Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 medium onion, chopped

→ Seasonings

03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
07 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
08 - 1 tablespoon minced garlic

→ Liquid and Pasta

09 - 2 cups beef broth
10 - 2 cups marinara sauce
11 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
12 - 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)

→ Cheese Topping

13 - 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
14 - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

# Instructions:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Cook until beef is no longer pink and onion is softened.
02 - Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Season the meat mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to coat evenly.
03 - Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in beef broth, marinara sauce, heavy cream, and add the uncooked pasta. Stir well to combine.
04 - Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer on medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring a couple times throughout. Cook until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
05 - Once pasta is cooked, sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts, or place under broiler for 1-2 minutes if using an oven-safe skillet.
06 - Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve hot while the cheese is still gooey.

# Notes:

01 - Use an oven-safe skillet if you want to broil the cheese topping
02 - The pasta cooks directly in the sauce for maximum flavor
03 - Heavy cream makes this extra rich and lasagna-like
04 - Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking