Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni is a nostalgic meal that brings me back to my childhood. Rather than eating the boxed version with the fake and artificial flavors, this easy Instant Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni is delicious and just as easy to make.
We didn't have a lot of money growing up and my mom had to stretch her dollar as far as it could go. I remember having to eat Hamburger Helper often. When I became an adult I ran far, far, far away from the stuff. The most favorite thing in the world to me about having a bit of money in the pocket is to go to the grocery store and buy whatever I want. The last thing I want to buy is boxed Hamburger Helper, but.....
my husband and my kids loved the stuff. I was like, WHAT?!?! They would actually request it. What I started doing was making it for them on the nights I new I was not going to be home for dinner. That way they could have it on occasion and I didn't have to. Every once in a while I would taste it and think, "This stuff isn't really as bad as I remember. It is kind of oddly good."
So I thought, "Why not make a homemade version without powder cheese?" I mean, real cheese has to be better than that fake powder dehydrated stuff; am I right?
Instant Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni
And so I created this Instant Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe. While I add in a few extra ingredients than the "boxed" version, this recipe is just as fast and easy to make. Thanks to my handy dandy Instant Pot, I can whip it up in one pan just like the original version. And guess what? Real cheese is better than the fake stuff. This recipe actually tastes very similar and true to the store bought version only more flavor, real melted cheese, and none of those ingredients you can't understand the meaning of, let alone pronounce.
If you are like me and grew up with Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni, then I am bringing you back some childhood memories. It is just like your Momma would make, only better! YOU ARE WELCOME!
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What is a good side for Hamburger Helper?
Looking for a good side for homemade Hamburger Helper? Try my Dill Cucumber Salad, Summer Corn Salad, Oven Roasted Broccoli, or Buffalo Cauliflower Bites.
Instant Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Frank's Hot Sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- ¾ cup evaporated milk
- 4 oz parmesan
- 8 oz sharp cheddar
Instructions
- Cook onion and ground beef on Saute setting in Instant Pot.
- Add macaroni, beef broth, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and mustard.
- Close and lock lid. Cook on Manual High for 4 minutes. Fast release once done.
- Stir. Add in milk. Stir. Add parmesan and cheddar. Stir.
- Cook on Saute setting until cheese fully melts. Stir continuously to prevent scorching.
- Once cheese has fully melted, turn off Instant Pot. Allow to rest about 5 minutes for flavors to set. Serve.
Nutrition- Nutrition info is based on estimation only.
Leave a comment and let me know what you think!