Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal on the table fast. Everything cooks together in the Instant Pot, which means less mess and more flavor. It’s creamy, cheesy, kid-approved, and incredibly budget-friendly. Plus, you can customize it with different add-ins or switch up the protein to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Elbow macaroni or other short pasta
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Beef broth
• Milk
• Tomato paste or ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and cook the onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in the beef broth and deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up any browned bits.
5. Add uncooked pasta and stir to combine. Make sure the pasta is just barely covered with liquid.
6. Cancel sauté mode. Lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
7. Once cooking time is up, do a quick release. Carefully open the lid.
8. Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes (includes pressurizing)
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add spinach, bell peppers, or peas for extra veggies.
• Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend.
• Add a splash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and confirming all sauces are gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, or warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. This dish is not recommended for freezing, as the pasta may become mushy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pastas like shells, penne, or rotini work well. Adjust cooking time if needed.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but make sure not to exceed the fill line of your Instant Pot. Cooking time remains the same.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and avoids a grainy texture.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use a plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternative. The texture may vary slightly.

Why is my pasta undercooked?

Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in liquid before pressure cooking. Let it sit for a few minutes after cooking if needed.

What’s the best ground meat to use?

Ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) offers the best flavor, but turkey or chicken are good alternatives.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh. The pasta can absorb sauce as it sits, so add a splash of milk when reheating.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. Add frozen peas or chopped spinach after pressure cooking for added nutrition.

How do I prevent the burn notice?

Deglaze the pot thoroughly after sautéing beef and onions by scraping up browned bits with broth.

What if my sauce is too thin?

Let the dish sit for a few minutes after pressure cooking—the sauce will thicken as it cools.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Hamburger Helper is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution—fast, cheesy, and completely satisfying. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, this homemade version of the classic favorite will quickly become a go-to meal for both kids and adults alike. It’s comfort food made easy, all in one pot.

Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

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A quick and creamy homemade version of the classic boxed dinner, Instant Pot Hamburger Helper combines ground beef, pasta, and a cheesy sauce into a comforting one-pot meal ready in under 30 minutes.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz elbow macaroni (or short pasta of choice)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Set Instant Pot to sauté mode. Heat olive oil and cook onion until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
2. Add ground beef, cooking until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in beef broth and deglaze the bottom of the pot by scraping up browned bits.
5. Add pasta and stir to combine, ensuring pasta is just submerged in liquid.
6. Cancel sauté mode. Lock lid, set valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.
7. When finished, quick release pressure carefully. Open lid.
8. Stir in milk and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving hot.

Notes

• For best texture, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter dish.
• Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Deglazing well prevents a burn notice on the Instant Pot.
• Leftovers may thicken—add a splash of milk when reheating.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/6 of recipe)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 940mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg