Instant Pot Hamburger Helper: Quick, Easy, and Delicious Recipe

Instant Pot Hamburger Helper: Remember those weeknights when dinner needed to be quick, easy, and satisfying? I do! And that’s where the classic Hamburger Helper often came to the rescue. But what if I told you that you could recreate that comforting, cheesy goodness in a fraction of the time, and with even more flavor?

Hamburger Helper emerged in the 1970s as a convenient way to stretch ground beef and feed families on a budget. While it was a pantry staple for many, we’re taking it to the next level. This Instant Pot Hamburger Helper recipe is a game-changer! It captures the nostalgic taste you crave, but with a homemade touch that elevates the entire dish.

People adore Hamburger Helper for its simplicity and comforting flavors. It’s the ultimate one-pot meal, minimizing cleanup and maximizing deliciousness. This Instant Pot version amplifies those qualities. The pressure cooker infuses the beef and pasta with incredible flavor, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes! Get ready to experience a modern twist on a beloved classic that will quickly become a family favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Browning the Beef and Aromatics

1. First, turn your Instant Pot on and select the “Sauté” function. This will heat up the pot and allow us to brown the ground beef.
2. Once the Instant Pot displays “Hot,” add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks.
3. Cook the ground beef until it is browned, making sure to crumble it well. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Leaving too much grease in the pot can affect the final flavor and texture of the dish.
4. Now, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned ground beef.
5. Continue to sauté for another 3-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.

Adding the Sauce and Seasonings

1. Cancel the “Sauté” function. This is important to prevent the sauce from scorching on the bottom of the pot during the pressure cooking process.
2. Pour in the condensed tomato soup, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel).
3. Add the beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and black pepper.
4. Stir everything together well to ensure that all the ingredients are combined and the seasonings are evenly distributed.
5. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a spoon or spatula to loosen any browned bits of beef that may be stuck. This is called deglazing, and it adds a lot of flavor to the final dish.

Pressure Cooking the Hamburger Helper

1. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the Instant Pot.
2. Gently stir the macaroni into the sauce mixture, making sure it is mostly submerged in the liquid. This will help the macaroni cook evenly.
3. Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
4. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 4 minutes.
5. The Instant Pot will now begin to build pressure. This may take several minutes.
6. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally pressure release for 10 minutes. This means letting the pressure release on its own for 10 minutes after the timer goes off.
7. After 10 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining pressure by moving the pressure release valve to the “Venting” position. Be cautious, as steam will be released.
8. Once all the pressure has been released and the float valve has dropped, carefully open the Instant Pot lid.

Finishing Touches and Serving

1. Stir the Hamburger Helper well. The macaroni should be cooked through and the sauce should have thickened. If the sauce is too thin, you can turn the “Sauté” function back on for a few minutes to allow it to reduce slightly, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
2. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and creamy.
3. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
4. Serve hot and enjoy! This Instant Pot Hamburger Helper is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that the whole family will love.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to customize your Instant Pot Hamburger Helper:

• Use different types of ground meat: You can substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground sausage for the ground beef. Adjust the cooking time slightly if using a leaner meat like ground turkey or chicken, as they may cook faster.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the pot, such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Add them along with the onion and garlic during the sautéing step.
• Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Use different types of cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Add beans: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or black beans for added protein and fiber.
• For a creamier sauce: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese after cooking.
• Adjust the liquid: If you prefer a thicker or thinner sauce, adjust the amount of beef broth accordingly.
• Don’t overcook the macaroni: Be careful not to overcook the macaroni, as it can become mushy. The 4-minute cooking time is usually perfect, but you may need to adjust it slightly depending on your Instant Pot and the type of macaroni you use.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues and solutions:

• Burn Notice: If you get a “Burn” notice on your Instant Pot, it means that the food is sticking to the bottom of the pot and overheating. This can happen if there isn’t enough liquid in the pot or if the sauce is too thick. To prevent this, make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot well after browning the beef and adding the sauce. You can also add a little extra beef broth. If you do get a “Burn” notice, turn off the Instant Pot, release the pressure, and carefully remove the food from the pot. Add a little more liquid and try again.
• Macaroni is undercooked: If the macaroni is still undercooked after the cooking time is complete, you can add a little more beef broth and cook for another minute or two.
• Sauce is too thin: If the sauce is too thin, you can turn the “Sauté” function back on for a few minutes to allow it to reduce slightly, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
• Sauce is too thick: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more beef broth to thin it out.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
• Protein: 25-35 grams per serving
• Fat: 20-30 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams per serving

Enjoy your delicious and easy Instant Pot Hamburger Helper!

Conclusion:

This Instant Pot Hamburger Helper recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s about reclaiming weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor or quality. It’s a one-pot wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal in a fraction of the time compared to the stovetop version. Forget standing over a hot stove stirring endlessly – the Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy your evening.

But the real magic lies in the taste. The pressure cooking process infuses the beef with incredible depth, and the pasta cooks perfectly al dente, absorbing all the delicious, creamy sauce. It’s a nostalgic dish elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds!

And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Want to add more vegetables? Toss in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or even spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. Looking for a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. You could even swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

For serving suggestions, a simple side salad complements the richness of the Instant Pot Hamburger Helper perfectly. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve it with a side of garlic bread for dipping into that cheesy sauce.

Consider these variations to make it your own:

* Cheesy Broccoli Hamburger Helper: Add 1 cup of chopped broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
* Spicy Chorizo Hamburger Helper: Substitute half of the ground beef with chorizo for a smoky, spicy twist.
* Mushroom and Onion Hamburger Helper: Sauté sliced mushrooms and onions before adding the ground beef for a more sophisticated flavor.
* Deluxe Hamburger Helper: Stir in a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for a zesty kick.

I’m confident that this recipe will become a staple in your household. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, unexpected guests, or simply when you’re craving a comforting and satisfying meal.

So, what are you waiting for? Dust off your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the best Instant Pot Hamburger Helper you’ve ever tasted! I’m so excited for you to try it!

Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. Enjoy!