This hearty one-pan dish marries the rich, cheesy indulgence of lasagna with the ease of a pasta skillet dinner. Ground beef seasoned with classic Italian spices is simmered in a flavorful tomato-broth base with mafalda pasta, all crowned with molten mozzarella and a shower of Parmesan. It’s comfort food in under an hour, without the layers or the mess.
Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual family meals, this dish delivers lasagna-like satisfaction with minimal effort. The melted cheese topping is irresistibly gooey, and the pasta absorbs all those savory flavors. Pair it with a crisp green salad or crusty bread for a complete, cozy feast that everyone will love.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 pound lean ground beef
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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2 cups marinara sauce
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10 ounces mafalda pasta (broken into bite-size pieces)
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4 cups beef broth (low-sodium if preferred)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
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In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and crumble in the ground beef. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
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Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.
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Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth, then stir well. Add mafalda pasta, making sure it’s submerged.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Once pasta is tender, sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella over the top. Cover again for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts.
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Serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Kcal: approximately 459 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
A Comfort Food Classic Reimagined
Lasagna is one of those universally loved comfort foods rich, cheesy, and layered with flavor. But while it’s undeniably delicious, traditional lasagna can be time-consuming, requiring multiple steps, careful assembly, and long baking times. The Homestyle Cheesy Lasagna Helper Skillet is a creative twist that delivers all the flavors you love from lasagna but in a fraction of the time. Instead of dealing with baking dishes and stacks of pasta sheets, everything comes together in a single skillet, making it a weeknight hero for busy families.
This recipe was inspired by the nostalgic flavors of classic boxed “hamburger helper” meals but upgraded with fresher, more wholesome ingredients and a homemade touch. The result is a one-pot wonder that’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for when you need a quick dinner that feels like a warm hug.
The Concept Behind a One-Pan Lasagna
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Instead of building lasagna in layers, the components savory beef, tangy tomato sauce, pasta, and cheese are cooked together in one pan. The pasta absorbs the seasoned broth and sauce as it cooks, infusing every bite with flavor. By the time the cheese is sprinkled over the top, the pasta is tender, the beef is perfectly seasoned, and the sauce has thickened into a rich, creamy coating.
Using mafalda pasta (or other short, wavy pasta) adds to the lasagna-like feel, mimicking the ruffled edges of traditional lasagna sheets. The final result is a skillet full of cheesy, saucy pasta that tastes like it’s been slow-baked for hours, even though it took less than 40 minutes.
Why This Recipe Works
There are several reasons this recipe has become a favorite for home cooks:
- Time Efficiency: It takes under 40 minutes from start to finish, perfect for weeknight cooking.
- Minimal Cleanup: One skillet means fewer dishes to wash.
- Balanced Flavor: Seasonings like oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder bring authentic Italian flavor without needing multiple spice jars.
- Family Friendly: The combination of cheesy pasta and tender beef is universally loved, even by picky eaters.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Flavor Profile
The flavor foundation begins with browning the beef, which releases savory, meaty notes that form the base of the dish. Seasonings deepen the taste, while the tomato sauce adds tangy richness. The beef broth not only cooks the pasta but also ensures the sauce is flavorful from the start. The final touch the cheese melds everything together, adding creamy texture and a savory punch that makes the dish irresistible.
The result is a balanced mix of:
- Savory: from the seasoned beef and broth
- Tangy: from the tomato sauce
- Herbaceous: from oregano and garlic notes
- Creamy: from the melted mozzarella and Parmesan
- Comforting: from the pasta’s tender, sauce-soaked texture
Occasions and Serving Ideas
The Homestyle Cheesy Lasagna Helper Skillet works beautifully for:
- Weeknight dinners: Quick to make and easy to clean up.
- Potluck gatherings: It’s easy to double the recipe and keep it warm for serving.
- Family game nights: Serve straight from the skillet for a cozy, informal dinner.
- Meal prep: The leftovers store well in the fridge and can be reheated for lunch or dinner.
You can serve it with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a simple cucumber and tomato salad for freshness.
Customizations and Variations
One of the best things about this dish is how adaptable it is. Here are some variations you might enjoy:
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in diced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the cooking process.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
- Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for provolone or use a blend of Italian cheeses for a richer taste.
- Protein Variations: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety.
Why One-Pan Meals Are So Popular
One-pan meals like this have exploded in popularity because they combine ease, flavor, and convenience. Cooking everything in one pot or skillet means the flavors meld together beautifully, and cleanup is fast. Plus, they’re a great way to make sure pasta is fully infused with sauce instead of just being coated after cooking.
From a practical perspective, one-pan meals are perfect for busy parents, young professionals, and anyone who wants to cook without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re also budget-friendly since you can stretch a pound of ground beef into multiple servings with the help of pasta and sauce.
Nutritional Perspective
While this recipe is indulgent, it can be balanced as part of a healthy diet. Using lean ground beef helps reduce saturated fat content, while the tomato sauce provides lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health. Adding vegetables can boost fiber and vitamin content, making the dish more nutrient-dense. Portion control is key pairing a modest serving with a big salad can turn this into a satisfying but balanced meal.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use good-quality broth: Since the pasta cooks directly in the broth, its flavor will greatly influence the final taste.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Stir occasionally and test a piece to ensure it’s tender but not mushy.
- Melt cheese gently: Cover the skillet after adding cheese so it melts evenly without drying out.
- Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste before serving and add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
Storage and Reheating
This dish stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the pasta has absorbed too much sauce. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though the pasta may soften slightly upon thawing.
Conclusion
The Homestyle Cheesy Lasagna Helper Skillet is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, one pan, and less than an hour, you can bring all the cozy, cheesy satisfaction of lasagna to your table without the time-intensive prep. It’s a family favorite for a reason easy to make, easy to customize, and even easier to love.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, feeding a crowd, or just craving a big bowl of pasta, this dish delivers every time. Serve it up, grab a fork, and enjoy a little taste of lasagna magic no oven required.