels just like a warm hug without all the fuss, you’re going to love this One-Pot Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper Recipe. It’s my go-to when I want that cheesy, comforting lasagna vibe but don’t want to deal with layers and endless dishes. Trust me, this dish is fan-freaking-tastic, and once you try it, it might just become your weeknight hero too!

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pot Convenience: Cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in a single skillet.
Perfect Pasta Texture: The noodles cook right in the sauce, soaking up all those rich flavors for tender, tasty bites.
Balanced Flavor Profile: With the right blend of spices, beef, and cheese, it nails that classic lasagna taste without the fuss.
Customizable Ingredients: Easy to switch up proteins, pasta, or cheeses to suit what you have on hand or dietary needs.

One-Pot Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper, easy cheesy lasagna dinner, quick weeknight lasagna, beginner-friendly lasagna recipe, comforting pasta skillet - 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 key role in delivering that hearty, cozy lasagna feel you crave. Choosing good quality ground beef and a robust crushed tomato make a serious flavor difference, plus the cheeses bring that irresistibly creamy finish.

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness while helping soften the onions perfectly.
Yellow onion: Offers sweet undertones that build a flavorful base once sautéed.
Lean ground beef: I recommend 90/10 for a juicy but not greasy finish.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every layer of flavor without overpowering.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor making the sauce deeper and more luscious.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brightens the dish wonderfully, but powder works in a pinch.
Italian seasoning: The blend of herbs adds that quintessential lasagna aroma.
Red pepper flakes: A little kick wakes up the palate—adjust to your heat preference.
Crushed tomatoes: I like organic for purity and flavor; this forms the rich sauce base.
Beef broth: Provides savory depth and the necessary liquid for noodles to cook.
Mini lasagna-shaped pasta: The shape holds sauce beautifully; avoid no-boil or oven-ready types for this stovetop recipe.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts gooey and stretchy for that classic lasagna feel.
Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty complexity that balances creamy cheeses perfectly.
Ricotta cheese: Provides luscious creaminess in dollops—makes bites extra indulgent.
Fresh basil or Italian parsley (optional): Brightens with a fresh herbal note 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.

Make It Your Way

I love how versatile this One-Pot Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper Recipe is—it invites you to make it your own. Whether you’re swapping meats or adding vegetables, it adapts beautifully without losing that comforting essence.

Meat swaps: I’ve tried both Italian sausage and ground turkey; sausage adds a spicier punch, and turkey keeps it lighter but still tasty.
Vegetarian version: Using mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach in place of beef is a favorite when I’m craving something green-packed yet hearty.
Cheese variations: Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if that’s what you have on hand—it works surprisingly well.
Pasta alternatives: When mini lasagna noodles are out, I break regular lasagna noodles into pieces or use bow tie noodles with excellent results.

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

Step 1: Sautéing the Base Flavors

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3-5 minutes until they turn soft and translucent. This step wakes up the sweetness in the onions which is crucial for that layered lasagna taste. Avoid browning or burning them here—you want gentle caramelization only.

Step 2: Browning the Beef Just Right

Next, add a pound of lean ground beef. Break it apart with your spoon or spatula and let it brown evenly, about 3-5 minutes. This is where your kitchen starts smelling amazing! Make sure the beef is cooked through but not overdone—some pink left can dry out the final dish.

Step 3: Building the Sauce

Stir in the kosher salt, black pepper, tomato paste, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let those ingredients mingle and cook for about a minute to unlock their flavors before adding the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. This layering technique really gives the sauce that homemade depth everyone craves.

Step 4: Noodle Time

Once your sauce is ready, it’s time for the star: mini lasagna-shaped pasta. Toss it in, stir well, and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover your skillet, and let it simmer gently for 18-20 minutes. I like to lift the lid every 5 minutes or so and stir—this keeps the noodles from sticking and ensures even cooking.

Step 5: Cheese Magic

After the noodles are tender, stir in half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese—this makes the sauce extra cheesy and creamy. Let it cook uncovered for a minute or two, then remove the skillet from heat. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese onto the mixture, gently pressing them down so the cheese blends but keeps its dreamy texture. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses on top, cover again, and let everything melt together for about 5 minutes.

Step 6: The Finishing Touch

Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or Italian parsley on top to brighten the richness. Those little green flecks make this dish feel special and fresh—just like we want on a cozy night in.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Skip Stirring: Stirring every 5 minutes during simmering is a game changer to prevent sticky noodles and ensure even cooking.
Use Good-quality Broth: I’ve found that low-sodium beef broth keeps the flavor balanced without letting salt overpower the dish.
Cheese Timing Matters: Adding half the cheese before simmering and the rest after preserves that creamy, melty texture I love.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the noodle tenderness toward the end so they don’t turn mushy – still tender with a little bite is perfect!

How to Serve One-Pot Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I always reach for freshly chopped basil or Italian parsley—the brightness these herbs add really balances the heavy cheese and meat flavors. Sometimes, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top adds an irresistible finishing touch.

Side Dishes

I like to keep sides simple and fresh. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly, or some roasted broccoli with garlic adds that perfect charred contrast. Garlic bread is classic, but since the dish is already hearty, sometimes just a crusty baguette and butter do the trick.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this in individual mini cast iron skillets or small oven-safe ramekins (just cook slightly less pasta so it fits). Topping with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil right before serving makes it look rustic and inviting—perfect for a cozy dinner party vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your One-Pot Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper Recipe has cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s fantastic as next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully by letting it cool completely, then portioning out into freezer-safe containers. It freezes for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and you’ll have a ready-made dinner waiting for you.

Reheating

Reheating on the stove with a splash of beef broth or water helps keep it from drying out. Alternatively, the microwave works fine—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to warm evenly and maintain creamy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of mini lasagna pasta?

Yes! You can break regular lasagna noodles into smaller pieces (about 1½ to 2 inches) and use those instead. Just keep in mind that the cooking time should stay about the same, and stirring often helps prevent the broken noodles from sticking together.
Do I need to pre-cook the noodles?

Nope! That’s the beauty of this one-pot recipe. The dry noodles cook right in the sauce, absorbing all that flavor and soaking up liquid to become perfectly tender.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the ground beef for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a filling and flavorful vegetarian version. Just sauté the veggies until tender before adding the sauce and pasta.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

You can use garlic powder as a substitute—about 1 teaspoon does the trick. It won’t quite have that fresh punch, but it still enhances the dish nicely and works well in a pinch.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish a day ahead. Let it cool completely, refrigerate uncovered for about 20 minutes then cover, and reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of broth or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen—especially when time’s tight but I still want a dinner that feels thoughtful and satisfying. It’s cheesy, hearty, and comforting all in one skillet, and that convenience is pure magic. I can’t wait for you to try it; I’m sure it’ll bring a little extra warmth and smiles to your table just like it does to mine.