My Instant Pot Cheesy Hamburger Helper is a delicious and quick weeknight meal. Ready in under 30-minutes and kid-friendly! Slow cooker and stove top instructions are included!

Hamburger Helper.... the stuff childhood meals were made of. Actually, not at my house because my Mom wasn't a fan, but chicken and rice with cream of mushroom soup? Then you were talking our language. Even though my mom didn't make this for us it didn't stop me from loving when it was on the menu at a friend's house. My favorites were always the cheeseburger and the cheesy tuna (I guess that makes it tuna helper).
My Instant Pot Cheesy Hamburger Helper is perfect for the weeknight. It can also quickly be made on the stove top as well!
This comes together so quickly with zero chopping. I like to have recipes like this in my pocket for weeknight meals because our time gets limited- plus the leftovers are delicious.
I have included slow cooker and stove top instructions to make this Cheesy Hamburger Helper so you can make this no matter the kitchen set-up.
Ingredients
- ground beef
- elbow macaroni
- milk
- beef broth
- chili powder
- garlic powder
- sugar
- salt
- paprika
- shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- processed American cheese (like Velveeta)
Instructions
- Set a 6-qt pressure cooker to the high saute setting. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes,
- Add the pasta and stir. Add beef broth, milk, and seasoning. Stir.
- Select manual setting; adjust pressure to high, and set time for 5 minutes. When finished cooking, quick-release pressure according to manufacturer’s directions.
- Once pressure has released, remove the top and stir in the cheese the Instant Pot Hamburger Helper. Serve.
Alternative Preparations
Stove Top Instructions:
Brown beef in a dutch oven. Add remaining ingredients except the cheese. Simmer for 20 minutes or until pasta is tender.
Add the cheese and stir. Serve.
Slow Cooker Instructions:
Brown beef in a skillet. Drain and place in a slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredients besides the cheese. Set heat to low. Stir after 60 minutes and replace cover. Cook on low for an additional 60.
The total cook time is 2 hours. Slow cookers can run warmer and I advise to check the pasta at the 90 minute mark if additional time is needed. After 2 hours add the cheese. Replace cover and allow the cheese to melt. Stir and serve.
Looking for More Delicious Instant Pot Recipes?!
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Instant Pot Cheesy Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 2 cup beef broth
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz processed American cheese (like Velveeta)
Instructions
- Set a 6-qt pressure cooker to the high saute setting. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes,
- Add the pasta and stir. Add beef broth, milk, and seasoning. Stir.
- Select manual setting; adjust pressure to high, and set time for 5 minutes. When finished cooking, quick-release pressure according to manufacturer’s directions.
- Once pressure has released, remove the top and stir in the cheese. Serve.
Notes
Get More Cheesy Recipes:
-
- Cheddar Chive Bread from Karen's Kitchen Stories
- Cheesy Stuffed Air Fryer Wontons from The Freshman Cook
- Cucumber Tea Sandwiches with Cream Cheese from Art of Natural Living
- Double Cheese Stuffed Crust Taco Pizza from Magical Ingredients
- Instant Pot Cheesy Hamburger Helperfrom Cheese Curd in Paradise
- Keto Everything Bagel Cheese Crisps from Blogghetti
- Malai - Romanian Cheese Filled Cornbread from Pandemonium Noshery
- The Best Triple Flavor Instant Pot Cheesecake: Three Cheesecakes in One from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
- Welsh Rarebit from That Recipe
Hezzi-D
Now this is an easy dinner I can get behind! Love that it's made in the Instant Pot
Inger @ Art of Natural Liivng
What a kid (or grown up) pleaser! Even my picky daughter would love this!
Heather K
Could I add a bag of frozen spinach or green beans to this or would they get too mushy?
Ashley Lecker
I think you can certainly add these things. The spinach should be thawed and drained before adding because it will impact the liquid levels in the recipe. For the green beans, if frozen, I would cook them in the microwave and then stir it in a the end. I think you can add them before, but they will be a bit mushy, but still should hold their shape.
Teri @The Freshman Cook
This looks so tasty, I know it will be a hit with my family! I love that you included instructions for both the instant pot and the stove top.
Lisa Kerhin
This looks so cheesy good! I love that you included directions for multiple cooking methods.
Radha
Cheesy yum! This is comfort meal!
Karen @Karen's Kitchen Stories
Where was the instant pot when my kids were growning up? This would have been a family favorite.
Amanda
We made this tonight and it was so delicious. I don’t have an Instapot so just made it on the stove top. Yum.
Ashley Lecker
I love that method too! It is such a yummy meal!