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This creamy, cheesy, hamburger and noodle bake is an easy, kid-friendly evening meal. With four distinct layers, this Fake Lasagna is sure to please even your pickiest eaters. It’s also versatile! Don’t have an ingredient that is listed? Easily substitute it for something else. It’s sure to please every palate in your life.

An Easy Family Favorite

I grew up on this fake Lasagna. It was the meal I requested for my birthday meal along with peas and a French silk pie. I remembered serving it to my friends when they would come to play and it was even one of the first meals I made for my boyfriend (now husband) when we were first dating.

This Lasagna is everything you could want it to be. The meat is saucy with just a hint of sweetness. The noodles are creamy with a touch of tang. It’s very filling, yet leaves you asking for seconds. And best of all, it can be prepared in around 15 minutes. Talk about a great weekday meal!

It’s also extremely versatile. Each part of the dish can be played around with, adding or substituting different ingredients until it is just how you like it.

Assembling Tricks and Exchanges

Choosing a Pasta

I have always eaten this dish with elbow macaroni, so that is the way I have written it. However, the beauty of this dish is just how versatile it really is. If elbow macaroni doesn’t appeal to you or you are out of it, noodles or even rice work just fine!

Try substituting 4 cups of noodles or 2 cups of cooked rice the next time you make this dish.

Al Dente

Have you ever eaten soggy pasta? It’s not very pleasant, honestly. To cook the pasta to al dente, or cooked firm, heat a pot of water till it is boiling. Add the pasta and as soon as it starts boiling again time it for just 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover, and let stand for 7 minutes.

The Meat Sauce

While the pasta steams, brown the hamburger and onion in a cast iron skillet. Remove from the heat and pour in the tomato sauce and spices. Set aside while you finish the noodles.

The versatility in this sauce is beautiful. Tired of hamburger? Try sausage, turkey, or even ground venison. Like chunky tomatoes? By all means. Play around with it till you find your family’s favorite.

Cheesy Pasta

Starting with the drained pasta, add all the cheeses, except the parmesan. Stir until everything is soft and creamy. Now you may add any veggies or greens that you would like. I don’t recommend you sub out any of the cheeses but feel free to play with other ingredients. Green onion, green pepper, hot peppers, broccoli (chopped small), and celery are all wonderful additions.

Layering it Up

Now it’s time to layer it all together in a 9×13 pan. Start by placing half of the noodle mixture into the bottom of your pan. Top with half of the meat mixture and a layer of shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining mixtures. Noodles, meat, and cheese.

The cheese mixtures can also be changed according to your preferences. Our favorite is cheddar cheese. You might also try velveta, colby, parmesan, or even munster.

Even after all these years this Fake Lasagna is still one of my favorite dishes. One that I’m sure I will continue to make! Let me know if you made it and what you thought of it in the comments below! Did you change anything? I’d love to hear from you.