Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe ⋆ by Pink (2024)

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Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe is an awesome almost effortless, homemade hamburger helper.

It’s one kid approved recipe that we make all the time.

The taste of this quick and easy meal makes it seem like you slaved over this meal all day. And I myself, being that I am often dramatic would pretend to have spent hours on it.

If your family likes hamburger helper in the box then you will love this homemade version. You will never go back to that boxed stuff!

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe ⋆ by Pink (1)

And, I love to switch it up a bit. Take away half the garlic powder and sub in onion powder snd even add some salt and pepper to taste.

My family loved this recipe, I promise it is way better than the Hamburger Helper boxed version.

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

Amazon has this cool little ground beef chopper that crumbled the meat perfectly for this meal.

I actually bought it a few months back and never used it, but it crumbled the meat just right.

I wish I would have found this handy gadget a lot sooner. Because it is something I now use every single time I am cooking ground meat.

How do you make homemade cheeseburger macaroni from scratch (see stovetop instructions in the notes)

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe ⋆ by Pink (2)

I can not tell you enough how amazing this Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Hamburger Helper was.

The hot sauce added tremendously to the flavors without making it too spicy. My youngest doesn't really like spicy foods, but she loved this.

And although I like the flavor the chicken broth gives, you can also switch it out for beef broth, you can even switch the ground beef out for ground turkey or chicken. The recipe is the recipe of all ground beef recipes, trust me.

What Do You Eat With Instant POt CHeeseburger Macaroni?

To clarify, Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is the perfect stand-alone recipe. But, in short, you can pair it with garlic bread if you want to have a little something more with it.

This was one of my favorite childhood comfort foods and has become a fast adult favorite. We would eat the Cheeseburger Mac style that had a lot of flavoring to it. And then we would sprinkle with grated cheese.

Hamburger Helper was a staple in our home, and I get it. Being a busy parent you don't always have time to cook. And Instant Pot Hamburger helper is fast to make and easy, so I totally get it now being a mom and realizing how hard parenting can be.

So, creating a homemade version just fit my lifestyle when I was introduced to the Instant Pot. It tastes very similar to the box, only it is better because I know exactly what goes into the recipe!

Sometimes boxed mixes give you that over-processed flavors, and with this, you get fresh ingredient tastes. And I can assure you, that you will never want to touch that boxed stuff again.

Firstly, the Instant Pot does all the work. So, no more standing over the stove watching and waiting for it to bring to a boil like directed on the back of the box.

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe ⋆ by Pink (3)

We really don't know how we got through life before the Instant Pot. It has been a lifesaver on many occasions, no more standing over a large skillet over medium high heat for 30 minutes or more, having to reduce heat for it to simmer. Just a few steps and this dish is ready to go.

I rarely have time to cook, but with this thing, I am cooking daily and sometimes more than 1 meal in a single day.

If you want more kid-approved recipes, check out 21 Kid Approved Instant Pot Recipes.

I know for me my kids always were a little on the pickey side, so having a little help with approved recipes your kids won't turn their noses up to, is a must try.

Cheeseburger Macaroni

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe ⋆ by Pink (4)

You will look and be tempted to double the recipe. DON'T! This recipe makes a ton, I have also seen comments on the amount of cheddar cheese, it is not so much that it is overbearing.

Meanwhile, you are welcome to cut down on the cheese if you prefer. You can add about half and do a quick taste test and add more if you think your family can handle more, in the home we love cheese. I find it is the perfect amount of cheese, but you can always do less and add more after if you feel it isn't cheesy enough.

How do you make Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni?

So, if you know of someone who loves hamburger helper, but hates to bring to a boil on water for the pasta, then this homemade version is just for them. The Instant Pot does the work for you pretty much, with minimal steps on your end.

To me it is just as easy, if not easier than the boxed Hamburger helper out on the market, and it tastes a lot better.

Some of my favorites instant pot recipes are the ground beef recipes because that is what our family likes the most.

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe ⋆ by Pink (5)

Cheeseburger Mac

Need more great recipes? Check out these,Instant Pot Crack Chicken Broccoli Carrots,Copycat Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Nuggets,Copycat TGI Fridays Mashed Potatoes in The Instant Pot.

More GreatRecipes For Your Instant Pot.

  • Low Carb Cheeseburger Casserole Skillet
  • 15 Easy Keto Ground Beef Recipes|Keto Hamburger Recipe
  • Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe with Ranch Parmesan and Mozzarella
  • Instant Pot Elbow Macaroni Recipes
  • 14 Best Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes

Helpful tools for this recipe:

Instant Pot

Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper Meat Chopper

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe ⋆ by Pink (6)

Yield: 12

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni, dry
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Franks Red Hot
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
  • 28 oz can diced tomato
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 16 oz shredded sharp cheddar

Instructions

  1. Press saute and add ground beef, parsley, oregano, and garlic.
  2. Cook until no longer pink and also crumbling.
  3. Add all other ingredients except cheese, give it a good stir.
  4. Put on, lock lid and close valve.
  5. Press manual, cook 4 minutes on high and QR
  6. Stir in the cheese allow to melt and serve.

Notes

For stovetop, brown ground beef, parsley, oregano, and garlic, set aside and cook noodles al dente.

Combine meat, noodles and remaining ingredients cooking on low until cheese is melted nad combined.

