Join the club! Subscribe Here

  • About
  • Collaborate
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Fresh Cooky new logo.

The Fresh Cooky

Real Food with a Healthy Twist

  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • By Course
      • Apps & Snacks
      • Breads
      • Drinks
      • Main Dishes
      • Salads & Dressings
      • Sandwiches
      • Sauces & Condiments
      • Side Dishes
      • Soups & Stews
      • Sweets
    • By Cuisine
      • Asian
      • German
      • Italian
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican
    • By Diet
      • Egg-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Low Carb
      • Vegetarian
    • By Meal Type
      • 30 Minute Meals
      • Breakfast
      • Brunch
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Easy Weeknight
      • Freezer Friendly
      • Kid-Friendly
      • Make Ahead
      • Copycat
    • By Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Crockpot
      • Grilled
      • Instant Pot
      • One Pot
      • Sheet Pan
      • Stovetop
  • Holidays
    • Patriotic Recipes
  • Most Popular
  • For Subscribers
Recipes โ€บ Courses โ€บ Main Dishes โ€บ Beef
10 Comments

Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna

Kathleen

by Kathleen Pope Mar 5, 2025

Jump to Recipe

A pan full of cheese topped meaty, tomato lasagna noodles is shown zoomed up close too, to pin.
A wooden spoon lifts up cheesy, meaty lasagna noodles from pan, to pin.
A fork dives into a pile of garnished lasagna mixture on plate, to pin.

This homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna is a quick, budget-friendly, one-pot dinner that’s ready with just 15 minutes of prep! Packed with real, wholesome ingredients, it’s a healthier twist on the classic comfort food—perfect for busy weeknights.

A serving of hamburger helper lasagna on a plate with a fork taking a bite.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure & privacy policy.

I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!

  • Lasagna Hamburger Helper Recipe Ingredients
  • How to Make Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper
  • Variations & Substitutions
  • Recommended Tools
  • Hamburger Helper Lasagna Recipe Tips
  • Serving Hamburger Helper Lasagna
  • How to Store Lasagna Hamburger Helper
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Easy Pasta Dinners
  • More Popular Recipes from The Fresh Cooky
  • Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper
Half of an iron pan full of melty cheese-covered lasagna mix highlights green herbs as garnish.

Did you grow up eating Hamburger Helper? I saw it at friends’ houses but my mom wasn’t a fan of boxed or canned foods. Instead I learned how to make similar meals from scratch—healthier, fresher and just as easy. That’s what this recipe is: a better-for-you, homemade version of Hamburger Helper Lasagna that’s full of flavor and weeknight friendly.

This recipe checks all the boxes for a quick, wholesome meal: creamy pasta, hearty beef and melty cheese all cooked in one pot with 15 minutes of prep. Plus it’s budget friendly using simple pantry ingredients you probably already have. But the best part? Even the pickiest eaters will clean their plates—this is that good!

If you need a dinner that’s comforting, delicious and stress free, this Hamburger Helper Lasagna is a must try. Ditch the box and give your family a meal they’ll love and you’ll feel good about serving!

Lasagna Hamburger Helper Recipe Ingredients

  • Oil: Use a quality olive oil to saute the onions and cook the ground beef.
  • Onion: Yellow onion enhances the natural flavor of the beef. Grate if you have picky eaters who spy out even the smallest piece of onion!
  • Ground beef: Grab a pound of ground beef. I used my go-to favorite – 90/10, lean grass-fed beef.
  • Tomato paste: Adds fresh, robust tomato flavor with tomato paste.
  • Garlic: Use fresh garlic, not garlic powder, for the best flavor.
  • Seasonings: Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and, of course, kosher salt and black pepper. 
  • Crushed tomatoes: I love the Pomi brand when a recipe calls for crushed tomatoes.
  • Beef Broth: Thin the sauce using beef broth. A quality beef broth, not condensed beef broth, goes a long way in this recipe.
  • Pasta: For the perfect texture, use uncooked mini lasagna-shaped pasta and avoid “no-boil” or “oven-ready” noodles. Mafalda pasta is perfect!
  • Cheese:Load the dish with classic Italian cheeses like shredded mozzarella, parmesan, and whole milk ricotta. For the best flavor and melt, always shred or grate your cheese from a block.

Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.

Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna labeled ingredients.
Try Amazon Fresh Today!

How to Make Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper

Step 1 | Saute onions and brown beef

Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet (a deep skillet works best) over medium-high heat. Cook the diced onions for about three to five minutes, stirring occasionally until soft and translucent. 

Next, cook beef for three to five minutes breaking it up until it is crumbled and browned. Sprinkle on the salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning, and pour the tomato paste over the ingredients, cooking for just a few minutes while mixing well.

