Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe | Instant Pot Cheeseburger Mac

Why You'll Love This Perfect Pasta

• Fast. Ready in under 30 minutes with the help of your Instant Pot.
• Easy. Brown the beef, add ingredients, and let the pressure cooker do the work.
• Crowd-Pleasing. Creamy sauce, meaty goodness, and tender pasta check all the boxes for a hearty family meal.
• Delicious. Packed with flavor that is absolutely kid-approved—and adult-adored too!

With these straightforward steps, you’ve created a restaurant-quality dish that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or planning a quick weeknight dinner, Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is guaranteed to be a hit.

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is absolutely delicious and insanely popular among pasta and cheese lovers. This dish offers a delectable combination of savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta that appeals to a wide range of palates.

Its rich, comforting taste makes it a go-to dinner option—think of it as a homemade spin on a boxed classic, but better.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Ground Beef- The main protein, giving the dish its signature “cheeseburger” flavor. Lean beef helps avoid excess grease and keeps the sauce clean.
• Onion- Finely chopped for a sweet, savory base that elevates the ground beef’s flavor.
• Garlic- Adds aromatic depth and pairs perfectly with beef, enhancing every bite.
• Paprika or Chili Powder- For a subtle warmth and extra flavor dimension, letting you customize the spice level.
• Salt & Black Pepper- Essential seasonings to enhance the savory notes, ensuring the final dish isn’t bland.
• Beef Broth- Provides liquid for the pasta to cook and enriches the overall taste, contributing a meaty backbone to the sauce.
• Elbow Macaroni- The foundation that absorbs all the cheesy goodness, cooking to a tender bite in the Instant Pot.
• Tomato Sauce or Diced Tomatoes- Adds a tangy bite reminiscent of burger condiments, rounding out the “cheeseburger” profile.
• Shredded Cheese- Melts into a creamy sauce that ties everything together, delivering comforting richness.
• Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half- For extra richness and a silkier sauce, making each spoonful indulgently smooth.

1. Sauté the Beef & Onion. Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add a drizzle of oil (or use cooking spray) if desired. Brown the ground beef and onion together, breaking up the meat until no longer pink. Stir in minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper for about 1 minute.
2. Add Pasta & Liquids. Cancel the Sauté function. Add beef broth, tomato sauce (or diced tomatoes), and elbow macaroni. Stir gently to ensure the pasta is submerged.
3. Pressure Cook. Lock the Instant Pot lid in place and set the valve to Sealing. Select High Pressure and cook for 4–5 minutes (depending on pasta package instructions). When the cooking cycle finishes, quick release the pressure carefully.
4. Stir in Cheese & Optional Cream. Once the pin drops, open the lid and stir the contents. If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half. Gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring until melted and evenly distributed.

Tips And Tricks

Making Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is straightforward, but these tips can help you achieve the best possible results:

• Use Lean Ground Beef. Minimizes extra grease, resulting in a cleaner sauce.
• Season in Layers. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and optional spices during sautéing for better flavor.
• Avoid Overcooking Pasta. A quick pressure cook ensures the macaroni remains al dente.
• Slowly Add Cheese. Prevents clumping and ensures a smooth sauce.
• Taste & Adjust. Sample the final dish and add more seasoning, cheese, or cream if desired.

Variations

If you’re a fan of Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni and want to get creative, here are a few delicious ideas:

• Bacon Cheeseburger Mac- Stir in crispy bacon bits for a smoky twist.
• Taco Mac- Swap paprika for taco seasoning and top with shredded lettuce, salsa, or sour cream.
• Veggie Boost- Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach during the sauté step.
• White Cheddar- Try a sharp white cheddar for a tangier flavor profile.

Cheeseburger Macaroni is a hearty, one-pot meal, but here are some accompaniments to round it out:

• Salad- A crisp salad with a light dressing contrasts the creamy pasta.
• Garlic Bread- Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables- Balance the richness with a tray of roasted broccoli or zucchini.
• Pickles or Jalapeños- Adds a tangy, crunchy element reminiscent of a burger topping.

How Long Does It Last?

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days in an airtight container.

The flavors may deepen over time, so for the best bite, reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you can freeze Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Thaw your leftovers overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a bit of liquid to restore creaminess.

More Easy Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Butter Chicken
• Arroz Con Pollo
• Korean Beef Bowl
• Keto Chili
• Mango Cheesecake

Pin It!

If you love this Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Instagram so they can try it too! Don't forget to Pin it so you can make it again soon.