This cheesy, saucy, and hearty hamburger helper is so good and extremely nostalgic. This is a quick and easy week night dinner that will take you back to your childhood. This instant pot homemade cheesy hamburger helper tastes better than the store-bought version. It’s a family favorite and will be a delicious weeknight meal.
Growing up, did you eat hamburger helper for dinner? I know we did, all the time. It was one of those dinners I really looked forward to. It was simple, full of flavor, and I couldn’t get enough of it. This box meal was enough to feed my whole family. Years later, I decided to make it homemade and boy is it not only good, it’s better.
Making this dish homemade takes out all of the preservatives and helps you know exactly what’s in your dinner. This is important and why I love home cooking because you know what you’re eating and you don’t have to worry about not being able to pronounce what’s on the ingredient list. Did I mention this is just as easy if not easier to make than the store-bought alternative?
Using the instant pot is not as intimidating as it seems. It can do so much and really saves time when you want to get dinner out and ready at a decent time. This has been a life saver for us. In fact, I’ve been having more family over on the weeknights for dinner because I can whip something up so quick and easy. If you don’t already have one I suggest getting one because it will change the way you feel about cooking.
Making the instant pot cheesy hamburger helper
Making this starts with simple ingredients like macaroni which is something I always I have on hand to make Gouda Mac and Cheese or Macaroni Salad with Old Bay Shrimp!
To make this turn your instant pot onto the sauté setting. This is an awesome feature that allows you to sauté your meat and vegetables before cooking everything all together. Start by adding the oil and the onion and sauté until it becomes softened and translucent.
Once the onion has cooked add the ground beef. Break this up and brown until it’s cooked. This is also the time you should add your seasonings which include Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, and pepper. You may need more oil or broth as it cooks to keep it from sticking. Once the beef is ground up and cooked you need to turn off the instant pot. Now you will add the milk, broth, pasta, and tomato sauce.
When you add the pasta, you want to do so without stirring. Ensure that all the pasta is submerged under the liquid as best as you can before closing the lid. Turn the knob to the sealed direction and pressure cook for 5 minutes. Keep in mind extra time will take for the instant pot to reach pressure before it starts to count down. When the 5 minutes is up you need to switch the knob to the pressure release side and let the pressure release. Once the knob as dropped and the pressure has been released open the instant pot and give it a good few stirs. Add your cheese and let sit for a few minutes to allow it to thicken. Serve with parsley and or extra cheese on top
Variations
Looking for a healthier alternative to ground beef? Try ground turkey. There will be less fat so it’ll be less greasy. If you cook with this you may find that you need more oil to keep it from sticking. If so, add more or opt for broth to deglaze the pan while the turkey cooks.
If you’re looking to cut out even more fat and calories from this meal, try substituting the oil for beef broth. In other words you’ll sauté the onion and beef or turkey with beef broth. This not only infuses it with more flavor, it keeps out many unnecessary calories. Since the sauté setting does get pretty hot you may need to add more broth as it evaporates and cooks up so keep a close eye on this. Don’t add too much or you could mess with the liquid to pasta ratio.
Use your favorite cheese. If you’re not feeling cheddar you can opt for a mozzarella which has a more mild flavor or just a regular cheddar instead of sharp. I find sharp to be my favorite but you can feel free to use any kind you have on hand.
Storing
you can keep this hamburger helper in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also works if you’re meal prepping for your week. When you go to heat this up, you’ll want to microwave for around 30 seconds and stir well then reheat for another 30 seconds or put to a minute longer.
I can’t wait for you to try this delicious cheesy instant pot hamburger helper. It’s nostalgic, hearty, and a family favorite. It’s easy to make and everyone is going to love it. Now, let’s get on to the recipe.
Quick and Easy Instant Pot Cheesy Hamburger Helper
Equipment
- Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Turn your instant pot onto the sauté setting and add the oil. Once the oil has heated, add the onion and begin to sauté for 3-5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent
- Add the ground beef, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and worcestershire. Break up the ground beef and cook until there is no more pink
- Cancel the sauté setting on the instant pot. Add the milk, beef broth, macaroni, and tomato sauce. Gently press the noodles below the liquid but don’t stir.
- Turn the knob to the sealed position and set the instant pot to pressure cook for 5 minutes
- Once the instant pot is done switch the knob to quick release. Once the pressure is released, open the top and stir in the cheese and serve
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