Instant Pot Cheeseburger Mac / Copy Cat Hamburger Helper

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Mac / Copy Cat Hamburger Helper

6 servings
This homemade version of a hamburger helper type meal is loaded with ground beef and cheese.  A true family friendly meal, ready in under 20 minutes with a pressure cooker (Instant Pot).

Ingredients

  • oil

    something high smoke point, avocado, vegetable or coconut oil

    1 tbsp
  • lean ground beef
    1 lb
  • diced sweet onion
    ½ c
  • garlic

    minced

    2 cloves
  • kosher salt
    1 tsp
  • black pepper

    freshly cracked

    ¼ tsp
  • dry thyme
    ½ tsp
  • worcestershire sauce
    1 tbsp
  • tomato paste
    2 tbsp
  • beef broth or 3 c beef broth + 1 c water
    4 c
  • shredded cheddar cheese or cheddar blend
    2 c
  • elbow macaroni

    dry

    16 oz

Directions

  1. 1

    Set to IP to saute mode. Add the oil. When preheated, add in ground beef and cook, breaking up as it cooks. Add in onion and garlic and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, just until softened.

  2. 2

    Season with salt, pepper, thyme and Worcestershire sauce.

  3. 3

    Stir in tomato paste. Pour in ¼ cup of the broth to deglaze the pot. Scrape all the bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon or similar. Add in the remaining liquid.

  4. 4

    Add the macaroni to the pot. Rather than stir it in, gently push it in just so it is all in the liquid. Cancel saute mode.

  5. 5

    Lock lid into place and seal valve. Using manual button set time to 5 minutes (high pressure).

  6. 6

    After 5 minutes are up, quick release the steam. Remove cover and stir in half the cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and place cover, not locked, back on pot for 2 minutes to help the cheese melt. Serve while warm.

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Mac / Copy Cat Hamburger Helper

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Mac / Copy Cat Hamburger Helper

4.6(44)15 min6 servings582 cal

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foodyschmoodyblog.com
4.6(44 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving that ultimate comfort food classic without the fuss? This Instant Pot Cheeseburger Mac delivers all the nostalgic, hearty flavor of a homemade hamburger helper type meal, but in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for your busiest weeknights.This pressure cooker cheeseburger macaroni truly shines through its brilliant simplicity and incredible speed. By cooking the elbow macaroni directly with the savory ground beef mixture, you achieve a deeply integrated flavor where every component contributes to a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a true one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup and maximizes deliciousness, setting it apart from more complicated stovetop versions.Prepare for a satisfying bowl of tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce. Each bite is packed with lean ground beef, subtly sweetened by diced sweet onion, fragrant garlic, and a hint of earthy thyme, all rounded out by the tang of cheddar cheese and a savory boost from Worcestershire. It’s a naturally hearty and incredibly family-friendly dish that feels indulgent but comes together with surprising ease, promising a comforting experience that will quickly become a household favorite.This comforting cheeseburger mac is quite versatile, allowing for simple adjustments. You can easily switch out the shredded cheddar cheese for a different cheddar blend if you prefer a sharper or milder profile. If sweet onion isn't available, a yellow onion works just as well to provide that essential aromatic base.Serve this homemade cheeseburger mac hot for a satisfying dinner that everyone will love. It's a complete meal on its own, ideal for a cozy family night, and it's substantial enough to make any weeknight feel special.

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