Instant Pot Cheeseburger Mac / Copy Cat Hamburger Helper

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Mac / Copy Cat Hamburger Helper

from foodyschmoodyblog.com
Dinner
15 min
6 servings
582 kcal / serving

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

  • 1 tablespoonoil (something high smoke point, avocado, vegetable or coconut oil)
  • 1 poundlean ground beef
  • ½ cupdiced sweet onion
  • 2 clovesgarlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoonkosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoonblack pepper (freshly cracked)
  • ½ teaspoondry thyme
  • 1 tablespoonworcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoontomato paste
  • 4 cupbeef broth or 3 c beef broth + 1 c water
  • 2 cupshredded cheddar cheese or cheddar blend
  • 16 ounceselbow macaroni (dry)

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.