Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

Instant Pot Hamburger Helper is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This comforting dish combines tender ground beef with creamy cheddar cheese and perfectly cooked macaroni, all in one pot. The best part? It’s made from scratch, ensuring fresh flavors without any fuss. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just need a hearty dinner for your family, this recipe checks all the boxes for convenience, taste, and satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep and 7 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 20 minutes.
• One-Pot Wonder: This dish minimizes cleanup by cooking everything in the Instant Pot, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Utilizing ground beef and pantry staples means you can whip this up without breaking the bank.
• Kid-Approved Flavor: The creamy cheese and savory beef make it a hit with kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to add vegetables or spice things up with your favorite seasonings to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Instant Pot Hamburger Helper, having the right tools will ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Measuring Cups
• Cutting Board
• Knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: This magical appliance speeds up cooking times while infusing flavors deeply into your dish.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching the pot’s surface, ensuring an even cook throughout.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements help maintain the balance of flavors in your recipe.

Ingredients

This is all made from scratch, super quick and easy in the Instant Pot and budget-friendly too!

For the Beef Mixture

• 1 Tablespoon Canola Oil
• 1 Pound Ground Beef (85% lean)
• 1/2 Onion (Yellow, diced)
• 2 Cloves Garlic (minced)

For Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
• 1/2 teaspoon Thyme (dried)
• 1/4 teaspoon Oregano (dried)
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce

For the Base

• 3 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 4 Cups Broth (Beef)
• 16 oz Macaroni (Elbow, dry)

For Topping

• 2 Cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)

How to Make Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

Step 1: Sauté the Beef

Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode.
– Add the canola oil.
– Once hot, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, stirring to break it up. Drain most of the fat once done.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Add in diced onion and minced garlic.
– Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Season Your Mixture

Season with kosher salt, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce.
– Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Paste

Stir in tomato paste until well mixed with the beef mixture.

Step 5: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in ¼ cup of broth to help deglaze the pot.
– Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom to avoid a burn message.

Step 6: Add Macaroni & Remaining Broth

Add in elbow macaroni along with the remaining broth.

Step 7: Pressure Cook

Press cancel to stop sauté mode. Lock the lid into place and seal the valve. Set manual time for 5 minutes.

Step 8: Quick Release & Add Cheese

After cooking, quickly release steam. Remove lid and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 9: Melt Remaining Cheese

Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Place lid back on (not locked) for about 2 minutes to melt cheese thoroughly.

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy

Remove cover once cheese is melted and serve hot!

This hearty dish is sure to become a family favorite!

How to Serve Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

Serving Instant Pot Hamburger Helper is simple and versatile. You can elevate this comforting dish with a few creative serving ideas that enhance its flavors and presentation.

Top it Off with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Chives: Add chopped chives for a mild onion flavor that complements the dish perfectly.

Pair with Crunchy Vegetables

• Pickles: Serve dill pickles on the side for a tangy crunch that balances the richness.
• Steamed Broccoli: A side of steamed broccoli adds nutrition and a vibrant green contrast.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with romaine, croutons, and Parmesan cheese pairs well with the creamy pasta.
• Garden Salad: A mix of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

To achieve the best results with your Instant Pot Hamburger Helper, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your dish.

• Use lean ground beef: Choosing 85% lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease while ensuring flavor.
• Sauté properly: Brown the meat thoroughly to develop rich flavors before adding other ingredients.
• Scrape the bottom well: Make sure to deglaze the pot by scraping up all the browned bits to avoid burning during pressure cooking.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to tweak the spices according to your preference for a more personalized flavor.
• Let cheese melt thoroughly: Allowing the cheese to sit after cooking ensures it melts beautifully into the dish.
• Store leftovers correctly: Keep any leftover Hamburger Helper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

Complementing your Instant Pot Hamburger Helper with delicious side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your pasta.
2. Sweet Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and fun textures alongside the savory pasta.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers provides colorful nutrition.
4. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw offers a crunchy contrast that brightens up each bite of Hamburger Helper.
5. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a hearty side that pairs well with this comforting main dish.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and sweetness, balancing out the meal beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot Hamburger Helper, there are some common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here are key mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the ground beef properly can lead to a less flavorful dish. Always ensure to sauté until browned before proceeding.
• Not Scraping the Bottom: Failing to scrape up the browned bits can trigger a burn notice. Use some liquid early on to deglaze the pot.
• Ignoring Liquid Ratios: Using too little liquid can result in uneven cooking and sticking. Follow the recipe’s liquid requirements carefully.
• Overcooking Pasta: Cooking pasta for too long can make it mushy. Set your timer accurately for perfect al dente macaroni.
• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Taste as you go! You may need more salt or spices based on personal preference.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil. Heat until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over medium heat in a saucepan, adding a splash of broth if necessary to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot Hamburger Helper?

Instant Pot Hamburger Helper is a quick and easy one-pot meal made with ground beef, pasta, and cheese, cooked perfectly in an Instant Pot.

Can I customize my Instant Pot Hamburger Helper?

Yes! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

How do I make Instant Pot Hamburger Helper without beef?

You can use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option that still delivers great taste.

How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Hamburger Helper?

The total cooking time is approximately 17 minutes, including prep and cooking phases.

Can I use whole wheat pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta works well but may require slight adjustments in cooking time.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Hamburger Helper recipe is not only easy but also customizable and budget-friendly. Whether you prefer classic flavors or want to experiment with different ingredients, this dish adapts well. Give it a try today!