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Two cast-iron skillets filled with skillet lasagna.

Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna

Chef Jenn
This Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna is a quick and comforting one-pot meal loaded with tender pasta, savory beef, and a creamy tomato sauce. It’s an easy, homemade version of the classic that’s perfect for busy weeknights or nostalgic family dinners.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 cup onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes undrained
  • 20 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups water
  • 8 ounces Mafalda pasta
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese  shredded

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large skillet with a fitted lid over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until it starts to brown.
  • Stir in the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are soft. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and salt.
  • Pour in 2 cups of water and stir to combine. Add the pasta, making sure it’s coated in the liquid.
  • Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
  • Drop small spoonfuls of ricotta over the pasta, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Cover and simmer for 2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the pasta is fully tender.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot!

Notes

Chef Jenn's Tips

  • With its ribbon-like shape, malfada pasta is ideal, but broken lasagna sheets or other short pasta will work too.
  • Ensure the pasta stays submerged while cooking. Add a splash of water if needed.
  • If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes at the end to reduce and thicken up.
  • Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cupsCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 32gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 83mgSodium: 1143mgPotassium: 866mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 814IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 253mgIron: 4mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

Keyword copycat, Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna, skillet lasagna
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