Minced onion pieces cook in oil in an iron pan.
Saute onions until translucent.
Ground beef cooks in an iron pan with minced onion.
Brown the ground beef with onions.

Step 2 | Add tomatoes and cook noodles

Then, toss in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and noodles. Once the ingredients are brought to a boil, reduce the temperature to low heat and cover the pan. Gently simmer the dish for 18 to 20 minutes or until the pasta is tender– ideally al dente. Stir the recipe every few minutes to avoid sticking to the pan.

Reddish brown seasonings coat the center of the pan of ground beef mix.
Add seasonings to ground beef, stir, and cook for 1 minute.
Small noodles poke up from a pan full of crushed tomatoes and ground beef.
Stir in crushed tomato, beef broth, and mini lasagna noodles to beef mixture. Bring to a boil.

Step 3 | Add cheeses and finish

Now, sprinkle in half of the shredded parmesan and mozzarella cheese to cook uncovered for a couple of minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and spoon the ricotta cheese into the tomato sauce mix, pressing it gently into the mixture. 

Finally, add the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese and cover the dish to melt the cheese for about five minutes. Uncover the pan, garnish, serve, and enjoy your delicious dinner!

Unmelted white shredded cheese tops the lasagna noodle mixture in pan.
Stir in half the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Cook uncovered for 1-2 minutes.
Ricotta cheese is pressed into the beef, noodle and tomato mix with a wooden spoon.
Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese onto the sauce. Gently press each dollop into the sauce mixture.
Tomato sauce, noodles, and meat sit in iron pan.
Reduce heat to low, cover pan, and simmer gently for about 18-20 minutes until noodles are tender.

The fewer dishes, the better! Some of my favorite recipes are those that create a meal to serve the whole family but use only one pan.

Try more of my easy weeknight dinner recipes, like this popular Philly Cheesesteak Sliders, this French Onion Chicken Skillet Recipe, or One Pan Tuscan Chicken and this yummy Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole.

An iron pan is packed full of hamburger lasagna covered in cheeses with a sprig of greens in the center.
Uncover the pan and garnish with chopped basil or parsley if using.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Replace the fresh garlic with one heaping teaspoon of garlic powder.
  • Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage, ground pork, ground turkey, ground chicken, or a blend of your favorites – Don’t forget to drain the excess fat from the fattier meats!
  • Go vegetarian, adding more vegetables, like mushroom, zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, or a combination.
  • If you can’t find mini lasagna noodles, use regular ones broken into 1 ½ or 2-inch pieces, bow-tie pasta, or egg noodles.
  • Replace the crushed tomatoes with a store-bought marinara sauce. You may need to add additional liquid to the recipe.
  • Make your own Italian seasoning blend combine – basil, oregano, rosemary, marjoram, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
  • A traditional lasagna recipe uses ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, but you can use your preferred cheeses, like cheddar cheese or colby jack. Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta.
  • Beef broth may be substituted with chicken stock or chicken broth if desired. 
A wooden spoon holds up a pile of meaty, gooey cheese covered noodles above the pan.
Staub Everyday Pan Braiser with Glass lid.

Recommended Tools

  • I love my Staub extra deep skillet with lid for these meals!
Shop NOW

Hamburger Helper Lasagna Recipe Tips

  • Grate Fresh Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds richer flavor than pre-shredded.
  • Brown Beef Well: Fully brown the ground beef for deeper, savory flavor and if very greasy, drain the extra fat before proceeding with the recipe.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook pasta al dente to avoid a mushy dish, as it will cook more in the sauce.
  • Season as You Go: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking for balanced flavor.
  • Let It Rest: Let the dish sit a few minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
  • As the recipe cooks: remember to stir and occasionally scrap the bottom of the pan to ensure the ingredients are not sticking to the hot skillet.
  • Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses will work for this recipe, but they usually produce a less creamy texture and do not melt as quickly as freshly shredded cheese.
  • Onion: If you have picky eaters who refuse to eat onion, I suggest grating it instead of omitting it entirely. They won’t know the difference, and you can enjoy the lovely flavor onion adds to the ground beef.

Serving Hamburger Helper Lasagna

  • Cheese Bread Spread
  • Italian Chopped Salad
  • Romaine Wedge Salad

Our Favorite Sides

While this is easily a meal, serve it with a crisp Italian Chopped Salad, or these easy Romaine Wedge Salad or my stovetop french style green beans.

For Dessert

End this delicious meal on a sweeter note with light and crisp Italian Pizzelle Cookies,  silky and sweet Cream Puff Cake recipe, or this Tiramisu with custard and mascarpone – Yum!

A bowl of lasagna mix and two full plates of the meaty entree are on a table set with extra ingredients.

How to Store Lasagna Hamburger Helper

Refrigerate – Save leftover lasagna by storing it in an airtight container for up to four days. Remember first to allow it to cool to room temperature before storing.

