Name: Cheese Steak Hamburger Helper Skillet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed); 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup milk; 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow or shells recommended); 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Optional: provolone slices for topping

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This Cheese Steak Hamburger Helper Skillet is my one-pan answer to a fast, comforting dinner packed with bold flavor. It brings together all the savory goodness of a Philly cheesesteak—juicy ground beef, onions, peppers, and melted mozzarella—combined with tender pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce. I make it on busy nights when I want something hearty and satisfying with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this skillet dish delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. Everything cooks in one pan, which means fewer dishes and a faster cleanup. The beef and veggies give it that classic cheesesteak feel, while the creamy mozzarella sauce pulls everything together beautifully. It’s the kind of meal I crave after a long day—warm, cheesy, and filling.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup milk
2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow or shells work great)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional: provolone slices for topping

Directions

I start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. If there’s excess fat, I drain it.
I add the diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for about 3–4 minutes, until softened.
I stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
I pour in the beef broth and milk, then add the uncooked pasta, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
I bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
I stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. For extra cheesiness, I sometimes lay provolone slices on top and let them melt for a minute before serving.

Servings and timing

This dish serves 4–5 people and takes about 30 minutes total, making it perfect for a fast weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Variations

I sometimes switch out the ground beef for shaved steak if I want to stick closer to traditional cheesesteak vibes. For a spicy kick, I toss in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. If I’m low on mozzarella, cheddar or Monterey Jack makes a delicious substitute. And when I want to make it more veggie-forward, I throw in mushrooms or spinach near the end of cooking.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. The flavors get even better the next day.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, I often use shells, rotini, or penne. Any short pasta that holds sauce well will work great in this skillet.

What kind of cheese works best?

Mozzarella is my go-to for its meltiness, but provolone, cheddar, or even a cheese blend also tastes great.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare it ahead and store it in the fridge. I just reheat it with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Is it freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen, but the texture of the pasta may soften. I freeze it in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. I use gluten-free pasta and check that my broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free too.

Conclusion

The Cheese Steak Hamburger Helper Skillet is a weeknight winner in my kitchen. It’s hearty, cheesy, and loaded with those classic cheesesteak flavors I can’t resist—all made in one pan. Whether I’m cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe always hits the spot.