Hamburger Helper Lasagna is a creative twist on the classic comfort food, combining the convenience of Hamburger Helper with the richness of lasagna. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that will satisfy the appetite of the whole family. By layering cooked ground beef, pasta, and cheese, you'll create a hearty and satisfying meal that's sure to become a new favorite. What's more, this recipe can be modified to suit your taste by adding your favorite vegetables, meats, or spices to create a unique version.
Ingredients:
* 1 package of Hamburger Helper Italian Style (12.5 oz)
* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 onion, diced
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 1 cup frozen lasagna noodles
* 1 cup ricotta cheese
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 cup marinara sauce
* 1 tsp dried oregano
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Add the Hamburger Helper Italian Style to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then set aside.
6. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
7. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 4 cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
8. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the cooked ground beef mixture.
9. Repeat the layers, starting with the noodles, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese mixture, and ground beef mixture.
10. Top the final layer of ground beef mixture with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations:
* To add some extra flavor, sauté some sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini before adding the ground beef.
* Use ground turkey or ground pork for a different twist on the classic ground beef.
* Add some spice with diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
* Mix in some chopped fresh basil or parsley for added flavor.
* Try using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, for a unique taste.
* For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
Other Version Ideas:
* Italian Sausage Lasagna: Add sliced Italian sausage to the ground beef mixture for a savory and spicy twist.
* Meatball Lasagna: Add homemade or store-bought meatballs to the top layer of the lasagna for a hearty and satisfying meal.
* Veggie Lasagna: Replace the ground beef with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes, and add some grated zucchini for added nutrition.
* White Lasagna: Use white lasagna noodles and add some grated ricotta cheese to the ricotta mixture for a creamy and unique twist.