This Instant Pot Hamburger Helper is a homemade twist on the classic boxed meal, made even easier in the Instant Pot! Ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce come together for a quick, hearty dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or small pasta
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté the Beef:
- Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Ingredients:
- Cancel the Sauté mode. Add the beef broth, milk, pasta, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Pressure Cook:
- Secure the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Pressure cook on High for 4 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, perform a Quick Release by carefully turning the valve to “Venting.”
- Add the Cheese:
- Open the lid and stir the pasta. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Let the mixture sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add a cup of frozen peas, diced tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 22g
- Sugar: 5g
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