Warm, cheesy comfort food — a hearty, satisfying dinner I can pull together in about 30 minutes, all in one skillet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. Everything cooks in a single pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy dinner. The combination of tender pasta, seasoned beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese creates that classic homemade Hamburger Helper flavor I crave, but so much better. It’s flexible, customizable, and perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb (450 g) ground beef or steak strips
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon steak seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons A1 steak sauce
1 1/2 cups (360 ml) beef broth
1 1/2 cups (360 ml) milk
8 oz (225 g) tomato sauce
2 1/2 cups (about 250 g) spiral pasta
2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
I heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. I break it apart as it cooks until it’s browned, about 5 minutes.
I add the diced onion and chopped green pepper and cook for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
I drain excess grease, then stir in the steak seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano.
I pour in the beef broth, milk, tomato sauce, and A1 steak sauce, stirring well.
I add the dry pasta, making sure it’s fully coated in the sauce.
I reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring once, until the pasta is tender.
I stir in 1 cup of the mozzarella until the sauce thickens, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. I cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
I serve it hot and enjoy immediately.
Servings And Timing
Servings: 4–6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
I swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken when I want something lighter.
I mix mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for a different flavor.
I use shells, penne, or elbow macaroni when I don’t have spiral pasta.
I add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy version.
I stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and color.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta absorbs sauce as it sits, so I add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring back creaminess. I warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. For longer storage, I freeze individual portions and thaw them overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use steak strips instead of ground beef?
Yes, I can use thinly sliced steak strips for a more cheesesteak-style version.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
I add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce to increase the heat.
Can I use a different cheese?
Cheddar, provolone, Colby Jack, or a blend all work well and change the flavor slightly.
Does this recipe work with gluten-free pasta?
Yes, but I usually reduce the cook time slightly and watch closely because gluten-free pasta softens faster.
Can I make it creamier?
I stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to make the sauce richer.
Conclusion
I love how simple, comforting, and customizable this Cheesy Steak Hamburger Helper is. It delivers a warm, satisfying meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether I’m making it for a busy weeknight or craving something cozy, it always hits the spot.
Cheesy Steak Hamburger Helper is a one-pan, 30-minute comfort food recipe featuring seasoned beef, pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a homemade twist on the classic boxed version — warm, hearty, and perfect for busy nights.
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4–6 servings
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef or steak strips
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon steak seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons A1 steak sauce
1 1/2 cups (360 ml) beef broth
1 1/2 cups (360 ml) milk
8 oz (225 g) tomato sauce
2 1/2 cups (about 250 g) spiral pasta
2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
Add diced onion and green pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Drain excess grease, then stir in steak seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano.
Stir in beef broth, milk, tomato sauce, and A1 steak sauce.
Add dry pasta, stirring to coat evenly in the sauce.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring once, until pasta is tender.
Stir in 1 cup mozzarella cheese until sauce is creamy. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover, and let melt for 2–3 minutes.
Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore creaminess.
Mix in other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for variety.
Use any pasta you have on hand, like shells or elbow macaroni.
