Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

Instant Pot Hamburger Helper is a quick and easy dinner that’s ready in no time. Simple to make, so delicious – no box mix required!

I don’t know about you, but I love to keep things simple and easy when it comes to dinner around here. So sometimes I pull out a box mix for dinner.

But there are plenty of times when I don’t even have those on hand. Fortunately, with this recipe I don’t need the box mix to make Homemade Instant Pot Hamburger Helper.

I love this easy Instant Pot Hamburger Helper because it brings back all those memories of childhood. Mom was an amazing baker – but when it came to savory things – we typically had something quick – like cheeseburger macaroni.

She would sure love how easy the Instant Pot makes it – so simple, not a lot of minding the food while it cooks. Once the lid goes on – you can go vaccuum, sort the mail, transfer the laundry and be super productive – all while dinner cooks. I love it.

hamburger helper

Here are some commonly asked questions

What size Instant Pot do you use for this recipe?

I am currently using an 8-quart pot, but this recipe can be made in the 6-quart pot too. If you have one of the smaller versions (3-quart mini), I recommend cutting this recipe in half.

How do I make this recipe at high altitude?

**Live at High Altitude – Because water boils at a lower temperature at high altitudes, and pressure cooking requires water to boil in order to work, some foods may need a little more cooking time.

When pressure cooking at high altitudes you want to make sure to add 5 percent to your cook time for every 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet elevation. For example, when we lived at 4,000+ feet I would add 10 percent to my cook time.

For a recipe that called for 20-minutes of cooking time, I would then cook for 22 minutes. When pressure cooking, 1-2 minutes can make all the difference in a recipe, unlike when cooking by traditional methods.

Can this recipe be doubled in a larger Instant Pot?

Since I have made this in both the 6 and the 8 quart versions – I can say that there isn’t enough room by adding the extra 2 quarts to make a double batch of this delicious dinner.

Believe me – I am all about the leftovers and I sure wish I could double this – but unfortunatly it just won’t fit. Sorry about that.

hamburger helper recipe

I got a burn notification – now what?

This probably happened because the pot was not deglazed after the meat was cooked. Anything that is stuck onto the bottom of the pot can effect how the cooker comes to pressure – resulting in it not cooking correctly. This can also happen if the mixture is too thick. If the mixture isn’t stirred well – it will cause the burn notice.

Make sure that the bottom of the pot is clean by scraping up any food stuck to it using a wooden spoon. Stir the mixture well and make sure there is adequate liquid in the pot – you can always add 1/4 cup to a 1/2 cup more depending on your elevation and climate.

Here are my favorite Instant Pot Tools and Accessories!

1. Instant Pot
2. Non-Stick Instant Pot Insert with Silicone Lid
3. Accessory Set
4. Glass Lid
5. Sealing Rings
6. Silicone Egg Bites Mold
7. Large Mesh Steamer Basket
8. Complete Cook & Bake Set

Can I use another type of ground protein?

You bet! You can use ground turkey or even ground chicken if you prefer.

homemade hamburger helper

How do you cook ground beef in the Instant Pot?

One of the best features of today’s pressure cookers is that they are multi-functional. Most I have seen come with a saute setting along with many others.

This setting works like a skillet – allowing you to brown the meat, saute veggies or anything else you would normally cook in a skillet. This is great for keeping all the mess to ONE POT, which makes clean-up a breeze!

Do I have to use elbow macaroni?

No – the elbow macaroni is just a suggestion. If you would like to use shells, penne, spirals, bowties or anything else you have on hand – that will all work fine.

Keep in mind that the thicker, sturdier noodles might take an additional minute to cook. I don’t recommend this with egg noodles as they don’t hold up as well.

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

How to make Hamburger Helper

1. Turn the Instant Pot to the saute setting and heat the oil.
2. Add the onion and garlic and saute until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Break up the beef into the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes or until no pink remains in the beef.
4. Add the macaroni, broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper.
5. Stir to combine. Be sure to scrape any cooked ground beef off the bottom.
6. Cover and set the Instant Pot to cook at high-pressure for 5 minutes.
7. When the cycle is complete, quick-release the pressure, remove lid and stir well.
8. Stir in the cheese a little at a time and serve immediately with fresh parsley or parmesan cheese if desired.
9. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator.

What to serve with hamburger helper Instant Pot

• Chef Salad
• Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Biscuits
• 30-Minute Dinner Rolls
• Bacon & Garlic Green Beans
• Classic Cornbread

Ingredients for Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni

• canola or vegetable oil
• onion
• garlic – minced finely
• lean ground beef
• elbow macaroni, dry
• beef broth
• tomato paste
• Worcestershire sauce
• salt and pepper
• cheddar cheese – shredded
• fresh parsley chopped, optional for serving
• fresh parmesan cheese

Can you make the boxed version in the Instant Pot?

Yes – you can! Just cook the meat on the saute setting as you would with this recipe. Then add the other ingredients the box calls for (water, pasta, milk & the seasoning packet). Cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes. Quick release – stir and serve.

If you love this Easy Hamburger Helper recipe, you’re going to love these other quick dinners too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

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If you love this recipe for Homemade Hamburger Helper as much as I do, please write a five-star review, and be sure to help me share on Facebook and Pinterest!

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