Homemade Skillet Lasagna: Better Than Hamburger Helper
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
277 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Homemade Skillet Lasagna: Better Than Hamburger Helper
Description
Homemade Skillet Lasagna: Better Than Hamburger Helper brings together ground Italian sausage or beef with a tomato-based sauce enhanced by onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Broken lasagna noodles cook directly in the sauce, absorbing the flavors while creating a tender yet saucy meal. Ricotta cheese added in stages throughout the cooking melds into pockets of creamy richness, providing a contrast to the hearty meat and pasta combination. The skillet approach simplifies preparation and cleanup by cooking everything in one pan.
The flavor profile depends on the savory sausage, aromatic garlic and onion, and the balance of tomato sauce with Italian seasonings. The ricotta adds a mellow creaminess that cuts through the acidity of the tomatoes. The texture features tender noodles enveloped in sauce, punctuated by soft, cheesy spots.
This dish works well as a standalone meal for a casual dinner, especially when you want the comforting elements of lasagna without layers and baking time. It is filling and can be served with a simple green salad to complement the richness.
To maintain sauce consistency, add water gradually if the liquid reduces too much before the pasta is fully cooked. Staggering the ricotta additions promotes even distribution of cheese pockets throughout the dish, enhancing each bite with creamy texture.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 onion chopped, large
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 14.5 ounce chopped tomatoes canned
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles or other type of pasta
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
Instructions
- Brown the meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, and cook over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are translucent.
- Add the tomato sauce, chopped tomatoes, water, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Break the lasagna noodles into pieces, add them to the skillet, and stir to combine.
- Cook for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta is done. If the liquid cooks out, you may need to add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water.
- Place dollops of ricotta cheese on top. Stir in the cheese if desired. You can top with additional cheese.
Notes
- For a more authentic lasagna experience, add ricotta in stages during cooking to create pockets of cheese throughout the dish, not just on top.
- Monitor sauce thickness and add small amounts of water as needed to ensure the pasta cooks properly without drying out.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 277 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 277kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | 9% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 36mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 602mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 384mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 310IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 9.1mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 95mg | 10% |
| Iron | 1.6mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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