One Pot Hamburger Lasagna: A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy
There’s something truly magical about the smell of lasagna bubbling away — the cheesy layers, the rich tomato sauce, and that hearty beef flavor wafting through the kitchen. But what if you could enjoy all that delicious comfort without the hassle of layering noodles, baking for an hour, or using multiple pans?
Welcome to the world of One Pot Hamburger Lasagna — a weeknight-friendly version of everyone’s favorite Italian-inspired dish. This recipe keeps the same creamy, meaty, cheesy goodness but simplifies everything into one skillet. It’s quick, comforting, and incredibly easy — perfect for busy families, beginner cooks, or anyone craving homemade lasagna flavor without the cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Lasagna
- One Pot Magic: Fewer dishes mean faster cleanup and more family time.
- Ready in under 40 minutes: No need to pre-boil noodles or bake.
- Rich, cheesy flavor: Every bite bursts with mozzarella, ricotta, and beefy marinara goodness.
- Family-approved: Even picky eaters go back for seconds!
This one-pot meal transforms lasagna into a fast and fuss-free comfort food, perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 8–10 lasagna noodles, broken into large pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary. - Add Aromatics:
Stir in diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. - Build the Sauce:
Pour in the marinara sauce and 2 cups of water or broth. Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine. - Add the Noodles:
Break lasagna noodles into large, rustic pieces and add them to the skillet. Press them into the sauce so they’re mostly submerged. - Simmer Until Tender:
Cover the skillet and simmer on medium-low heat for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until noodles are tender and sauce has thickened. - Add the Cheese:
Once the noodles are soft, dollop ricotta cheese over the top. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover again for 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. - Finish and Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
One Pot Hamburger Lasagna
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in marinara sauce and water or broth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Break lasagna noodles and add to skillet. Simmer covered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Top with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Cover again until cheese melts.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Tips for Perfect One Pot Lasagna
- Use regular lasagna noodles: No need for oven-ready noodles; they cook perfectly in the sauce.
- Don’t skip stirring: Keeps the noodles from sticking together.
- Customize it: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving for a luxurious touch.
Variations
- Turkey or Chicken Lasagna: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the beef and load up on veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
- Spicy Lasagna: Add crushed red pepper flakes or Italian sausage for extra heat.
- Cheese Lovers’ Dream: Mix in provolone or fontina for an ultra-gooey texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your One Pot Hamburger Lasagna with:
- A crisp Caesar salad or simple green salad
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- A glass of red wine (like Chianti or Merlot)
This dish is perfect for cozy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings when you want maximum comfort with minimal effort.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooled portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a covered skillet or microwave until hot. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Fun Fact
Lasagna’s roots date back to Ancient Greece, where “laganon” described layered pasta sheets. The dish evolved through Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, eventually becoming the baked masterpiece we know today. This one-pot version honors that heritage — with a modern, time-saving twist.
Why It’s a FoodieMoms Favorite
FoodieMoms recipes are designed for real-life cooks — busy parents, food lovers, and home chefs who want meals that feel special without requiring a culinary degree. This One Pot Hamburger Lasagna embodies that spirit: indulgent, homey, and achievable on any weeknight.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: ~470
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 21g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 920mg
