Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

4.95 from 17 votes

This easy instant pot version of Hamburger Helper, or American Goulash, is ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish and is a family favorite meal!

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time8 mins

Pressure Time15 mins

Total Time22 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: people

Calories: 423kcal

Author: Kristen Chidsey

Equipment

Electric Pressure Cooker (6 or 8 quart)

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef or chicken/turkey
3 cups low-sodium beef stock/broth
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup tomato sauce
3 cups elbow noodles about 8 ounces
2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce

Instructions

Turn 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 back 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 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 into the liquid. Top the noodles with tomato sauce.
Set to cook on high pressure for 3 minutes (hit manual or pressure cook and adjust time by using +/_ 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--be sure stand away from vent knob when releasing pressure.
Fluff the noodles with a fork to incorporate everything. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed and serve.

Video

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 cook 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.

Nutrition