Jump to Recipe Print Recipe“Did you ever think homemade could beat the convenience of those boxed dinners? This Easy Cheese Steak Hamburger Helper is here to change your mind! By bringing together savory ground beef, colorful sautéed veggies, and a creamy cheese sauce, I’ve crafted a dish that not only transforms a classic but also makes dinner a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights, this ground beef recipe is quick to prepare, allowing you to serve up hearty, budget-friendly comfort in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just treating yourself, this recipe promises satisfaction without the stress. Curious about how to whip it up in your kitchen? Let’s dive in!” Why is homemade better than boxed dinners? Quick preparation: This indulgent meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights. Bold flavors: The combination of sautéed onions, green peppers, and savory beef coated in creamy cheese sauce delivers a hearty taste that surpasses any boxed version. Versatile ingredients: Customize it to suit your family’s tastes by swapping pasta shapes or adding extra veggies. Budget-friendly: Utilizing basic ingredients ensures you won’t break the bank while enjoying a satisfying dinner. Family favorite: With its cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table, turning even the pickiest eaters into fans. If you need more quick dinner ideas, check out Tasty Fun Recipes for inspiration! Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper Ingredients For the Meat & Veggies Ground Beef – This is the primary protein source; feel free to substitute with turkey or plant-based ground options for a lighter twist. Chopped Onion – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor; yellow or sweet onions work best for this dish. Chopped Green Bell Pepper – Provides freshness and color; you can use red or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter taste. For the Sauce & Seasoning Steak Seasoning – Enhances the beefy flavor profile; store-bought or homemade blends work well. Garlic Powder – Boosts the savory notes; consider fresh garlic as a 1:1 substitution for a vibrant flavor. Onion Powder – Amplifies the onion flavor; you can omit this if you’re using fresh onion. Paprika – Adds a hint of smokiness; choose sweet or smoked paprika based on your preference. Oregano – Offers herbal depth; use dried oregano or fresh for a more pronounced flavor. For the Pasta & Liquid Beef Broth – The liquid that helps cook the pasta; for a lighter version, vegetable broth works nicely. Milk – Contributes creaminess to the sauce; opt for whole milk or a non-dairy milk alternative if desired. Tomato Sauce – Adds moisture and acidity; crushed tomatoes or tomato puree can be used as alternatives. Spiral Pasta – The perfect base for this meal; any short pasta shape can be substituted while adjusting cooking times. For the Cheesy Finish Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully to add creaminess; for a different flavor profile, try cheddar or Monterey Jack. You’re just a few simple steps away from enjoying this homemade comfort! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper Step 1: Brown the Beef In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and no longer pink. You want it nicely caramelized for flavor. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set aside for the next steps. Step 2: Add Vegetables Next, in the same skillet, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté them over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This step enhances the dish’s flavor profile, making it a hearty Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper that everyone will love. Step 3: Spice It Up Now that your veggies are tender, sprinkle in the steak seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano. Stir everything together and cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom and fill your kitchen with mouth-watering aromas. This blend of seasonings adds depth to your meal. Step 4: Combine Liquids and Pasta Pour in the beef broth, milk, tomato sauce, and A1 Steak Sauce, mixing well to combine. Add the uncooked spiral pasta, stirring to ensure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and keep an eye on it for about 2-3 minutes until bubbling starts. Step 5: Simmer Once simmering, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow it to cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. You’re looking for a creamy consistency that binds all the delicious flavors of this Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper together. Step 6: Finish with Cheese After simmering, remove the lid and stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts into the creamy sauce. For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top and cover the skillet again for a couple of minutes. This will create a gooey, satisfying topping to complete your dish. Step 7: Garnish and Serve Finally, once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from the heat. Optionally, sprinkle with dried parsley for a pop of color. Serve your hearty Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper hot, and revel in the satisfaction of a meal that combines comfort and quick preparation. Expert Tips for Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper Pasta Choices: Use any short pasta shape you prefer, but remember to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type used for the best results. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to sneak in other veggies like mushrooms or spinach; they can enhance both nutrition and flavor in your Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper. Taste As You Go: Always taste and adjust seasonings while cooking; this will help you achieve the perfect flavor balance that your family will love. Thicker Sauce: For a creamier texture, cook the pasta uncovered to allow some liquid to evaporate, giving you that luscious sauce you crave. Storage Solutions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for a quick meal option later in the week. Make Ahead Options These Easy Cheese Steak Hamburger Helper is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can brown the ground beef, sauté the onions, and bell peppers up to 24 hours in advance, then store them in the refrigerator. Additionally, mix the spices and combine them with the liquids (beef broth, milk, tomato sauce) in a separate container and refrigerate. When it’s time to serve, simply reheat the beef and veggies in a skillet, add the prepared liquid mixture with uncooked pasta, and let it simmer until the pasta is tender. This method ensures you can enjoy just as delicious, creamy comfort food on busy weeknights while saving yourself valuable time in the kitchen! Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper Variations Get ready to infuse your dish with exciting twists! Personalizing your Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper can make it even more delightful and fitting for every palate. