Last Tuesday evening, I rushed back from the grocery store just as the sky turned charcoal and rain started tapping on the windshield. The kids were already home from school, cold and restless, and my husband was pacing the kitchen counter, asking in that urgent, “what’s-for-dinner” tone. I had ground beef in the fridge and pasta on the shelf – classic staples.

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Then I remembered a twist I jotted down after a chit-chat with a neighbor’s teenager who raved about cheesy one-pot meals. I decided to combine the hearty flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the comfort of Hamburger Helper—and just like that, this skillet dinner was born.

While I browned the beef, the house started to smell like a burger joint. My daughter helped chop the green pepper and onion, stirring spices into the skillet and telling jokes about the rain. The spiral pasta soaked up the savory broth, and when I sprinkled the mozzarella on top, it melted into gooey ribbons under the lid.

By the time we all dug in, dinner was more than a meal—it was cozy, cheesy, and perfect for that rainy night. Even the most reluctant veggie-eater, my son, asked for seconds. And that’s saying something.

Short Description

One-pot skillet comfort: ground beef, peppers, onions, spiral pasta, savory broth, and melted mozzarella come together in a cheesy, season-packed weeknight dinner.

Key Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 tsp steak seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
2 Tbsp A1 Steak Sauce
1½ cups beef broth
1½ cups whole milk
8 oz tomato sauce
2½ cups uncooked spiral pasta
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Tools Needed

Large skillet with lid
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups/spoons
Cheese grater

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until no pink remains.

Step 2: Add Veggies & Spices
Stir in chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook about 3–5 minutes until veggies soften. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Season the Mix
Sprinkle in steak seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano. Stir until the beef and veggies are evenly coated.

Step 4: Add Liquids & Pasta
Pour in beef broth, A1 sauce, tomato sauce, and whole milk. Add spiral pasta, pressing it into the liquid so it’s fully submerged.

Step 5: Simmer Covered
Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and liquid absorbed.

Step 6: Add Cheese
Stir in 1 cup mozzarella, melting it into the pasta. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and allow it to melt fully.

Step 7: Serve Hot
Remove from heat. Serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and the dish steamy.

Troubleshooting tip: If the sauce seems too thick after pasta cooks, stir in a splash of broth or milk before adding cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Big Flavors: Bold steak seasoning and A1 sauce bring pizzazz to a simple skillet.

All-in-One Meal: Protein, carbs, and veggies in a single pot—no extra sides needed.

Kid-Friendly: Cheesy, comforting, and easy to serve in bowls.

Time-Saving: On the table in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.

Adaptable: Easily swap in turkey, whole-wheat pasta, or extra veggies for a healthier twist.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Dry Pasta:
Issue: Liquid absorbs too fast.
Solution: Add extra broth in ¼ cup increments if needed.

Soggy Veggies:
Issue: Overcooked peppers get mushy.
Solution: Add them later in cooking, around Step 2.

Greasy Texture:
Issue: Beef releases excess fat.
Solution: After browning, drain grease before adding veggies.

Uneven Cheese Melt:
Issue: Cheese doesn’t fully melt.
Solution: Stir in one cup, then cover after topping to ensure even melting.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with a big green salad tossed in vinaigrette.

Use garlic bread to soak up extra sauce.

Top with chopped parsley or green onions for freshness.

Great for serve-yourself plates during casual family nights or sports games.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store: Keep leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheat (Stove): Warm gently over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Reheat (Microwave): Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between to redistribute cheese.

FAQs

1. Can I swap ground turkey?
Yes, use the same seasonings, and drain excess fluid after browning.

2. What if I use whole-wheat pasta?
Cook pasta in broth uncovered until just under al dente, then proceed, may need a touch more liquid.

3. Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely, diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach work well with just a few extra minutes of cook time.

4. Is it okay to use low-fat milk?
Yes, though sauce may be slightly thinner. Add a tablespoon of cream cheese for richness if desired.

5. Can I prep in advance?
Yes, cook and cool, then refrigerate or freeze. Reheat gently and stir in cheese to revive texture.

Tips & Tricks

Brown beef in batches for better texture and less moisture.

Let seasonings bloom for a minute before adding liquids to deepen flavor.

Stir halfway through simmer to keep the pasta from sticking.

Use a mix of cheeses like provolone for a stronger flavor.

Finish with a splash of Worcestershire or hot sauce for a zingy touch.

Recipe Variations

1. Tex-Mex Style
Add ½ cup corn and ½ cup black beans with chili powder. Top with pepper jack cheese and cilantro.

2. Italian Twist
Replace bell pepper with diced mushrooms and oregano. Use marinara sauce instead of tomato sauce, and top with mozzarella and basil.

3. Veggie Boost
Stir in baby spinach and zucchini at the end. Fold in extra cheese to keep it creamy.

4. Low-Carb Version
Serve over spiralized zucchini noodles. Skip pasta and adjust liquid to sauce consistency.

5. Creamy Buffalo Beef
Add ¼ cup buffalo sauce with the broth. Top with blue cheese and celery slices when serving.