Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

Instant Pot Hamburger Helper is the ultimate comfort food that's filled with nostaglia. The convenience of the Instant Pot make the process super easy, making a budget friendly meat the whole family will love! Healthier and tastier than store bought!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Easy - ready in 30 minutes, the Instant Pot speeds up the process, and the one pot cooking makes clean up easier. Faster than takeout!
• Ultimate Comfort Food - pasta, carbs, meat and cheese. Need I say more?
• Budget Friendly - easy on your wallet with ingredients you already have in your pantry
• Kids Love It - they will eat this up and ask for seconds

Ingredients

• Onion and Garlic
• Olive or Vegetable Oil
• Ground Beef
• Spices - Paprika, Salt and Pepper
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Can of Diced Tomatoes
• Beef Broth
• Macaroni Pasta (Elbow Pasta)
• Cheddar Cheese
• Sour Cream

Equipment

• Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)
• Wooden Spoon
• Cheese Grater

How to Make Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

1. Sauté - set Instant Pot to Sauté and add Oil. Caramelize onions and add Ground Beef and Garlic. Cook until Browned.
2. Season - mix in Paprika, Salt, Pepper and Worcestershire Sauce.
3. Add Tomatoes - stir in Diced Tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Add Pasta - layer Macaroni over the Ground Beef and add Beef Stock.
5. Cook - close the Instant Pot Lid and set Vent to Sealing. Set the pressure to Manual for 5 minutes. When cooking is done, carefully quick release the Steam Valve.
6. Make it Creamy - stir in Grated Cheddar Cheese and Sour Cream.
7. Serve - garnish with fresh chopped Parsley and Garlic Bread or Salad. Serve immediately.

Hamburger Helper Variations

• Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper - add Diced Pickles, Ketchup and a small squirt of Mustard for a Cheeseburger flavor twist
• Taco Hamburger Helper - substitute Paprika with Taco Seasoning and add Diced Jalapeños or Chipotles in Adobo Sauce
• Cheesy Bacon Hamburger Helper - load up flavor with Chopped Bacon, Green Onions and extra Cheese
• Spicy - Add Cayenne Pepper, Chili Flakes or sauté sliced Red Chili Peppers with the Onions.

Recipe Tips and FAQs

• Avoid Overcooking Pasta - as soon as it is ready, quick release pressure so pasta isn't mushy
• Change Pasta - switch it up by using different Pasta like Rotini, Shells, Penne, Fusilli, Rigatoni or Bow Tie Pasta
• Fresh Grated Cheese - using store-bought Pre-Shredded Cheese usually has anti-caking agents which isn't as healthy and may impact creaminess of your sauce
• Add Herbs - stir in freshly chopped Basil, Oregano or Dill for more flavor
• Thicken Sauce - if sauce appears too thin, add more Grated Cheese. Alternatively, let dish sit for a few minutes after cooking to thicken from the pasta.

Can I Add Vegetables?

It's a great idea to make it even healthier! When cooking Pasta, add 1 cup of Frozen Peas, Corn, Carrots, Chopped Green Beans or Diced Bell Peppers. Alternatively, stir in 2 cups of fresh Baby Spinach into Hamburger Helper. Don't worry, it wilt and blends into the pasta!

What Happens If I Get A Burn Warning?

This usually only happens if there are stuck bits on the bottom of the pot. You can de-glaze after cooking Ground Beef. However after adding Diced Tomatoes, stir to scrape any bits from the bottom. It's like a de-glaze without needing to remove ingredients from pot.

Storage and Reheating

• Fridge - store in an airtight container and refrigerate. Enjoy within 3 days.
• Freezer - freezing will alter the texture of the pasta. Place in a Ziploc Bag squeezing out excess air and freeze. Enjoy within 1-2 months. Defrost in fridge overnight before heating.
• Reheating - place Hamburger Helper in a skillet or frying pan. Add a splash of Milk or Broth. Heat over medium heat until warmed. Add extra cheese.

Easy Dinner Recipes You'll Love

• Instant Pot Greek Lamb
• Cheeseburger Gnocchi in a Skillet
• French Dip with Easy au Jus
• Sweet Chili Chicken Drumsticks
• Creamy Chicken Stroganoff
• Instant Pot Lamb Shanks
• Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Chorizo
• Instant Pot Greek Lamb Shanks
• Grilled Snapper with Mango Salsa

Instant Pot Hamburger Helper is an easy Pressure Cooker recipe, a cheesy carb overload on a plate! Made with wholesome ingredients like Diced Tomatoes, real Onions and Garlic without preservatives. Packs a flavor ensuring you'll never want to buy store bought again. Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!

©PetersFoodAdventures.com *originally published February 2020, updated January 2025