Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 ½ cups dry pasta (elbow, shells, or broken-up lasagna noodles)

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp sugar (optional—balances acidity)

• ½ cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional but “lasagna-like”)

• 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella

• Parmesan, for topping

Instructions

1. Brown the beef
   In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
   Drain excess grease.

2. Add onion & garlic
   Add the diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
   Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds.

3. Add liquids & pasta
   Add:

   • tomato sauce

   • diced tomatoes

   • beef broth

   • Italian seasoning

   • paprika

   • salt & pepper

   • sugar (if using)

   Stir in the uncooked pasta.

4. Simmer
   Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
   (If it gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth.)

5. Make it “lasagna”
   Stir in ricotta or cottage cheese until creamy.

6. Add cheese
   Sprinkle mozzarella over the top.
   Cover and cook 2–3 minutes until melted, or broil the top for a bubbly finish.

7. Serve
   Top with grated Parmesan and enjoy!

Optional Add-Ins

• A handful of spinach (stir in during the final 2 minutes)

• Red pepper flakes for heat

• Italian sausage instead of beef

• A spoonful of pesto at the end for extra flavor