How to Freeze – For longer storage, freeze this easy ground beef pasta recipe in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to two months. 

Reheating – Reheat the meal from frozen by allowing it to thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, microwave it or warm it in a skillet, slowly adding small amounts of water.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Nope – Add the uncooked pasta from the package and cook the whole thing in one pot.

Can you make hamburger helper lasagna ahead of time?

Easily make this tasty homemade hamburger helper recipe in advance, cool completely, then freeze or refrigerate in an airtight container to reheat later!

Is regular hamburger helper lasagna bad for you?

Your favorite childhood recipe, the boxed Hamburger Helper, is high in sodium and contains other additives to preserve the ingredients. This homemade recipe is a much healthier alternative and tastes better too!

A fork holds up a couple of lasagna noodles showing the hamburger meat and greens up close.

More Easy Pasta Dinners

  • One Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta
  • Gemelli Pasta Recipe
  • Penne alla Vodka with Sausage
  • Bow Tie pasta

More Popular Recipes from The Fresh Cooky

Sourdough Pancakes

Roast Beef Sliders

Homemade Sloppy Joes

A wooden spoon lifts up cheesy, meaty lasagna noodles from pan, to pin.

What did you think about Lasagna Hamburger Helper? Be sure to rate and comment below the recipe card and share your creation on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest?

Like this recipe?

Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and leave a comment below the recipe!

Recipe Card
A serving of hamburger helper lasagna on a plate with a fork taking a bite.

Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper

5 from 5 readers
Author: Kathleen Pope
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 -6 servings
Print Pin SaveSaved!
Enjoy a speedy, one-pot Hamburger Helper Lasagna recipe that's healthier and family-friendly! With just 15 minutes of prep, it's a fresh take on an American classic, ready in under an hour. 

Equipment

  • STAUB Everything Pan with Glass Lid
  • Olive Wooden Spoon set

Ingredients 
US Customary – Metric

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1 pound lean ground beef I used grass-fed 90/10
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 cloves garlic minced, may replace with 1 teaspoon garlic powder if needed
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or more if you like more heat
  • 28 ounce crushed tomatoes I like organic
  • 2 ½ cups beef broth not condensed beef broth (too salty)
  • 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
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
    1 small yellow onion
  • Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes.
    1 pound lean ground beef
  • Add salt, pepper, tomato paste, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for about one minute.
    1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Stir in crushed tomato, beef broth, and mini lasagna noodles. Bring to a boil.
    28 ounce crushed tomatoes, 2 ½ cups beef broth, 12 ounces uncooked mini lasagna-shaped pasta
  • Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for about 18-20 minutes until noodles are tender. Stir mixture every 5 minutes to prevent sticking.
  • Stir in half the mozzarella (½ cup) and parmesan cheese (¼ cup). Cook uncovered for 1-2 minutes.
  • Take the skillet off the heat. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese (½ cup) onto the sauce. Gently press each dollop into the sauce mixture. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella (½ cup) and parmesan cheese (¼ cup), cover, and allow to sit for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese has melted.
  • Uncover and garnish with chopped basil or parsley if using.
    Optional garnishes: chopped fresh basil
Last step! Leave a RatingRate this recipe here. This helps other readers and helps support this website.

Notes

Storage Tips

Hamburger Helper Lasagna can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Ensure the lasagna cools completely before freezing. To reheat, allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or slowly in a skillet adding additional liquid as needed.
Do I need to pre-cook the lasagna noodles? | No. That’s the beauty of this one-pot meal. The dry pasta cooks in the sauce itself and will absorb all the liquid.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Meat: Substitute one pound of your preferred meat – Italian sausage, ground pork, ground turkey, or a blend. Make sure to drain excess fat if using fattier meat to prevent the dish from becoming overly greasy. Or go vegetarian, replacing the meat with your favorite chopped vegetables. Mushroom, zucchini, spinach, or a combination of these would be delicious.
  • Pasta: If mini lasagna noodles are unavailable, regular lasagna noodles (broken into 1 ½ or 2-inch pieces), bow tie, or egg noodles are suitable. Avoid the “no-boil” or “oven-ready” noodles.
  • Sauce: A 24 oz store-bought jarred sauce can replace crushed tomatoes if needed. You may need to add liquid to your skillet while the pasta cooks. Best to add ½ cup at a time.
  • Cheeses: Traditional lasagna uses a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, but feel free to use your preferred cheeses. Preshredded cheeses work, but note that they may result in a less creamy texture. Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 819mg | Potassium: 813mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 505IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 240mg | Iron: 4mg
A serving of hamburger helper lasagna on a plate with a fork taking a bite.
Did you make my Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper?Show it off! Share on Instagram, tag @thefreshcooky, and use the hashtag #thefreshcooky!
Tag on Insta Leave a Rating

Share This!

