Cheese Steak Hamburger Helper

Cheesy cheese steak homemade hamburger helper is my go-to when I need something comforting and filling on a busy night. Imagine the savory taste of classic cheese steak in one easy skillet meal with creamy pasta and lots of cheese. This dish makes weeknight dinners a breeze and packs big flavor with simple ingredients.

My family begs for this when the weather is chilly or we want a hearty one pan supper. It reminds me of nights gathered around the table laughing over steaming bowls after long days.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Adds rich meaty flavor Choose eighty to eighty five percent lean for the best texture and taste
• Onion: Sweetens as it cooks and blends into the sauce Look for firm onions with shiny skins
• Green bell pepper: Gives a classic cheese steak note and a pop of color Pick peppers without soft spots
• Steak seasoning garlic powder onion powder paprika oregano: Layers savory and herby flavors Check your spices for freshness for best results
• A1 Steak Sauce: Punches up umami and depth Choose original for classic taste
• Beef broth: Rounds out the sauce with savory notes Low sodium broth allows for more control of salt
• Milk: Makes everything creamy Use whole or two percent for best results
• Tomato sauce: Gives subtle tang and helps bind the sauce Use plain with no added spices
• Spiral pasta: Holds the cheesy sauce well Choose shapes like rotini or fusilli
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to creamy perfection Buy a block and shred it yourself for better meltability

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Start by adding ground beef to a large skillet. Cook over medium high heat for about five to seven minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it browns. The beef should lose its pink color and develop a little caramelization for extra flavor.

Sauté the Vegetables:

Add chopped onion and chopped green bell pepper to the beef in the skillet. Sauté everything together for about three to four minutes. The onions should soften and become fragrant. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to grab any flavorful bits.

Season the Mixture:

Drain off any excess grease from the pan to avoid a greasy sauce. Sprinkle in steak seasoning garlic powder onion powder paprika and oregano. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the beef and vegetables. Toasting the spices for a minute helps deepen their flavor.

Add Liquids and Pasta:

Pour in beef broth A1 Steak Sauce tomato sauce and milk all at once. Stir to blend. Add the uncooked spiral pasta directly into the skillet. The pasta absorbs the cooking liquid as it softens making the dish creamy and flavorful.

Simmer and Cook:

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a tight fitting lid. Cook on low for ten to fifteen minutes stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender and most liquid absorbed when ready.

Melt in the Cheese:

Remove the lid and stir in one cup of mozzarella cheese until melted into the sauce. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Cover again for two to three minutes so the cheese melts into a gooey top layer.

Serve and Enjoy:

Spoon hot helpings into bowls. The cheese should be stringy and the sauce thick. Serve immediately while bubbly and fresh.

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I absolutely love how the green bell pepper makes this hamburger helper feel like a real cheese steak sub in a bowl. One night last winter my kids licked their bowls clean and called it magic food which made me laugh and keep making it again and again.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool fully before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to keep it creamy. This also freezes well for up to two months perfect for meal prepping busy weeks.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can make this dish work for you Swap ground turkey for beef for a lighter option. If you do not have mozzarella try a blend of cheddar and provolone for more cheese steak flavor. Gluten free pasta works nicely but add more broth if needed as it soaks up more liquid.

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Serving Suggestions

This is a hearty all in one meal but it pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or warmed garlic bread. Sometimes I add a dash of hot sauce or pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Cultural Context

Homemade hamburger helper is pure American comfort food inspired by the convenience meals of the eighties and nineties. My twist packs in cheese steak flavors so you get a taste of Philly in every bite but with the nostalgia of classic hamburger helper from childhood nights.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best?

Spiral pasta, such as rotini or fusilli, holds the sauce well, but elbow macaroni or shells are good substitutes.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, provolone or cheddar can be used for a different flavor profile, but mozzarella gives a classic melty texture.

→ Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

Swap in ground turkey or lean beef, add extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach, and use reduced-fat cheese and milk.

→ Can this be made ahead?

Yes, it reheats well. Prepare and refrigerate for up to three days. Add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen the sauce.

→ What sides go well with this meal?

Pair with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño with the onions and peppers for extra heat.