Instant Pot Homemade Hamburger Mac and Cheese: A Quick & Easy Comfort Food Recipe

Craving a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal but short on time? Look no further than this Instant Pot Homemade Hamburger Mac and Cheese! This recipe is a game-changer, offering all the deliciousness of classic mac and cheese with the added heartiness of ground beef, all cooked in your Instant Pot for a fast and easy cleanup.

Forget the boxed stuff. This homemade version is packed with flavor, customizable to your preferences, and ready in under 30 minutes. The Instant Pot magic ensures perfectly cooked pasta and a creamy, cheesy sauce every single time. Get ready to ditch the stovetop and embrace this incredible weeknight dinner solution!

## Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Hamburger Mac and Cheese

* **Quick & Easy:** From prep to plate, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
* **One-Pot Wonder:** Minimal cleanup is always a win! Everything cooks in the Instant Pot, saving you time and effort.
* **Kid-Friendly:** A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will love.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your dietary needs or preferences. Use different cheeses, add vegetables, or swap the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses simple, readily available ingredients that won’t break the bank.
* **Flavorful:** Say goodbye to bland mac and cheese! This recipe is bursting with savory flavors that will leave you wanting more.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these ingredients:

* **1 pound ground beef:** I prefer using lean ground beef (85/15) to minimize grease. You can also use ground turkey or ground sausage.
* **1 small onion, chopped:** Adds a savory flavor base to the dish.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Adds depth of flavor and aroma.
* **1 teaspoon Italian seasoning:** Enhances the savory notes of the dish.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Season to taste.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Season to taste.
* **4 cups elbow macaroni:** The classic choice for mac and cheese, but you can use other small pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi.
* **4 cups chicken broth:** Provides the liquid for cooking the pasta and adds flavor.
* **1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup:** This is a secret ingredient for extra creaminess and cheesiness. You can substitute with a homemade cheese sauce if desired.
* **2 cups shredded cheddar cheese:** Use your favorite cheddar cheese – sharp, medium, or mild. You can also use a blend of cheeses.
* **1/2 cup milk:** Adds creaminess and helps to create a smooth sauce.
* **Optional toppings:** Chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, hot sauce, breadcrumbs

## Equipment

You’ll need the following equipment:

* **Instant Pot (6-quart or larger):** The star of the show!
* **Wooden spoon or spatula:** For stirring.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Cheese grater (if using block cheese):**

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for perfect Instant Pot Hamburger Mac and Cheese:

**Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef**

1. Press the “Saute” button on your Instant Pot. Once the display reads “Hot,” add the ground beef to the pot.
2. Cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until it is browned. Drain any excess grease from the pot.

**Step 2: Add Aromatics**

1. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the Instant Pot. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
2. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

**Step 3: Add Pasta and Broth**

1. Pour the elbow macaroni into the Instant Pot, spreading it evenly over the ground beef mixture.
2. Pour the chicken broth over the macaroni, ensuring that all the pasta is submerged. If necessary, add a little more broth.
3. Gently press the pasta down to ensure it is fully covered in liquid. This will help it cook evenly.

**Step 4: Pressure Cook**

1. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the pressure valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
2. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cooking time for 4 minutes on high pressure.
3. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure.

**Step 5: Quick Release**

1. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release by moving the pressure valve to the “Venting” position. Be careful of the steam that will release. Use a kitchen towel or oven mitt to protect your hand.
2. Wait until all the pressure is released and the float valve drops down before opening the lid.

