If you’re craving a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, this Instant Pot Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese is a total game-changer. It combines the best parts of a cheeseburger—savory hamburger meat, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce—all made in ONE pot. Yup, you heard that right! One pot, no fuss, no mess.

I’ve been running around like crazy lately—moving, traveling, planning a wedding, and juggling the holidays—but even with everything going on, I still manage to whip up this cozy, cheesy dish in no time. It’s my go-to meal when I need something quick, filling, and seriously satisfying.

So, what makes this Instant Pot version so awesome? Well, for starters, it’s super simple to make. You throw everything in the pot, including the uncooked pasta, and let the Instant Pot do its magic. Once it’s done cooking, all you have to do is stir in some shredded cheese and cream to create the creamiest, most indulgent cheese sauce.

The secret to this creamy deliciousness? Quality cheese. I use Cabot Mild Cheddar Cheese, which has been a staple in my kitchen for years. Cabot is a dairy cooperative owned by 800 farm families in New York and New England, and they’ve been crafting some of the best cheese since 1919. Their cheese is smooth, flavorful, and gives this dish that extra special touch.

What’s even better is how convenient this recipe is. With everything cooked in the Instant Pot, there’s almost no prep work involved. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or whenever you need something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ medium sweet onion, diced
• ½ green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 cups beef stock
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 12 ounces elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded Cabot Mild Cheddar Cheese (or your favorite cheddar)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Beef: Set your 6-qt Instant Pot® to the high sauté setting. Heat the olive oil and then add the ground beef. Cook the beef until it’s fully browned (about 3-5 minutes), making sure to break it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pot to keep it from being too greasy.
2. Add the Veggies & Seasoning: Once the beef is browned, toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, until they’re tender (about 2-3 minutes). Then, add the minced garlic, paprika, and oregano. Stir everything together for about a minute, until the spices become fragrant.
3. Add the Liquids & Pasta: Pour in the beef stock, tomato sauce, and uncooked elbow macaroni. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
4. Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to the manual setting. Adjust the pressure to high and cook for 5 minutes. Once it’s done, quick-release the pressure following the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Finish the Dish: Once the pressure has been released, open the lid and stir in the shredded cheese and heavy cream. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy (about 1-2 minutes). Finally, toss in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
6. Serve & Enjoy: Spoon the cheeseburger mac onto plates or bowls and enjoy immediately. It’s the perfect meal for a busy day, a family dinner, or a comforting solo meal.

Pro Tip:

The key to a perfect mac and cheese is the cheese. Cabot Mild Cheddar is my go-to because it melts beautifully and has just the right balance of creaminess and flavor. But feel free to experiment with other types of cheese to make it your own. A sharp cheddar or a mix of cheeses can add extra depth to the sauce.

Why I Love This Recipe:

• One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup, and everything cooks in the Instant Pot.
• Quick & easy: It’s ready in under 30 minutes, even on the busiest days.
• Customizable: Feel free to add extra veggies or switch up the cheese to suit your tastes.
• Comforting & filling: It’s the ultimate cozy meal, with a hearty mix of beef, cheese, and pasta that will keep you satisfied for hours.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, making dinner for your family, or just looking for a fast and delicious weeknight meal, this Instant Pot Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese will hit the spot. Give it a try and enjoy a meal that’s as tasty as it is easy to make!