Experience the comforting flavors of a classic favorite with this Instant Pot Hamburger Helper recipe. Using the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can whip up a deliciously creamy and satisfying meal in no time. Packed with hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this homemade hamburger helper is sure to become a family favorite.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Classic Flavors: This Cheeseburger Pasta combines favorite tastes into one delicious dish.
- Easy and Fast: The Instant Pot ensures a quick, hassle-free cooking process.
- Kid-Friendly: It's a hit with the whole family, satisfying even picky eaters.
📋 Ingredients
- Lean Ground Beef: Forms the hearty, meaty base of the dish, reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger.
- White Onion: Adds a slightly sweet and sharp flavor that complements the savory beef.
- Rotini Pasta: Holds onto the sauce well with its spiral shape, providing a satisfying bite.
- Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: Contribute to the tangy, rich tomato base of the pasta sauce.
- Chicken Stock: Infuses the pasta with a savory depth of flavor as it cooks.
- Ketchup & Mustard: Add sweetness and tang to replicate that iconic cheeseburger taste.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the pasta, adding a creamy, cheesy element that's essential in a cheeseburger pasta.
- Salt & Pepper: Enhance all the other flavors.
- Garnish Ideas (Tomatoes, Pickle Slice, Green Onions): Add freshness, crunch, and color, making the dish more appealing and balanced.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
- Extra Vegetables: Add extra ingredients like mushrooms or peppers for flavor and nutrition.
- Spices: Experiment with spices such as garlic powder or paprika to customize the taste.
🔪How To Make Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
Step One: Add ground beef and onion to the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Saute until the beef is completely cooked.
Step Two: Once the beef is cooked, add in rotini pasta to the pot.
Step Three: Next, top with tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken stock, ketchup, and mustard. Ensure the pasta is covered with liquid.
Step Four: Put the lid on the pressure cooker and turn the pressure valve to sealed. Set the manual high-pressure time for 5 minutes.
Step Five: After cooking, allow for a natural pressure release for 4 minutes before letting the remaining pressure out.
Step Six: Fold in cheddar cheese until melted. Your cheesy pasta is now ready to enjoy.
This is a super simple and easy Instant pot meal and one the kids will love. For more Instant Pot Recipe Ideas Kids Will Love check out this post!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Mix Well: To evenly mix pasta in the Instant Pot, use a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold and stir the pasta, ensuring that all pieces are submerged in the cooking liquid and preventing clumping or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Reduce Fat: To reduce the saturated fat in this meal, drain the grease after browning the mince, before adding the pasta.
💭 FAQs
Store cheeseburger pasta leftovers promptly in a sealed container in the refrigerator to keep it flavorful and fresh. Seal the container tightly to prevent absorption of other odors and flavor. To extend shelf life, freeze the Cheeseburger Pasta in an airtight, freezer-safe container labeled with the date. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
To avoid the "burn" notice, it's essential to deglaze the pot after sautéing the meat. After browning the ground beef, add a bit of beef broth and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This step helps prevent the Instant Pot from detecting burnt food residues.
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken in this recipe. Using lean poultry options can make the dish lighter while still providing ample protein. Just ensure to cook the meat thoroughly until no longer pink.
Yes, you can double the ingredients to serve a larger group. However, keep the cooking time the same; the Instant Pot will take longer to come to pressure but will cook in the same amount of time. Ensure not to exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot.
Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite side dishes to serve with hamburger helper:
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve a side of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or peas. These colorful and nutritious veggies are a great way to balance out the richness of the Hamburger Helper while providing essential vitamins and minerals.
- Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Serve garlic bread slices or dinner rolls on the side. The warm, buttery bread pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the Hamburger Helper and makes for a satisfying meal that kids will love.
- Corn On The Cob: Cook some corn on the cob and serve it alongside the Hamburger Helper. Whether boiled, grilled, or roasted, corn on the cob is a classic side dish that kids enjoy and provides a tasty addition to the meal.
🍜 Related Recipes
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Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds Ground Beef
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 16 ounces Rotini Pasta
- 1 Can Diced Tomatoes
- 1 Can Tomato Sauce
- 3 Cups Chicken Stock
- ⅓ cup Ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Mustard
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese
- Pinch Salt And Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Pickles Garnish
Instructions
- Add ground beef and onion to the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Sauté until the beef is completely cooked.
- Next top with tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken stock and ketchup and mustard. The pasta should be covered with liquid.
- Put the lid on the pressure cooker and turn the pressure valve to sealed. Set manual high-pressure time for 5 minutes, doing a natural pressure release for 4 minutes before letting the remaining pressure out.
- Fold in cheddar cheese until melted. Your cheesy pasta is now ready to enjoy.
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