Cheese Steak Hamburger Dish

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This dish combines browned ground beef with sautéed onions and green peppers, simmered alongside beef broth, tomato sauce, and spiral pasta. The pasta cooks directly in the flavorful sauce until tender, then shredded mozzarella cheese is stirred in, creating a creamy, melty texture. With layers of savory seasoning and a touch of A1 Steak Sauce, this one-pan meal delivers robust flavors reminiscent of a classic cheese steak, all with minimal cleanup. Ideal for busy nights, it offers comforting, family-friendly satisfaction in every bite.

Nina and her friend are cooking together.
Brought to You By Nina
Last updated on Tue, 23 Sep 2025 23:08:32 GMT
A cheese steak hamburger helper with meat and cheese. Bookmark
A cheese steak hamburger helper with meat and cheese. | ninatable.com

This hearty cheese steak hamburger helper brings all the comfort of a classic cheese steak sandwich into a onepot, easytomake meal. Ground beef is browned with onions and green peppers, simmered with a flavorful mix of beef broth, tomato sauce, and A1 Steak Sauce, while spiral pasta cooks directly in this savory sauce. The dish finishes with plenty of melted mozzarella cheese for a creamy and cheesy bite that everyone loves. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling, satisfying, and quick.

I first made this on a chilly weeknight to warm up the family and they have asked for it ever since. It’s become one of those meals that brings everyone back to the table quickly.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: adds rich meaty flavor choose eighty to eighty five percent lean for a good balance of taste and texture
  • Onion: sweetens as it cooks and blends into the sauce pick firm onions with shiny skins for freshness
  • Green bell pepper: gives a classic cheese steak flavor and a pop of color select peppers without soft spots for the best crunch
  • Steak seasoning: garlic powder onion powder paprika and oregano build layers of savory and herby taste use fresh spices to maximize flavor
  • A1 Steak Sauce: adds umami and depth original flavor works best for authenticity
  • Beef broth: rounds out the sauce with rich savory notes low sodium lets you control the salt level
  • Milk: makes the sauce creamy and smooth whole or two percent works perfectly
  • Tomato sauce: gives subtle tang and helps bind the sauce plain and unseasoned avoids overpowering flavors
  • Spiral pasta: such as rotini or fusilli holds the sauce well these shapes trap cheese in every bite
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts to a creamy finish buying a block and shredding yourself improves meltability and texture

Instructions

Brown the Beef:
Add ground beef to a large skillet and cook over medium high heat for five to seven minutes. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it browns. Look for the beef to lose all its pink color and start caramelizing slightly, which adds rich flavor.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Add chopped onion and green bell pepper to the browned beef in the skillet. Cook for three to four minutes until the onions soften and become fragrant. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to lift up any browned bits that add extra taste.
Season the Mixture:
Pour off excess grease to prevent a greasy sauce. Sprinkle in steak seasoning garlic powder onion powder paprika and oregano. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Toast the spices with the mixture for about a minute to bring out their full aroma and deepen the flavor.
Add Liquids and Pasta:
Pour in beef broth A1 Steak Sauce tomato sauce and milk all at once and stir to combine. Immediately add the uncooked spiral pasta, pressing it down to submerge it in the sauce. The pasta will cook right in the skillet, soaking up the flavorful liquid as it softens.
Simmer and Cook:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a tight fitting lid and cook on low heat for ten to fifteen minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed when done.
Melt in the Cheese:
Remove the lid and stir in one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until melted through the sauce. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and cover again for two to three minutes to allow it to melt into a gooey, cheesy crust.
Serve and Enjoy:
Spoon hot helpings into bowls. The cheese should be stringy and the sauce thick and creamy. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest bubbly texture.
A close up of a cheese steak hamburger helper.
A close up of a cheese steak hamburger helper. | ninatable.com

One of my favorite touches is the green bell pepper which really nails that cheese steak vibe. One winter evening my kids licked their bowls clean and declared it magic food which made me smile and keep making it often.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before storing in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess. This dish freezes well for up to two months making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey works well for a leaner version without sacrificing flavor. Cheddar and provolone cheese blend can replace mozzarella for more traditional cheese steak taste. Gluten free spiral pasta is a good swap but may need extra broth as it absorbs more liquid.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty dish on its own or with a crisp green salad to lighten the meal. Warm garlic bread is a perfect side to soak up extra sauce. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a splash of hot sauce or some pickled jalapeños pairs beautifully.

A close up of a cheese steak hamburger helper.
A close up of a cheese steak hamburger helper. | ninatable.com

Try this for a quick comforting weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy. It reheats well and freezes nicely for easy meal prep.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of pasta works best?

Spiral pasta like rotini or fusilli holds the sauce well, but elbow macaroni or shells are good alternatives.

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, provolone or cheddar can be used for varied flavor, though mozzarella gives the best melt and creaminess.

→ Is there a way to make it healthier?

Swap ground beef for lean options like turkey, add extra vegetables such as spinach, and opt for reduced-fat cheese and milk.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead?

Yes, it reheats well when stored in the fridge for up to three days. Add a splash of milk when reheating to maintain creaminess.

→ What sides complement this meal?

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

→ How can I add spice to this dish?

Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño with the onions and peppers for an extra kick.

Cheese Steak Hamburger

Savory ground beef and cheese skillet with spiral pasta and peppers, perfect for quick, hearty dinners.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Brought to You By: Nina

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Type: American

Portions: 4 Serves (4 servings)

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Meat

01 1 lb ground beef (80-85% lean)

→ Vegetables

02 1 medium onion, chopped
03 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped

→ Seasonings

04 1 tsp steak seasoning
05 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 1/2 tsp onion powder
07 1/2 tsp paprika
08 1/2 tsp dried oregano

→ Sauces and Liquids

09 1 cup beef broth, low sodium
10 1/4 cup A1 Steak Sauce
11 1 cup tomato sauce, plain
12 1/2 cup whole milk or 2%

→ Pasta

13 2 cups uncooked spiral pasta (rotini or fusilli)

→ Cheese

14 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until no longer pink and lightly caramelized.

Step 02

Add chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook together for 3 to 4 minutes until onions soften and become fragrant, scraping the skillet to loosen browned bits.

Step 03

Drain excess grease from the skillet. Sprinkle steak seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano over the beef and vegetables. Stir and toast the spices for one minute to deepen flavor.

Step 04

Pour in beef broth, A1 Steak Sauce, tomato sauce, and milk. Stir to blend. Add uncooked spiral pasta directly to the skillet and stir to distribute evenly.

Step 05

Bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.

Step 06

Remove lid and stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella until melted and creamy. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top, cover again for 2 to 3 minutes to allow cheese to melt fully.

Step 07

Spoon hot portions into bowls and serve immediately while sauce is bubbly and cheese is stringy.

Extra Suggestions

  1. Shredding mozzarella fresh from a block improves meltability and creaminess.
  2. Ensure pasta is submerged in liquid before covering to cook evenly.
  3. Allow the dish to rest off heat, covered, for 3 minutes to thicken the sauce before serving.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy Details

Read ingredient lists for allergens carefully, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy and gluten

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

The provided nutrition information is for guidance and shouldn't replace expert medical advice.
  • Calories: 550
  • Fat: 28 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 43 grams
  • Proteins: 35 grams