Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

This easy Instant Pot Hamburger Helper is a homemade version of the classic boxed dinner, made with simple pantry ingredients, ground beef, and elbow macaroni in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. It all comes together in one pot in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Healthier than traditional cheeseburger macaroni, this recipe is kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and can be made gluten free with just one swap.

Boxed Hamburger Helper was a go-to for me back in the day when I needed something quick and filling. Once I started cooking more from scratch, I realized how easy it is to make a healthier version at home and how much better it actually tastes!

You can toss in veggies like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers for a boost of nutrition, but honestly, I think the best move is to skip the box entirely. Making hamburger helper in the instant pot from scratch gives you full control over the ingredients and the flavor is way more satisfying. You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients or a complicated process to do it. Just simple, whole ingredients and a pressure cooker you’re good to go.

I love making this one-pot ground beef pasta dinner this way because it’s fast, filling, and always a hit with my family. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and the only thing I have to wash is the Instant Pot insert and a spatula.

This homemade version of cheeseburger macaroni has that same nostalgic flavor as the classic boxed dinner but with better texture, better ingredients, and can easily be customized. It’s a great recipe for meal prep. Leftovers heat up really well and my kid devours it every time.

👩🏻‍🍳This instant pot dinner is always a go to when I need a quick one pot meal along with Instant Pot Pasta and Meat Sauce, Instant Pot Beef and Sweet Potato Chili, Instant Pot Split Pea Soup, and Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs!

🍔Ingredients To Make Homemade Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

• Ground beef – This is the heart of the dish, bringing that classic cheeseburger flavor and a hearty source of protein. I usually go with lean ground beef (like 90/10) so it’s not too greasy but still flavorful.
• Onion & Garlic – Adds a savory base and natural sweetness that deepens the flavor of the dish.
• Tomato paste – Adds thickness and a deep umami flavor that helps create that signature saucy texture you expect in Hamburger Helper.
• Beef broth – Infuses the pasta with flavor as it cooks and keeps everything moist and tender. I recommend using low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level.
• Elbow macaroni – The classic pasta shape for Hamburger Helper. It cooks up perfectly in the Instant Pot and soaks up all that delicious sauce.
• Milk – Helps create a creamy, smooth sauce that ties everything together. Whole milk gives the best texture, but you can use what you have on hand.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into the sauce to create that cheesy, comforting finish. I like sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, and shredding your own cheese makes it extra melty.
• Dill pickle juice – A fun twist that gives the dish that cheeseburger tang. Just a splash adds depth and makes the flavors pop.
• Salt and pepper – Brings all the flavors to life. Taste as you go to get it just right.
• Optional add-ins – Feel free to stir in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli if you want to sneak in some veggies. It’s an easy way to stretch the meal and boost nutrition.

📖How To Cook Hamburger Helper In An Instant Pot From Scratch

1️⃣ Sauté the aromatics and beef: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, breaking the beef apart as it browns. You want the meat fully cooked and the onion softened and fragrant. This step helps develop rich flavor and creates a savory base for your cheeseburger pasta.

2️⃣ Add garlic and tomato paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Let them cook with the beef for 1–2 minutes, just until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly.

3️⃣ Deglaze and add liquid: Pour in a splash of the beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. These bits are full of flavor and prevent the burn notice during pressure cooking. Once deglazed, pour in the remaining broth and milk.

4️⃣ Add pasta and season: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, salt, and pepper. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly. Don’t stir too much, just enough to combine everything gently.

5️⃣ Pressure cook the pasta: Lock the lid in place and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Once the time is up, do a quick release by carefully turning the valve to venting. The pasta will be perfectly cooked and infused with all that beefy, cheesy flavor.

6️⃣ Finish with cheese and pickle juice: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and dill pickle juice while the mixture is still hot. The cheese will melt into a creamy, cheesy sauce that brings everything together. Give everything a final stir and taste for seasoning. Spoon into bowls and serve hot.

🥘Stovetop Instructions

You can make this dinner even if you don’t have an Instant Pot! Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth and milk, then add the uncooked elbow macaroni, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. Remove from heat, stir in shredded cheddar cheese and dill pickle juice, and let sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.

👩🏻‍🍳Expert Tips

• Let the tomato paste cook for at least a minute to mellow out the acidity. It brings out its natural sweetness.
• Scrape up every bit from the bottom of the pot after sautéing. This helps you avoid the dreaded burn notice during pressure cooking.
• Layer the ingredients gently after adding the pasta instead of stirring aggressively. This helps prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
• Freshly shredded cheddar melts much smoother than the pre-shredded kind. Those anti-caking agents in bagged cheese can make your sauce a little grainy.
• Use a long spoon when quick-releasing the pressure. It lets you stay out of the steam path, which comes out hot and fast.
• If the sauce looks a little loose after pressure cooking, give it a few minutes to sit before serving. It thickens up nicely as it cools slightly.
• Prep all your ingredients before turning on the Instant Pot. It keeps the cooking process smooth and stress-free once things start moving fast.
• A splash of broth or milk stirred in at the end can bring the sauce back to life. This is helpful if it’s been sitting a bit before serving.

🐔Ways To Customize

• Protein: Ground chicken, ground turkey, plant-based beef, ground sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, diced ham, ground bison, leftover steak, chopped bacon, crumbled tofu.
• Pasta: Elbow macaroni, rotini, small shells, penne, cavatappi, fusilli, rigatoni, farfalle, gemelli, gluten-free pasta.
• Veggies: Chopped spinach, bell peppers, broccoli florets, zucchini, frozen peas, mushrooms, shredded carrots, corn, kale, diced tomatoes.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby, pepper jack, provolone, American cheese, gouda, fontina, parmesan.

🧊Storage Instructions

Storing: Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This dish holds up well and makes great lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezing: Spoon the cooled hamburger helper into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months and label with the date. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between. For larger portions, warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

What To Serve With Hamburger Helper

While hamburger helper is a meal in itself, it would also go great with:

• Gluten Free Cornbread
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Grilled Zucchini
• Homemade Classic Coleslaw
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

❓FAQ