Skip the boxed stuff and make this Instant Pot Hamburger Helper cheeseburger macaroni copy cat recipe in under 20 minutes!
This one-pot meal combines ground beef, macaroni, cheddar cheese, and seasonings for an easy family favorite quick meal. Make it for busy weeknights!
"One of my favorite comfort meals and using the Instant Pot made it super easy! Definitely going in the dinner rotation."
-★★★★★ Brianna
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 because it was an inexpensive, easy meal.
When I became an adult I ran far, far, far away from the stuff. The last thing I want to buy was boxed Hamburger Helper, however.....my husband and my kids loved the stuff. I was like, WHAT?!?! They would actually request it.
So I thought, "Why not make a homemade version with real ingredients and without powder cheese?" I mean, real cheese has to be better than that fake powder dehydrated stuff; am I right?
And so I created this homemade Instant Pot Hamburger Helper 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 box of hamburger helper. 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! (Picky easters approved!!!) YOU ARE WELCOME! I hope your entire family will love it! Enjoy! Xoxo ~Katie.
Jump to:
Ingredient notes and substitutions
You will need the following simple ingredients to make homemade hambuger helper cheeseburger macaroni.
- ground beef- You can substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken. I recommend using lean ground beef.
- elbow macaroni pasta-You can substitute with any of your favorite dry pasta such as ziti, rollatini, or shell pasta.
- tomato paste-You can substitute with a small can of tomato sauce or 2 tablespoons of ketchup.
- evaporated milk-You can substitute with milk or heavy cream.
- beef broth-You can substitute with chicken broth or water.
- onion powder-You can substitute with one small diced onion cooked with the ground beef.
- garlic powder-You can also use fresh crushed garlic.
- paprika
- hot sauce-This is optional. The amount used will not make your dish spicy, however it will enhance your flavors in the dish.
- cheddar cheese-Use mild or medium sharp cheddar cheese.
The full recipe with ingredient measurements is located at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.
Steps
Follow these simple steps to make homemade hamburger helper cheeseburger macaroni in the Instant Pot.
- Turn on sauté function setting and cook ground beef. Remove any excess grease.
- Add beef broth, macaroni, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and hot sauce. Mix.
- Top with the lid and cook on manual high pressure for 4 minutes.
- Quick release, remove the Instant Pot lid, and mix in evaporated milk and shredded cheese. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Serve once cheddar cheese is melted.
Cooking Tip
To prevent burn notice, make sure there is nothing sticking to the bottom of the pan after cooking ground beef. Make sure broth is covering ground beef before cooking.
Watch how to make
How do you store leftovers?
Store leftover Instant Pot hamburger helper in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 4 months.
Oh..... and if you like this recipe, be sure to try my homemade spaghettiOs with meatballs too! It is great copycat recipe of the canned version, only better!
For a complete meal to your Hamburger Helper try one of these sides: Dill Cucumber Salad, Summer Corn Salad, Oven Roasted Broccoli, or Tomato Cucumber Salad, Buffalo Cauliflower Bites.
Please leave me a comment below if you make this hamburger helper recipe and tell me what you think about it. I would love to hear back, and so would my readers.
Also post your picture of your Instant Pot hamburger helper cheeseburger macaroni on Instagram or Facebook, and tag @aforkstale with #aforkstale hashtags! I will share with my followers! xoxo!
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Frank's Hot Sauce
- ¾ cup evaporated milk
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Turn on sauté setting and cook ground beef. Remove any excess grease.1 pound ground beef
- Add beef broth, macaroni, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and hot sauce. Mix.2 cups elbow macaroni, 2 cups beef broth, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon Frank's Hot Sauce
- Close and lock lid. Cook on Manual High pressure for 4 minutes. Quick release once done.
- Stir. Remove the Instant Pot lid. Mix in evaporated milk and cheddar cheese. Cook on Saute setting until cheese fully melts. Stir continuously to prevent scorching.8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
Rachel says
Easy dinner, great for picky eaters.
Daphne Ruecker says
Brought me back to my childhood. Loved it.
Halie says
Great weeknight dinner. So easy to make in the Instant Pot!
Luna says
Great dinner recipe.