Instant Pot Hamburger Helper is a simple, economical, family-favorite recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes featuring tender noodles, ground beef, and a deliciously seasoned sauce.
Turn the Instant Pot to saute, add oil, and let heat. Once the oil has heated, add in the meat and brown it fully, breaking it up into small pieces. Once the meat is cooked, turn off the pressure cooker. Drain off any fat and return the inner pot to the inner pot.
Add 1 cup of beef broth to the inner pot and use a spatula or spoon to scrape up all the browned bits off the bottom of the inner pot.
Add in the remaining broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce, and stir well to combine. Add in noodles and gently push them down into the sauce. You want the noodles just submerged in the liquid. Top the noodles with tomato sauce.
Set to cook on high pressure for 3 minutes by hitting the manual or pressure cook button and adjusting the time by using the +/_ buttons until the timer reads 3.
Once the cooking time has elapsed, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Then do a quick release of any remaining pressure, being sure to stand away from the vent knob when releasing pressure.
Fluff the noodles with a fork to incorporate everything. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed and serve.
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Notes
Ground Meat: This recipe works using ground turkey, beef, or chicken. Noodles: Both whole wheat and regular elbow noodles work. I find Barilla brand of gluten-free noodles works best if making this gluten-free. Using another shape of noodles may result in needing to change the cooking time, so I don't recommend it. To double this recipe, simply double the ingredients. The cooking time will remain the same, it will just take a bit longer to come to pressure. Storage Instructions: Leftover Hamburger Helper can be stored in an air-tight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, you may want to add in a splash of beef stock or water, as the noodles tend to absorb the sauce as they sit. Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper Instructions: If you would like a cheesy version of Hamburger Helper, stir in 4 ounces of diced Velveeta Cheese or 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese AFTER cooking. The residual heat should be enough to melt the cheese.