Instant-Pot Hamburger Helper is a quick, easy, hearty, and flavorful dinner the whole family will love!
My mom is Greek, so growing up, I didn’t get to enjoy the typical American fare, like Hamburger Helper dinners. I only got my fix when at sleepovers—my friends’ moms let me gorge on all that processed goodness for dinner, from Spaghettios to Kraft’s mac and cheese.
That’s not to say my mom only made spanakopita and moussaka. But dinner mixes that came from a box? Yeah, that wasn’t happening. In retrospect, I’m thankful for all the healthy made-from-scratch meals. It’s probably one of the many reasons I’m such a foodie! Still, I can’t deny that I love Hamburger Helper, and this Instant-Pot recipe is a delicious homage to those good ol’ days.
This Instant-Pot Hamburger Helper recipe might become your family’s next favorite comfort meal. I like it because it’s quick and easy. My kids love it because, well, it tastes amazing! Using real spices, beef broth, and chickpea pasta gives this dish a healthier edge. You get all the creamy, beefy goodness us 90s kids remember, but with more control over what’s going in—no hard-to-pronounce ingredients or artificial food coloring required.
Is Instant Pot Hamburger Helper Healthy?
While traditional Hamburger Helper is far from good for you, this Instant Pot version makes a few healthy improvements. For starters, it uses chickpea pasta. If you’re worried about what your picky kids will think, they probably won’t be able to tell the difference between this and your typical macaroni. Plus, they’ll be getting extra fiber and protein.
I also opt for 85% lean ground beef. You could go up to 95%, though that extra fat goes a long way for flavor. To lighten it up even more, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or swap the cheese for a low-fat option.
Why Chickpea Pasta?
For the most part, I’m not a fan of gluten-free pasta, and I’m speaking from experience. A few years back, I cut wheat from my diet, and wow—I gained a lot of empathy for those who must endure brown rice pasta. Yuck.
Chickpea pasta, on the other hand, is not bad, especially in this recipe. Not only does it have a similar texture to traditional pasta, but it’s also packed with fiber and plant-based protein. What’s more, chickpea pasta holds up well during cooking. Flavor-wise, it adds a slight nuttiness, which blends well with the savory flavors of the beef and spices. Even better, it helps make this meal more filling without the refined carbs.
How to Make Ahead and Store
I recommend storing your leftover Instant Pot hamburger helper in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last up to 3 days and make fantastic leftovers for lunches at the office!
This is also a recipe that freezes really well. Once the Hamburger Helper is cooked and cooled, place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. It should last up to 3 months in your freezer. Simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat and enjoy the next day.
Serving Suggestions
This Instant Pot Hamburger Helper is a filling meal on its own, but a salad or Steamed Broccoli are light and healthy side dishes. My favorite side, however, is peas and carrots. They’re kid-friendly, and their subtle sweetness complements the Hamburger Helper’s savory flavor. If you have the time, make a quick batch of Garlic Toast to soak up some of that extra sauce!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups beef broth (not reduced sodium)
- 1 cup canned tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 6 ounces chickpea elbow macaroni noodles
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese grated (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil on sauté mode and cook the beef until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
- Sprinkle the cornstarch, spices, and salt all over the beef. Then, pour in the broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, and stir until well combined. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, stir in the chickpea pasta.
- Cover, set to "sealing" and cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once it's cooked, do an instant steam release. Turn to sauté mode and cook, stirring frequently, until it just begins to thicken (about 2-3 minutes).
- Stir in the cheese, if using and devour!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
WOW!! my kids LOVED it! and so did my husband. My picky 6 year old asked for “leftovers”. I thought he meant for the next day. He was upset I didn’t give him a second helping shortly after requesting. needless to say, there were no leftovers. so hard to get kids to eat meals this day! This will be in the meal rotation for sure! thank you ❤️🙏❤️🙏
So glad to hear they all loved this recipe! Thanks for reading and leaving us a comment.