Go Back
–+ servings
Close up overhead view of prepared cheeseburger macaroni in a white bowl.
Print Recipe
4.56 from 43 votes

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Mac / Copy Cat Hamburger Helper

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).
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheeseburger macaroni, instant pot, instant pot pasta, pressure cooker, weeknight dinner
Servings: 6
Calories: 582kcal
Author: foodyschmoody

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon oil something high smoke point, avocado, vegetable or coconut oil
  • 1 Pound lean ground beef
  • ½ Cup diced sweet onion
  • 2 Cloves garlic minced
  • 1 Teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ Teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
  • ½ Teaspoon dry thyme
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tablespoon tomato paste
  • 4 Cup beef broth OR 3 C beef broth + 1 C water
  • 2 Cup shredded cheddar cheese or cheddar blend
  • 16 Ounces elbow macaroni dry

Instructions

  • 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.
  • Season with salt, pepper, thyme and Worcestershire sauce.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Lock lid into place and seal valve. Using manual button set time to 5 minutes (high pressure).
  • 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.

Notes

These are very generous serving sizes. If serving with a salad or a side dish, this would easily 8 people rather than 6.

Nutrition

Calories: 582kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 1364mg | Potassium: 644mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 470IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 309mg | Iron: 4mg