Name: Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 chopped onion; 1 chopped green bell pepper; 1 tsp steak seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp oregano; 2 TBSP A1 Steak Sauce; 1 1/2 cups beef broth; 1 1/2 cups milk; 8 oz can of tomato sauce; 2 1/2 cups spiral pasta; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Get ready for the most craveable skillet supper with this Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper! Imagine juicy ground beef, sautéed onions and peppers, and a swirl of gooey mozzarella all tangled up with tender pasta in a flavorful, creamy sauce. It’s pure comfort in a bowl with a cheesy Philly-inspired twist. Whether you need a speedy weeknight dinner or some old-school comfort food, this recipe is about to become your family’s go-to favorite.

Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper is delightfully short and simple, but each component plays its part in building that crave-worthy flavor. We’re combining pantry staples and a few bells and whistles for maximum cheesiness and that unmistakable cheesesteak depth.

1 lb ground beef: The classic foundation, giving the dish heartiness and rich, meaty flavor.
1 chopped onion: Adds sweet savoriness and that classic cheesesteak aroma.
1 chopped green bell pepper: For color and a mild zippy bite; don’t skip it!
1 tsp steak seasoning: Melds the beef, veggies, and sauce together with herby, peppery goodness.
1 tsp garlic powder: An essential aromatic jumpstart for both meat and sauce.
1 tsp onion powder: Doubles down on the savory profile and boosts umami.
1 tsp paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and that gorgeous, inviting hue.
1/2 tsp oregano: Brings a whiff of Italian herbiness reminiscent of Philly cheesesteaks.
2 TBSP A1 Steak Sauce: A punch of tang and depth, mimicking a steakhouse experience.
1 1/2 cups beef broth: The liquid backbone for cooking the pasta and building hearty flavor.
1 1/2 cups milk: Creates an ultra-creamy sauce, making everything extra luscious.
8 oz can of tomato sauce: Brings acidity and cohesion to all the flavors swirling in the pan.
2 1/2 cups spiral pasta: Rotini or fusilli are best so they grab every bit of cheesy sauce.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty star of your skillet, pulling everything together.

How to Make Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Set your favorite large skillet over medium-high heat and toss in your ground beef. Let the meat sizzle, breaking it apart into crumbles. This step is all about building that deep, savory base. Cook until the beef loses its pink color and gets a touch of caramelization.

Step 2: Add the Onion and Pepper

Now, sprinkle in the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté everything together. The veggies will soften and turn fragrant, their sweetness mingling with the beef to create that signature cheesesteak flavor. Give them a few minutes until they start to look glossy and tender.

Step 3: Drain and Season

Once the veggies are softened, drain off any excess grease to keep things lighter. Now, sprinkle in the steak seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano. Stir everything to coat the meat and veggies thoroughly—these spices will wake up your skillet and fill your kitchen with the best aromas!

Step 4: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the beef broth, A1 Steak Sauce, tomato sauce, and milk. Then, add your uncooked spiral pasta right into the skillet. Trust the process—the noodles will cook beautifully in all those flavors and absorb the sauce as they go.

Step 5: Simmer

Give your mixture a good stir, making sure every noodle is submerged. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and cover. This is where the magic happens! Let it cook for about 10–15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pasta is perfectly tender and the sauce is thick and glossy.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

When the pasta is just right, stir in one cup of mozzarella until it’s deliciously melted and stringy. Scatter the remaining cup over the surface, slap the lid back on, and let it sit for a minute or two while the cheese melts into a gooey blanket. This step turns your Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper into total comfort food bliss.

Step 7: Serve

Spoon generous helpings into bowls and get ready to dive in! The cheesy topping, draped over every bite, is practically begging for a fork and some hungry fans around the table.

How to Serve Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper

Garnishes

Bring a dash of pizzazz to your skillet by showering each bowl of Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper with fresh chopped parsley, a few extra shreds of mozzarella, or even sliced green onions for color and zing. If you like a little heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce can really kick things up!

Side Dishes

Keep it classic with a side salad dressed simply with a bright vinaigrette to balance the richness of the main dish. You can also serve it with some warm garlic bread or toasted hoagie rolls—perfect for scooping up every bit of that luscious cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, Philly-inspired twist, try piling a scoop of Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper onto toasted sub rolls for a “cheesesteak pasta hoagie.” Or, serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets for a restaurant-style feel. Leftovers make fantastic lunchbox thermos meals or even baked into stuffed bell peppers for round two!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper will keep beautifully in the fridge. Just cool it down, transfer to airtight containers, and pop into the refrigerator. It should stay delicious for up to 4 days. Don’t forget to save a little extra cheese for a fresh sprinkle before reheating!

Freezing

If you want to stash some for later, this meal freezes surprisingly well! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat gently from frozen. The pasta softens a touch, but the flavor stays amazing.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if you need to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works in a pinch; cover loosely and stir halfway through to keep things creamy and avoid overcooking the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey or chicken for the beef to make this dish a little lighter. You might want to add a touch more steak seasoning and a splash of olive oil for extra richness.

What type of pasta works best?

Spiral-shaped noodles like rotini or fusilli are my top picks, as they really hold onto every drop of the cheesy sauce. However, penne or shells work nicely if that’s what you have on hand.

Is there a substitute for A1 Steak Sauce?

If you don’t have A1, try Worcestershire sauce (use a little less), or a combination of ketchup and a splash of balsamic vinegar. The A1 brings extra zing, but you can get creative with what’s in your fridge.

Can I make this Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper gluten-free?

Definitely! Just pick your favorite gluten-free spiral pasta, and make sure your steak seasoning and tomato sauce are gluten-free certified. Watch the pasta as it cooks, as some varieties absorb sauce differently.

How can I add even more cheesiness?

Mix up the cheese! Toss in some provolone or cheddar with the mozzarella for more flavor layers. A little cream cheese, stirred in at the end, makes the sauce extra decadent and velvety.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a new weeknight favorite, look no further than Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper. It’s easy, ultra-cheesy, and delivers all the familiar flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in one skillet. Trust me, your whole crew will be scraping the pan and begging for seconds!

Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe