Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini or broken lasagna noodles)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and onions are tender. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Mix in the uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Check occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks through and absorbs the sauce.
- Incorporate Ricotta: Once the pasta is tender, stir in the ricotta cheese to create a rich and creamy texture throughout the dish.
- Melt Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, then cover the skillet again until the cheese is melted and gooey, which should take a few minutes.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the Hamburger Helper Lasagna warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra nutrition, add fresh spinach leaves when you add the pasta and sauce.
- Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for a more robust flavor.
- Use rotini pasta or break up lasagna noodles for convenient texture and cooking.
- Cover tightly during simmering to ensure pasta cooks evenly and retains moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
