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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.

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

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

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/instant-pot-hamburger-helper/