Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna: A Comforting Classic Made from Scratch
Are you craving the comforting flavors of lasagna but short on time? Look no further than this Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this homemade version of the classic dish is quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious. With simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can enjoy all the cheesy goodness of lasagna without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this mouthwatering meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Before we get started, let’s address some common questions about Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna:
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as turkey and chicken may cook faster than beef.
Q: Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock? A: Yes, you can use vegetable broth as a substitute for chicken stock if you prefer a vegetarian version of this dish.
Q: Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe? A: Of course! You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to amp up the nutritional value.
Now, let’s gather our ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cups milk
- 2 1/2 cups dry Mafalda pasta or broken up lasagna noodles
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Add the Seasonings:
- To the cooked ground beef, add the tomato paste, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and sugar. Stir well to combine and allow the seasonings to cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Cook the Pasta:
- Pour the chicken stock and milk into the skillet with the seasoned ground beef. Stir in the dry Mafalda pasta or broken up lasagna noodles until fully submerged in the liquid.
4. Simmer Until Pasta is Tender:
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
5. Add the Cheese:
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy this comforting meal with your favorite side salad or garlic bread.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu to make a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta in place of traditional pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly: Substitute the pasta with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash for a low-carb alternative. Additionally, use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk to reduce the carb content.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace the pasta with shirataki noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version of this dish.
With its rich, savory flavors and cheesy goodness, Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food that the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this easy-to-make dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. So, ditch the boxed version and whip up a batch of this homemade lasagna for a delicious and comforting meal that’s ready in no time!
