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.
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.
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.