**Step 6: Stir in Cheese and Milk**

1. Remove the lid and stir the pasta well. It should be cooked through and slightly creamy.
2. Add the condensed cheddar cheese soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk to the Instant Pot.
3. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. Serve the Instant Pot Hamburger Mac and Cheese immediately. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, or a sprinkle of hot sauce.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Cooking the pasta for too long will result in mushy mac and cheese. Stick to the recommended cooking time of 4 minutes.
* **Adjust the Liquid:** If your mac and cheese is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can cook it on the “Saute” setting for a few minutes to thicken the sauce.
* **Grate Your Own Cheese:** Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese ensures a creamier sauce.
* **Don’t Skip the Condensed Soup:** While you can make a cheese sauce from scratch, the condensed cheddar cheese soup adds a unique creaminess and flavor that’s hard to replicate. It’s a great shortcut for busy weeknights.
* **Customize Your Toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Try adding some chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapenos, or a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for extra texture and flavor.
* **Brown the beef well:** A good sear on the ground beef adds a ton of flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pot; brown it in batches if necessary.
* **Deglaze the pot:** After browning the beef and removing any excess grease, add a splash of broth or water to the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds extra flavor to the dish and prevents the “Burn” notice.
* **Layer the ingredients correctly:** Layering the ingredients in the order specified helps prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning. Ensure the pasta is submerged in the broth.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Vegetarian:** Omit the ground beef and add chopped vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or mushrooms.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
* **Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
* **Different Protein:** Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground sausage, or shredded chicken.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free condensed cheddar cheese soup.
* **Add Vegetables:** Stir in some cooked vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn to add nutrients and flavor.
* **Creamier Sauce:** For an even creamier sauce, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
* **Bacon Mac:** Cook bacon in the Instant Pot before browning the beef. Crumble the bacon and stir it into the mac and cheese at the end.

## Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot Hamburger Mac and Cheese is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:

* **A side salad:** Adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese.
* **Steamed vegetables:** Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are great choices.
* **Garlic bread:** Perfect for soaking up all that cheesy sauce.
* **Coleslaw:** Adds a tangy and crunchy element to the meal.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** You can brown the ground beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to make the mac and cheese, simply add the browned beef to the Instant Pot and continue with the recipe.
* **Storage:** Store leftover Instant Pot Hamburger Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a little milk to loosen the sauce.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended, as the pasta can become mushy and the sauce may separate upon thawing. However, if you must freeze it, allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 500-600 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

## Conclusion

This Instant Pot Homemade Hamburger Mac and Cheese is a winner! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and customizable. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights, and the one-pot cleanup is a major bonus. Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee it will become a family favorite!

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

* **Can I use a different type of pasta?**
Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?**
Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop. Brown the ground beef in a large pot, then add the onion, garlic, and seasonings. Cook for a few minutes, then add the pasta and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is cooked through. Stir in the cheese and milk until melted and smooth.
* **Can I add vegetables to this recipe?**
Yes, you can add cooked vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn to the mac and cheese at the end. You can also add raw vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower to the Instant Pot along with the pasta and broth.
* **Can I use a different type of cheese?**
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
* **My Instant Pot gave me a “Burn” notice. What do I do?**
The “Burn” notice usually indicates that there is not enough liquid in the pot or that the food is sticking to the bottom. Try adding more broth or water to the pot and make sure to deglaze the pot after browning the beef. Also, ensure that the pasta is submerged in the broth.
* **How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot?**
Layer the ingredients correctly and ensure that the pasta is submerged in the broth. Gently press the pasta down before sealing the Instant Pot.
* **Can I double or triple this recipe?**
Yes, you can double or triple this recipe, but make sure not to exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
* **What if my mac and cheese is too watery?**
If your mac and cheese is too watery after cooking, you can use the “Saute” function of your Instant Pot to cook off some of the excess liquid. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
* **Can I use evaporated milk instead of regular milk?**
Yes, evaporated milk can be used as a substitute for regular milk. It will result in a richer and creamier sauce.
* **Is it necessary to use condensed cheddar cheese soup?**
No, it’s not strictly necessary, but it does contribute to the ease and flavor. If you prefer, you can make a cheese sauce from scratch using a roux (butter and flour) and milk, then adding cheddar cheese until melted. However, using condensed soup is a convenient shortcut.
* **How can I add more flavor to the dish?**
You can add more flavor by using a higher quality beef broth, adding additional spices like garlic powder or onion powder, or using a flavorful cheese like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda.
* **What are some other topping ideas?**
Besides the suggested toppings, consider adding chili flakes for heat, a drizzle of BBQ sauce, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
* **Why does the quick release splutter so much starchy water?**
This is normal when cooking pasta in the Instant Pot. A slower, natural pressure release (waiting about 10 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure) can help minimize this, but will slightly alter the pasta’s texture. Alternatively, draping a towel over the steam valve during quick release can help contain the splattering.
* **Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?**
Yes! Simply skip the first step and add the pre-cooked beef with the onions and garlic. Reduce saute time accordingly.

Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Homemade Hamburger Mac and Cheese!