Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Put the box away and make this homemade hamburger helper. This Instant Pot Hamburger Helper is quick and easy, plus the entire family will love it! It brings me back to my childhood and I remember eating it at my parent’s table. The flavor is amazing and I love that it’s an easy dinner recipe in my pressure cooker. Put this Cheeseburger Macaroni on your regular rotation!
Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
If you were like me, you grew up eating Hamburger Helper, right? It was always a favorite meal in our house! And I know it was a favorite for Mom too because it was quick and easy to make. We ALL love that!
BUT, now that the holidays are here and gone you have one gift you haven’t opened yet, right? Or well maybe you’ve opened it, but you’re not quite sure you want to cook with it yet? I’m talking about your Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot!
Maybe you’ve been looking at instant pot recipes like; Pressure Cooker Swedish Meatballs, Instant Pot Beef Taco Soup, Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo or Pressure Cooker Chicken Taco Soup
The pressure cooker can seem a little daunting, right? Well, I’m here to tell you, don’t be afraid! It’s really easy to use, so if you’re new to the IP (short for Instant Pot) let’s start with this simple easy recipe! If you’re an old hat and you’ve been using your pressure cooker for some time, then great!
Either way, you’re going to love this recipe!
Let’s get started by answering some quick questions.
Are instant pots safe?
Absolutely! Here are a couple things to keep in mind:
- Pressure cookers actually have a built-in safety feature that will not allow you to open the lid until it’s safe. Don’t worry, the top won’t blow off!
- Because forceful hot steam is released when the pressure valve is opened, be sure to place it on a counter away from the bottom of your cupboard so it can vent easily.
- Don’t overfill it. Be sure to follow the recipe and the manufacturers’ instructions.
Does that make you more comfortable? GREAT!! Now let’s talk about how to make this super delicious, quick and easy Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni!
Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni
I developed this recipe because my most popular recipe on this blog is my Instant Pot Hamburger Stroganoff and these recipes are like brother and sisters… different yet kind of the same concept!
Grocery List for Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
- vegetable oil
- ground beef
- yellow onion
- garlic
- kosher salt
- ground black pepper
- Worcestershire sauce
- tomato paste
- beef broth
- cheddar cheese
- elbow macaroni dry
How do you cook ground beef in an instant pot?
The great thing about the pressure cooker is they come with a saute function. You do not have to dirty an extra pan. Set the IP to saute when it’s time to brown the ground beef.
Can you cook hamburger helper in instant pot?
From start to finish yes! It will be 100 times better than what you get in a box! If you don’t have a pressure cooker try my stovetop hamburger helper!
Steps to make Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni
- Add the oil to the pressure cooker and set to sauté.
- Next, add ground beef and diced onion. Brown the ground beef, about 5 minutes.
- Season with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Pour in 1/4 c. of beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any pieces of beef that may be stuck to the bottom.
- Add the rest of the broth and macaroni. Stir well.
- Lock the lid, turn the pressure valve to closed and set the cooking time to 5 minutes.
- When instant pot beeps and is done cooking, quick release the steam valve.
- Stir in the cheese until melted and combined.
See?!! Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is easy, delicious and made in the pressure cooker takes no time at all! I really hope you give this a try and when you do, be sure to come and comment below and give me five stars for this tasty recipe!
I know everyone in your family will love it as much as we do – even your picky eaters!!
More Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Hamburger Stroganoff
- Pressure Cooker Mac and Cheese
- How to Make Instant Pot Baked Potatoes!
- French Onion Pressure Cooker Meatloaf
- Instant Pot Taco Pasta
- Instant Pot Pork Roast with Vegetables
- Instant Pot Jambalaya
I have lots of Instant Pot Recipes on the blog – be sure and find your new favorite recipe!
p.s. before I go let me see if I can entice you a little more into using your pressure cooker …. Did you know it’s dishwasher safe? Yup! The stainless steel cooking vessel can be placed right into your dishwasher! Even the top can be put in there! Just be sure to place it on the top rack!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Instant Pot Hamburger Helper Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 c. yellow onion diced
- 1 Tbsp garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 4 c. low sodium beef broth
- 2 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
- 16 oz elbow macaroni dry
Instructions
- Add vegetable oil to instant pot and set to saute.
- Add ground beef and onion. Cook and crumble until ground beef is cooked is almost cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt and pepper to pot. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour in 1/4 c. of beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any pieces of beef that may be stuck to the bottom of the pot. This will prevent the burn indicator on the instant pot when pressure cooking.
- Add the rest of the broth and macaroni. Stir and make sure the macaroni is submerged into the broth.
- Lock the lid, seal the valve and set the pressure cooking time to 5 minutes.
- When instant pot is done cooking, quick release the steam valve. Stir in the cheese until completely melted and combined.
Janie says
How many servings would this be?
Julie Evink says
There are 8 servings listed in the recipe card.
Danie says
Tasted great. Noodles were wayyy too soft and too many.
PAN66 says
We love it! Sometimes I add a little heavy cream to give it more creaminess. This recipe is a family favorite.
Julie Evink says
Great tip! Thanks for commenting and rating the recipe!
Sheri says
Pretty good. Easy and quick! My grandson would love it!
Julie Evink says
I’m sure he would! Thanks for commenting and rating it!
Shenee Omuso says
Hello! I don’t have an instant pot. Is there a way to modify the recipe with a regular pot?
Julie Evink says
This is our stovetop version –> https://www.julieseatsandtreats.com/homemade-hamburger-helper/
Deb says
Easy and delicious
Julie Evink says
Great to hear Deb! Thanks for commenting and rating the recipe!
Melly says
This was quick and easy! Thanks for the great recipe!
Julie Evink says
So glad you enjoyed it Melly!
AnnM says
I made this for dinner tonight and this rates a 10+ stars. It’s perfect and absolutely delicious! Best homemade hamburger helper I’ve ever made or ate. I’ll definitely make this again. Thanks for sharing it.
Julie Evink says
That’s amazing to hear!! Thanks for commenting and rating the recipe!
Anna says
Do I need to drain grease after cooking ground beef? Thank you 😊
Julie Evink says
If you have a lot of grease yes drain it. Really depends on how lean your meat is!
Chris David says
I’ve made these three times in less than a month. They are so easy and so delicious. Thanks for the great recipe.
Julie Evink says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Mel says
I was looking for a recipe that incorporated what I already had on hand, and this is what I found through Pinterest. I used rice instead of macaroni (because I didn’t have any) and adjusted the cooking time. It turned out great! Thanks!
Julie Evink says
Awesome! I want to try it with rice now! How long did you cook it?
Tatjana Roode says
Oh waiting for your reply on the rice!
Lisa says
love this recipe! would penne work instead of macaroni? Thanks!
Julie Evink says
Yes I would think it would.
Lisa says
Will 2X fit in the 6 quart instapot?
Julie Evink says
No I don’t think it would.
Erica Danta says
Love this recipe!! It’s a fam fav!! I’ve tweaked it just a tad. I dbl the Worcestershire sauce and in addition to the cheddar cheese I add 1 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mmmmm!!
Julie Evink says
Great additions!
Charlotte says
We love this meal and is an easy go to! I like to add frozen peas and/or corn to it sometimes. I did notice that when I put this into my MyFitnessPal app that the calories almost came to half, not sure why but I’ll take it, haha!
Julie Evink says
That’s a win!