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Nutrition Information

Yield

12

Serving Size

1

Amount Per ServingCalories 320Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 72mgSodium 492mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 23g

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Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe ⋆ by Pink (2024)

FAQs

What happens if you don't have milk for Hamburger Helper? ›

Stock: If you can't consume dairy, using stock or broth can add flavor to your Hamburger Helper. Beef or vegetable stock works well [2]. Coconut Milk: Both canned and refrigerated unsweetened coconut milk can be used as a substitute for milk. It adds creaminess and a slight coconut flavor to the dish [2].

Can you make Hamburger Helper with almond milk? ›

Yes, you can definitely substitute milk in Hamburger Helper with a non-dairy alternative. There are various options such as almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or even water.

Can you make Hamburger Helper without any meat? ›

Yes! Although traditionally Hamburger Helper has called for meat additions, these ingredients can be easily substituted by your choice of protein. Instead of meat, you can add vegetables or a meat alternative of your choice to Hamburger Helper meals to make them plant-based.

How to cook ground beef for Hamburger Helper? ›

You start by browning a pound of ground beef in a large skillet or large pot over medium-high heat. Just break up the meat so it cooks evenly and drain any extra fat that cooks off. Next, sprinkle the cornstarch and spices over the browned meat and stir them in before adding the hot water or broth, milk, and pasta.

How much sour cream to substitute for milk? ›

Sour cream or full fat yogurt can be substituted 1:1 for whole milk. Use this substitute in baking quick breads or for adding creaminess to pan sauces. Sour cream works especially well in recipes calling for buttermilk, too and vanilla-flavored yogurt can be used for sweet quick breads and cakes.

How much butter do I substitute for milk? ›

Mix one cup of water with 1 ½ teaspoons melted butter. Water can be used in most recipes that call for milk. According to the USDA, 88 percent of the volume of milk is water.

Can I use evaporated milk instead of milk? ›

Use evaporated milk instead of fresh milk in recipes. Add an equal amount of water. For example, if a recipe lists 1 cup (250 mL) milk, add ½ cup water to ½ cup evaporated milk. Try leftover canned milk in tea, coffee, omelets, soups, hot oatmeal or even spaghetti sauce.

Can I use vanilla almond milk instead of milk? ›

Combining silky-smooth almond milk and luscious vanilla, it's a dairy-free, calcium-rich plant milk so deliciously creamy, you won't believe it's 70 calories a serving. Use it in recipes and smoothies in place of dairy milk, or sip it straight.

How do you thicken homemade Hamburger Helper? ›

The secret to keeping this recipe easy AND achieving maximum creaminess is to cook the noodles in the pan with the other ingredients (just like my Chili Mac and Cheese). As the pasta starches release, they thicken the Hamburger Helper sauce, making it ultra rich and creamy.

Can you use evaporated milk in Hamburger Helper? ›

Milk adds a creamy texure and lends its flavor to the sauce in Hamburger Helper. You may not enjoy the results made with only water. Betty's Emrgency Substitutions page suggests a substitution for a cup of milk: 1/2 cup evaporated milk plus 1/2 cup water; or nonfat dry milk prepared as directed on package.

What is a good substitute for meat in Hamburger Helper? ›

There are some pretty great plant-based ground meat substitutes on the market these days. Some of my favorites are MorningStar Farms® Grillers® Crumbles™, Yves Garden Veggie Crumbles, and Quorn Meatless Grounds. For this recipe, I used grated cheddar cheese for the cheese sauce, but any melting cheese would work well.

Can you use tuna in Hamburger Helper? ›

Add milk, hot water and sauce mix (from Hamburger Helper™ box); stir to combine. Stir in uncooked pasta (from Hamburger Helper™ box) and tuna. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

How to spice up Hamburger Helper cheeseburger macaroni? ›

Almost any of the “helpers” benefit from the addition of sautéed diced onion and minced or grated garlic. This adds another layer of flavor. Or try adding diced red sweet peppers. If it is a cheesy mix add a half cup of freshly grated parmesan and a handful of minced fresh flat leaf parsley.

What can you add to Hamburger Helper to make it taste better? ›

How do you make hamburger helper taste better? I think the best way to make HH taste better is to use stock to prepare instead of water. Also enhance flavors by adding a little extra real cheese at the end, topping with an herb, and adding a dollop of sour cream.

What can I replace for milk in Hamburger Helper? ›

10 Best Milk Substitutes For Hamburger Helper
  1. Condiments. • 1 Mayonnaise - blend of mayo.
  2. Dairy. • 1 Buttermilk - blend of buttermilk. • 1 Half-and-half - cup.
  3. Other. • Powdered milk - Reconstitute per package directions and use cup for cup.

What can I use to substitute milk? ›

Milk in most recipes hydrates the dry ingredients and adds flavor, and there are plenty of substitutes that can do just that without compromising the final result.
  • Half and half. ...
  • Heavy cream. ...
  • Nondairy milks, like soy and almond. ...
  • Sour cream. ...
  • Yogurt. ...
  • Evaporated milk. ...
  • Canned coconut milk. ...
  • Water.
Dec 3, 2021

Why won't my Hamburger Helper thicken up? ›

If your Hamburger Helper is too runny or juicy, the best way to thicken it up is to put the lid on the pan and let the mixture steam for at least five minutes. The macaroni will continue to absorb the liquid and the mixture will become thicker. If it always seems too thin, reduce the amount of liquid added.

Can I use heavy whipping cream instead of milk? ›

Yes, you can often substitute heavy whipping cream for milk or half-and-half in baking recipes. Keep in mind that heavy cream has a higher fat content, so it might result in a richer texture and flavor. Adjustments may be needed based on your preference and the specific recipe.

References

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