Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

This Instant Pot Hamburger Helper recipe is a fast, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, this dish is both comforting and delicious. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a family-friendly recipe that’s sure to please. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, with minimal cleanup required. Plus, it’s highly customizable—swap in ground turkey, add veggies, or use a different cheese to suit your tastes. Whether you’re craving a simple dinner or want to impress your family with a quick, homemade meal, this Instant Pot recipe is the perfect solution for a satisfying dinner. Perfect for fans of one-pot meals, easy dinners, and Instant Pot recipes!

Ingredients
US Customary:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 16 oz. dried elbow macaroni (1 lb. box)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Shred the cheese and set it aside to bring it closer to room temperature.
2. Sauté Ground Beef: Turn the Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. Add vegetable oil, followed by the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for about 5 minutes until browned.
3. Add Onions and Garlic: Stir in the diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Season and Flavor: Mix in Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and salt/pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in ¼ cup of beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits to enhance flavor and prevent the burn warning.
6. Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the rest of the beef broth. Add the macaroni, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
7. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and seal the valve. Set to pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
8. Quick Release: Once the timer goes off, carefully perform a quick release to vent the steam.
9. Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until creamy and well combined.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped parsley or Parmesan flakes if desired, and serve warm!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: A kid-approved dish that adults will love too.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup since everything cooks in the Instant Pot.
• Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

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Tips

• Cheese Tips: Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as well.
• Deglazing: Don’t skip scraping the bottom of the pot after adding broth to avoid triggering the burn warning.
• Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper based on the saltiness of the broth and cheese.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Cheese Choices: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheese blend.
• Vegetables: Add peas, diced bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free macaroni and ensure your broth and seasonings are gluten-free.

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to refresh the sauce.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
You can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking by following the same steps, cooking the macaroni separately, and combining everything at the end.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty dish with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. A slice of garlic bread or dinner roll on the side makes for a comforting addition.

Enjoy this easy and delicious Instant Pot Hamburger Helper, perfect for any weeknight dinner!