207 shares
  • Share
  • X
  • Flipboard
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • Email
  • SMS

crushed tomatoes ground beef mini lasagna noodles mozzarella cheese parmesan cheese ricotta cheese

Kathleen Pope

Meet Kathleen

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, Iโ€™m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.

Read More

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter / X
  • Mastadon

Join the Recipe Club!

Get my free eBook, Fresh Fridays emails, and never miss a recipe.

Unsubscribe anytime (privacy policy).

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Rate & Comment Cancel reply

    Have a question, comment, or suggestions about this recipe? If you had any trouble, I would love a chance to help you troubleshoot before you rate. Constructive criticism is welcome, but please be respectful. Rude or inappropriate comments will not be approved. Your email address will not be published.

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Angela

    Sat, May 25, 2024 at 6:34 am

    5 stars
    This was so good and so much better than the hamburger helper I remember! Definitely a new favorite dinner option!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Sun, May 26, 2024 at 5:33 pm

      Thanks so glad you liked it!!

      Reply
  2. Gianne

    Sat, May 25, 2024 at 3:06 am

    5 stars
    The flavors melded beautifully, and the convenience of cooking everything in one pot made cleanup a breeze. This dish is definitely going to be a staple in my household for quick, delicious dinners.

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Sun, May 26, 2024 at 5:33 pm

      Live me a one pot meal!!

      Reply
  3. Ned

    Fri, May 24, 2024 at 3:56 pm

    5 stars
    I love me a one pot meal and to make things even better, it was able to use my cast iron skillet for this recipe. Thank you for this yumminess!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Sun, May 26, 2024 at 8:02 pm

      Thatโ€™s so perfect!!!

      Reply
  4. Nathan

    Fri, May 24, 2024 at 3:48 pm

    5 stars
    This looks like a fantastic recipe to feed a crowd for dinner! I haven’t had hamburger helper in years, but just by looking at the recipe I can tell this blows the store bought kind out of the water. Can’t wait to try it out for myself!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Sun, May 26, 2024 at 8:03 pm

      Thanks so much!!

      Reply
  5. Laura Ashley Johnson

    Tue, Mar 12, 2024 at 4:32 am

    5 stars
    My family immediately gave this a 10/10!! Thank you!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Wed, Mar 13, 2024 at 1:29 pm

      So glad to hear that!! Mom win!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Kathleen Pope

Meet Kathleen

Hey there! I'm Kathleen Pope, a proud wife, mom of two awesome college boys, and recipe nerd. Welcome to my world of easy recipes with a healthy twist! Join thousands who trust The Fresh Cooky as their go-to recipe source. Let's cook up some magic!

Read More

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter / X
  • Mastadon

Join the Recipe Club!

Get my free eBook, Fresh Fridays emails, and never miss a recipe.

Unsubscribe anytime (privacy policy).

Trending Now

  • Crumbl cookie with milk chocolate chips.Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookie
  • Easy and Quick Pizza Dough Recipe with dough on floured surface square.Easy No Rise Pizza Dough Recipe
  • Spiral sliced ham with honey baked ham glaze in roasting pan.How to Cook Spiral Ham
  • Best shaved steak recipes, round up picture with Philly cheesesteak, steak bomb, steak fajitas and stuffed peppers.39 Best Shaved Steak Recipes (Easy Steak Meals)
  • Square image of whole easy key lime pie with dollops of whipped cream and decorated with wedges of key limes.Award Winning Recipe for Key Lime Pie
  • Philly cheese steak sandwich on a tray with french fries surrounding it.Best Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
The Fresh Cooky
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter / X
  • Mastadon

Subscribe Now

by Course

  • Appetizers & Snacks
  • Breads
  • Drinks
  • Main Dishes
  • Salads & Dressings
  • Sauces & Condiments
  • Side Dishes
  • Sweets

Holidays

  • Thanksgiving
  • Holiday Appetizers
  • Holiday Breakfast
  • Holiday Drinks
  • Holiday Main Dish
  • Holiday Side Dish
  • Holiday Sweets
  • Game Day Recipes

By Cuisine

  • Asian
  • German
  • Italian
  • Mexican

By Diet

  • Gluten-Free
  • Low Carb
  • Vegetarian

By Meal Type

  • 30 Minute Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Easy Weeknight Meals
  • Freezer Meals
  • Kid-Friendly
  • Make Ahead

By Method

  • Air Fryer
  • Crockpot
  • Grilled
  • Instant Pot
  • One Pot
  • Sheet Pan
  • Stovetop
  • About
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • Subscribe

Copyright © 2025 ยท The Fresh Cooky ยท Privacy & Disclosure Policy

207 shares
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Flipboard
  • X
  • LinkedIn
  • Save
  • Reddit

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe.

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required