Contents
Introduction
If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious dish that can be made quickly, Instant Pot Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese is the perfect solution. This hearty meal combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with creamy macaroni and cheese, all made in one pot. It’s a family favorite that’s sure to satisfy your hunger while saving you time in the kitchen.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
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
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 ½ cups shredded Cabot Mild Cheddar Cheese
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Enjoy this easy and flavorful dish that promises a delightful blend of textures and tastes, perfect for any weeknight dinner!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Beef
Set a 6-quart Instant Pot to the high sauté setting. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to heat. Once hot, add 1 pound of lean ground beef. Cook the beef until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks. After browning, drain any excess fat from the pot.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
To the pot, add ½ medium sweet onion, diced, and ½ green bell pepper, diced. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender, approximately 2-3 minutes. Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 ½ teaspoons of paprika, and ½ teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Liquid and Pasta
Stir in 3 cups of beef stock and 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce. Add 12 ounces of elbow macaroni and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Select the manual setting on the Instant Pot, adjust the pressure to high, and set the cooking time for 5 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 4: Incorporate Cheese and Cream
After the pressure has been released, stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded Cabot Mild Cheddar Cheese and ½ cup of heavy cream. Continue to stir until the cheese has fully melted, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Finally, fold in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley leaves.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the cheeseburger mac and cheese immediately while it’s hot and creamy.
Notes
Note 1: Adjusting Spice Level
Feel free to adjust the amount of paprika and other spices according to your preferred spice level.
Note 2: Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to retain creaminess.
Note 3: Variations
You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach, or even mixing in different types of cheese for varied flavor profiles.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking method that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of hot oil over relatively high heat. In this recipe, it’s used to brown the ground beef and soften the vegetables, enhancing their flavors before pressure cooking.
Pressure Cooking
Pressure cooking allows food to cook quickly under high pressure, which helps to tenderize ingredients and infuse flavors. When using the Instant Pot, it reduces cooking time significantly, making this dish ready in just 5 minutes once pressure is reached.
Quick Release
Quick release is a technique for releasing the pressure from the Instant Pot immediately after cooking, allowing you to open the lid sooner. This is particularly useful for dishes like this where you want to serve immediately after cooking.
Melting Cheese
Melting cheese at the end of the cooking process helps to create a creamy texture in the dish. Adding it with heavy cream ensures it blends smoothly without clumping, resulting in a rich and flavorful sauce.
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute other types of pasta, but cooking times may vary. Make sure to adjust accordingly for the pasta you choose.
Can I make this dish in advance?
While it is best served fresh, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated. The texture may change when reheating.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option or a non-dairy option.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
You can use leaner ground meat like ground turkey or chicken, and incorporate more vegetables for added nutrition.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish can be frozen. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. When reheating, add a little extra liquid to ensure it stays creamy.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese is a hearty and comforting dish that brings the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a creamy pasta delight. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and the use of the Instant Pot ensures that you can whip it up in no time, making it a family favorite.
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