Craving a quick, delicious meal that'll have your family running to the dinner table? Look no further than this lightning-fast Instant Pot Hamburger Helper recipe! In just 15 minutes, you can transform a simple box of Hamburger Helper into a mouth-watering, creamy comfort food that tastes like it's been simmering for hours. Whether you're a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who wants a no-fuss dinner solution, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box of Hamburger Helper
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 box of Hamburger Helper, 1 pound of ground beef, 2 cups of water, and 1 cup of milk. Ensure you have your Instant Pot ready for use.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' function. Allow it to heat up for a couple of minutes.
- Once the pot is hot, add the 1 pound of ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Sauté the beef until it is browned and cooked through, which should take about 5 minutes.
- After the beef is fully cooked, turn off the 'Sauté' function. Drain any excess grease from the pot, if necessary.
- Now, add the contents of the Hamburger Helper box to the pot, along with 2 cups of water and 1 cup of milk. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the pressure valve is set to 'Sealing'.
- Set the Instant Pot to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' mode and adjust the cooking time to 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully switch the pressure valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
- When the pressure has fully released, open the lid of the Instant Pot. Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Serve the Hamburger Helper hot, and enjoy your meal! You can garnish with shredded cheese or chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Brown the Beef Perfectly: Make sure to break up the ground beef into small pieces while sautéing to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor.
- Drain Excess Grease: After browning the beef, drain any excess fat to prevent a greasy final dish.
- Stir Thoroughly: When adding the Hamburger Helper mix, water, and milk, stir completely to prevent any dry spots or clumping.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow a 5-minute natural pressure release to help the sauce thicken and the flavors meld together.
- Optional Enhancements: Customize your dish by adding extra cheese, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a dash of hot sauce for added excitement.
- Avoid Overcooking: Stick to the recommended 10-minute cooking time to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, give the dish a good stir to ensure a creamy, consistent texture before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 490kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg