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Creamy Instant Pot Cheeseburger Mac: A Comfort Food Classic

This creamy, cheesy, and hearty Instant Pot cheeseburger mac is the ultimate comfort food. Juicy ground beef, tender pasta, and sharp cheddar cheese come together in one pot for a quick and delicious meal the whole family will love!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat:
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt or to taste
For the Pasta:
  • 4 cups beef stock
  • 1 pound elbow pasta
After Cooking:
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Method
 

Sauté the Meat:
  1. Set the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function and wait until the display reads ‘Hot.’
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
  3. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Season the Meat:
  1. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, and salt over the beef mixture.
  2. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring to combine and release the spices’ aroma.
Add the Pasta and Stock:
  1. Cancel the ‘Sauté’ function and pour the beef stock into the pot.
  2. Stir the mixture well, then add the elbow pasta on top. Press gently to submerge the pasta.
Pressure Cook:
  1. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure release valve to ‘Sealing.’
  2. Use the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ function and cook on High Pressure for 3 minutes.
  3. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 2 minutes, then carefully quick release the remaining pressure.
Add the Cheese:
  1. Open the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve and Enjoy:
  1. Spoon the cheeseburger mac into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with extra cheese or fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the best texture and flavor.
  • To avoid a ‘Burn’ warning, deglaze the pot by scraping the bottom after sautéing the meat.
  • Adjust the seasoning to taste or add a touch of cayenne for extra heat.

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