My Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is the perfect, one pot weeknight meal. This easy and delicious recipe can be on your table in about 20 minutes. The creamy, cheesy macaroni and beef dinner is one that my entire family will love and so will yours.
Pasta is a staple in our busy household. Therefore, I am always looking for creative new recipes such as my slow cooker chicken and noodles and my lentils and spaghetti.
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Why this Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe is a Keeper
I love this recipe because not only is it quick and easy, it’s also incredibly delicious. It’s a great recipe to add to an easy instant pot recipe stash.
- One-Pot Wonder: The Instant Pot streamlines the cooking process, minimizing cleanup and making it a true one-pot meal.
- Speed and Efficiency: It cooks significantly faster than traditional stovetop methods, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly Favorite: It’s a guaranteed hit with kids (and adults!), combining the classic flavors of cheeseburgers and macaroni and cheese. Customizable Flavors: The recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to customize the ingredients and flavors to your preferences.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The Instant Pot creates a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: It delivers a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort, making it a go-to recipe for quick and easy dinners. Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: It uses readily available pantry staples, making it a convenient option for last-minute meals.
- Makes Great Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers for lunch.
What Type of Ground Beef Should I Use to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni?
It’s best to use leaner beef to help cut out any extra grease. I always like to use an 80/20 blend.
Pro Tip to Make Cheeseburger Pasta
After browning the meat, deglaze the pot with a little beef broth to lift all those flavorful bits from the bottom — it prevents the dreaded “burn” warning.
Ingredient Notes and Variation Suggestions for Hamburger Mac and Cheese
To make this easy instant pot cheeseburger elbow macaroni, you will need just a few ingredients that can easily be found at the store. It’s super easy to customize, so try experimenting with different ingredients.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is always the way to go to eliminate extra grease.
- Protein Variations: Instead of beef, try ground turkey, ground chicken. cooked bacon pieces or vegetarian crumbles. Add a little Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Use shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack cheese or a blend of cheeses. Add Velveeta for extra creaminess.
- Vegetable Variations: Add diced tomatoes, corn, peas, bell peppers, spinach or mushrooms.
Special Equipment Needed for Instant Pot Cheeseburger Mac
I need only need an instant to make a homemade cheeseburger macaroni just right. It is a quick and easy to make recipe that is absolutely delicious. So much better than the boxed stuff.
- Instant Pot: An electric pressure cooker or instant pot quickly and easily makes this one pot meal.
How to Make One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
This instant pot homemade hamburger helper made in 3 easy to follow steps. This instant pot pasta is so good, it’s better than hamburger helper cheeseburger macaroni.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Brown Beef: Set instant pot to sauté, and saute the ground beef in the bottom of the instant pot and add seasoning.
- Cook the Pasta: Pour beef stock in and add the macaroni. Seal the lid and pressure valve close to pressure cook. Set to high pressure and cook for 6 minutes.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Manually release pressure valve and open lid to vent. Stir in Velveeta and shredded cheese.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Homemade Hamburger Helper
Preparing ingredients ahead of time can help to make easy recipes even easier, it is a quick and easy instant pot recipe.
- Chop Vegetables: Dice onions, garlic and any other vegetables (peppers, celery), and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Grate Cheese: Grate your sharp cheddar cheese ahead of time and store it in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator.
- Cook Ground Beef (Partial): You can brown the ground beef ahead of time. Drain the fat, and store it in the refrigerator. When it is time to assemble the meal, you can just add the cooked beef.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Ground Beef and Pasta
- Storing: Store this really delicious recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions of this quick and easy recipe in the microwave.
- Using Leftovers: Enjoy easy instant pot cheeseburger macaroni with Sweet Potato Muffins.
Common Questions About This One Pot Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese Recipe
I can also make this recipe on the stove but it will add to the cook time. Brown the ground beef and onions, cook the noodles, then add everything in one pot to let the cheese melt.
Yes, bow ties, whole wheat pasta or even a high protein gluten free pasta can be used.
Sure, add ingredients like hot sauce, chili powder, red pepper flakes or diced hot peppers can be thrown in.
Expert Tips for Making Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipe
- Deglaze the Pot: After browning the ground beef, deglaze the pot with a splash of broth or wine to loosen any browned bits. This adds flavor and prevents a burn notice.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta slightly under al dente since it will continue to cook in the residual heat.
- Add Cheese at the End: Add the cheese after the pasta is cooked and the heat is turned off. This prevents the cheese from becoming grainy.
- Pressure Release: Use a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) or a Quick Release (QR) depending on pasta type. Follow recipe directions.
- Stir in Cheese Gradually: Stir in the cheese in small batches until cheese is melted. This ensures it melts smoothly.
- Use Quality Cheese: Good quality cheese will melt better and taste better.
- Serve Recipe With: Enjoy dinner with Cold Asparagus Salad with Tomatoes, Air Fryer Butternut Squash or Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies.
More Recipes You Might Like
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Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni
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Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 2 teaspoons All Purpose Seasoning Blend
- 16 ounces Elbow noodles
- 5 cups Beef broth
- 16 ounces Velveeta cheese, 1 brick
- 1 cup Shredded cheese
Instructions
- Set instant pot to sauté and brown the ground beef. Add spices.
- Pour beef broth in and add pasta. Seal the lid and pressure valve close. Set to pressure cook on high for 6 minutes.
- Manually release pressure valve and open lid. Stir in cheeses.
Christina’s Notes
- Deglaze the Pot: After browning the ground beef, deglaze the pot with a splash of broth or wine to loosen any browned bits. This adds flavor and prevents a burn notice.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta slightly under al dente since it will continue to cook in the residual heat.
- Add Cheese at the End: Add the cheese after the pasta is cooked and the heat is turned off. This prevents the cheese from becoming grainy.
- Pressure Release: Use a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) or a Quick Release (QR) depending on pasta type. Follow recipe directions.
- Stir in Cheese Gradually: Stir in the cheese in small batches until cheese is melted. This ensures it melts smoothly.
- Use Quality Cheese: Good quality cheese will melt better and taste better.
- Serve Recipe With: Enjoy dinner with Cold Asparagus Salad with Tomatoes, Air Fryer Butternut Squash or Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
Family loved this and it was so easy. Will definitely add to the rotation. I halved the recipe, it turned out fine. Thanks for the great recipe! Alison D.
I love the IP for quick dinners!!
This dish reminded me of being a kid, such comfort food!
I loved that this recipe can all be done in the instant pot! It was deelish!