
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.

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.

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.