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture. Vegetable Boost: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for an added nutritional punch and a burst of color. Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for those who crave a little heat in their meal. Creamy Dream: Substitute heavy cream for milk for a richer, creamier sauce that envelopes every bite. Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or basil at the end for an aromatic finish that brightens the dish. Cheese Variety: Swap mozzarella for gouda or pepper jack to introduce new flavors and surprise your taste buds. Beef Alternatives: Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option that still delivers on taste and texture. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Customize it to make it truly yours, ensuring each meal feels special. How to Store and Freeze Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the dish has cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Portion it out for easy reheating later! Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts until heated through. Wrap Well: If freezing, use a double layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and preserve the dish’s comforting flavors. What to Serve with Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper A delightful meal deserves delightful companions to round out your table and satisfy every craving. Garlic Bread: The crispy, buttery goodness of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy cheese sauce and adds a delightful crunch to your meal. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or carrots bring a fresh, caramelized sweetness to your plate that beautifully contrasts the rich flavors of the hamburger helper. Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette adds brightness and a refreshing balance to your hearty main dish. Coleslaw: The crunchy, tangy coleslaw brings a refreshing, zesty note that complements the savory beef, enhancing the overall flavor experience. Potato Wedges: Crispy, seasoned potato wedges are a hearty side that pairs wonderfully with the cheesiness of the hamburger helper for an ultimate comfort food experience. Apple Pie: For a sweet ending, serve a warm slice of apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert that’s always a hit. Iced Tea or Lemonade: A cold glass of iced tea or refreshing lemonade provides a perfect balance to the richness of the meal, quenching your thirst and enhancing the dining experience. These pairing options will create a feast that everyone will love, making your dinner table a gathering of flavors and warmth. Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe FAQs How do I select the right ground beef? Absolutely! When choosing ground beef, look for at least 80% lean for a nice balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer a healthier option, ground turkey or plant-based alternatives can also work beautifully without sacrificing taste. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Very! To keep your Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper fresh, let it cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. Properly stored, leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a convenient meal prep option for busy days. Can I freeze Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper? Of course! For freezing, allow the dish to cool thoroughly. Divide it into portions and transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Label them with the date for easy identification. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. What if my sauce is too thick? Not a problem! If your sauce thickens more than you’d like, simply add a splash of beef broth or milk while stirring over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency. This will help maintain that creamy texture everyone loves in this dish. Can I customize the vegetables in this recipe? Absolutely! Tailor your Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper to your family’s preferences by adding vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or even diced tomatoes. This not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional content of your meal. Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies? Very! Always be cautious with serving human food to pets; some ingredients, like onions and garlic, can be toxic to them. If anyone in your household has food allergies, check the labels on your seasonings and sauces to ensure all components of the dish are safe for everyone. Indulgent Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper in 30 Minutes This Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick and tasty dinner option that combines ground beef, sautéed veggies, and a creamy cheese sauce. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 500 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Meat & Veggies1 pound Ground Beef can substitute with turkey or plant-based options1 cup Chopped Onion yellow or sweet onions work best1 cup Chopped Green Bell Pepper can use red or yellow for a sweeter tasteFor the Sauce & Seasoning2 tablespoons Steak Seasoning store-bought or homemade1 teaspoon Garlic Powder fresh garlic can be used as substitute1 teaspoon Onion Powder can omit if using fresh onion1 teaspoon Paprika choose sweet or smoked based on preference1 teaspoon Oregano dried or freshFor the Pasta & Liquid2 cups Beef Broth can substitute with vegetable broth1 cup Milk whole milk or non-dairy milk alternative1 cup Tomato Sauce can use crushed tomatoes or tomato puree2 cups Spiral Pasta any short pasta shape can be substitutedFor the Cheesy Finish1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese can try cheddar or Monterey Jack Equipment Large skilletSpatula Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheese Steak Homemade Hamburger HelperIn a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease and set aside.In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.Sprinkle in the steak seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano. Stir and cook for another minute to bloom the spices.Pour in the beef broth, milk, tomato sauce, and mix well. Add the uncooked spiral pasta, stirring to submerge. Raise the heat to bring to a gentle simmer, about 2-3 minutes.Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and sauce thickens.Remove the lid and stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until melted. For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top and cover for a couple of minutes.Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove from heat. Optionally sprinkle with dried parsley and serve hot. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg NotesLeftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
