Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

It's dinner time, and you have 30 minutes…what are you going to make? This Instant Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is the perfect answer to that question. It is full of fresh ingredients like onion and tomato, plus it is all made in one pot, so no big mess. It also happens to taste fantastic; even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy this dish. So what are you waiting for? Let's get cooking! We hope that this Instant Pot Hamburger Helper recipe inspires you!

Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
• 1 onion, small chop
• 6 cloves garlic, small chop
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 Tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp oregano
• 3 Roma tomatoes, medium chop
• 2 Tbsp Italian parsley, chopped
• 4 cups low low-sodium beef broth
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups colby-jack cheese, shredded
• 1 box pasta (rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni work well)
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Set the pressure cooker to saute. Add the olive oil, garlic, and onion; cook until the onion begins to turn translucent.

Now add the ground beef to the instant pot; continue to saute until the beef is browned.

Add the Worcestershire sauce and stir.

Next, add the tomato paste and stir until all the beef is coated.

Add the oregano, fresh tomatoes, and chopped parsley to the instant pot.

Now add the stock and stir everything together.

Add the pasta and stir. Make sure the pasta is all submerged in the stock.

Turn off the saute setting on the pressure cooker. Add the top to the instant pot and pressure cook for 1/2 the recommended time that is listed on the box of pasta. Once the instant pot is done cooking, immediately release the pressure.

Open the instant pot and add the cheese. Stir well until the cheese is melted.

Adjust the flavor with salt and pepper.

Print Recipe

Instant Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
• 1 onion, small chop
• 6 cloves garlic, small chop
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 Tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp oregano
• 3 roma tomatoes, medium chop
• 2 Tbsp italian parsley, chopped
• 4 cups low sodium beef broth
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups colby-jack cheese, shredded
• 1 box pasta (rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni work well)
• salt and pepper to taste

 

Directions:

Set the pressure cooker to saute. Add the olive oil, garlic, and onion; cook until the onion begins to turn translucent. Now add the ground beef to the instant pot; continue to saute until the beef is browned.

Add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce; stir until the beef is well coated. Add the oregano, fresh tomatoes, and chopped parsley to the instant pot, then add the stock.

Pour the pasta into the pot and stir. Make sure the pasta is all submerged in the stock.

Turn off the saute setting on the pressure cooker. Add the top to the instant pot and pressure cook for 1/2 the recommended time that is listed on the box of pasta. Once the instant pot is done cooking, immediately release the pressure.

Open the instant pot and add the cheese. Stir well until the cheese is melted.

Adjust the flavor with salt and pepper.

Now eat and enjoy your Homemade Hamburger Helper

The iconic Hamburger Helper, with its cheerful cartoon hand mascot and one-pan convenience, has a surprisingly rich history that's intertwined with American culture and culinary trends. 

Birth of a Helper

The year was 1971, and America was facing a double whammy: rising meat prices and a meat shortage. Enter General Mills, with a solution in a box: Hamburger Helper. This ingenious product promised to stretch a pound of ground beef into a hearty meal for five, all in just one pan. Talk about a lifesaver for busy families on tight budgets.

Early Flavors and the Helping Hand

The initial launch on the West Coast offered five flavors: Beef Noodle, Potato Stroganoff, Hash, Rice Oriental, and Chili Tomato. These weren't gourmet creations, but they were familiar, comforting tastes that resonated with consumers. And who could forget the iconic mascot, Lefty? A disembodied, four-fingered glove with a friendly face, Lefty became a pop culture phenomenon, appearing in commercials and adorning packaging.

National success and beyond

By 1971, Hamburger Helper had gone national, and its popularity soared. Over 27% of American households bought it within its first year! New flavors like Cheeseburger Macaroni and Tuna Helper joined the party, and the brand eventually spawned spin-offs like Chicken Helper and Pork Helper.

Evolution and challenges

Over the years, Hamburger Helper faced its share of criticism for its high sodium content and processed ingredients. However, it also adapted to changing tastes, introducing healthier options and more gourmet flavors. In 2013, it even dropped the “Hamburger” from its name, becoming simply “Helper.”

Recent developments and the future

In 2022, General Mills sold the Helper brand to Eagle Foods. While it's too early to say what the future holds, one thing's for sure: Hamburger Helper has earned its place in American food history as a symbol of convenience, affordability, and family meals. It may not be haute cuisine, but it's a reminder that sometimes, the simplest solutions can be the most satisfying.

So next time you whip up a box of Helper, remember the story behind it: a product born from necessity that became a cultural icon, stretching meals and smiles for generations. Now eat and enjoy your Homemade Hamburger Helper! If you gave the recipe a try, let us know in the comments what you think. If you need more inspiration, check out our Instant Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup! We hope that this Instant Pot Hamburger Helper recipe inspires you! Until next time, happy eating.