“Dinner is saved!” I couldn’t help but cheer as the aroma of my Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole filled the kitchen, transforming what could have been another hectic evening into a moment of culinary triumph. Combining savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a gooey layer of melted cheese, this dish has quickly become a family favorite. Best of all? You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or those spontaneous gatherings with friends. Plus, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free with a simple pasta swap, ensuring everyone can indulge in its comforting flavors. So, why not bring this cheesy delight to your dinner table tonight? What toppings would you sprinkle on top to make it your own? Why is this recipe a must-try? Simplicity, this Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole is a breeze to make, perfect for those new to cooking or busy chefs like yourself. Flavor-packed, it offers a comforting blend of savory beef, gooey cheese, and tender pasta that’ll have your family asking for seconds. Versatile, you can easily switch out ingredients to fit any dietary needs—try it gluten-free or with your favorite cheese blend! Time-saving, this dish cooks in under 30 minutes, making it your go-to weeknight meal. Pair it with a fresh salad for balance and you’ve got yourself a winning dinner! Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Ingredients For the Casserole • Ground Beef – Provides protein and rich flavor; substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. • Elbow Macaroni – Acts as the main carbohydrate base; gluten-free pasta can be used for a gluten-sensitive option. • Diced Tomatoes – Adds moisture and acidity; feel free to use crushed tomatoes or fresh diced tomatoes for a fresher taste. • Onion Powder – Enhances flavor; fresh onions can be used instead, just increase the quantity to taste. • Garlic Powder – Contributes depth of flavor; fresh minced garlic can be an aromatic alternative. • Worcestershire Sauce – Adds umami richness; soy sauce can work as a substitute for similar flavor depth. • Beef Broth – Provides necessary liquid for pressure cooking; substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. • Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Provides creaminess and classic cheeseburger flavor; feel free to experiment with a cheese blend like mozzarella or Monterey Jack. • Salt and Pepper – Enhances overall seasoning; adjust to your taste preference for a balanced dish. For Serving • Fresh Parsley or Green Onions – Adds a pop of color and freshness when garnished on top. • Side Salad or Steamed Vegetables – Balance the richness of the casserole with these light accompaniments. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Step 1: Sauté the Beef Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Once hot, add the ground beef and break it apart using a spatula. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the meat is browned and no pink remains. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep the dish balanced and flavorful. Step 2: Season Next, sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir vigorously for about 1 minute to coat the beef with spices, then pour in the beef broth, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot. This deglazing step enhances the flavor of your Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole. Step 3: Add Pasta and Tomatoes Now, fold in your elbow macaroni and diced tomatoes gently to combine. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged within the liquid, which is crucial for even cooking. This step sets the stage for the creamy texture and flavor that will soon envelop your casserole. Step 4: Pressure Cook Seal the Instant Pot lid securely, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Once the cooking cycle completes, you’ll hear the beep; this is your cue for a quick release of the pressure, carefully turning the valve to venting. Step 5: Release Pressure After the pressure has fully released, gently open the lid. Immediately sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of your casserole. Close the lid again and let the cheese melt from the residual heat for about 2-3 minutes, creating that gooey finish we all crave. Step 6: Serve Gently stir the casserole to combine the melted cheese with the beef and pasta, giving it that classic cheeseburger taste. Dish it out warm, garnishing with fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of color. This delightful Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. How to Store and Freeze Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Fridge: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring it stays fresh and ready for quick meals. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s completely cooled before sealing to prevent ice crystals. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight for a gradual, safe defrosting process. Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to revive the creamy texture of your Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole. Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Variations Feel free to explore these delightful twists, and customize your dish to tantalize your taste buds! Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and broth to make this comforting dish suitable for gluten-sensitive family members. Low-Calorie: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, providing a leaner, healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor. Vegetarian: Swap ground beef for lentils or chopped mushrooms; add extra spices for depth to create a fabulous veggie version. Creamy Spin: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream after cooking for an extra creamy texture that’s irresistibly indulgent. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicy version that’ll warm you up on chilly nights. Cheese Variation: Experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack for a spicy twist, or a blend for complexity in flavor. Vegetable Boost: Toss in frozen peas, corn, or spinach before sealing the Instant Pot to sneak in extra nutrition and color. Bacon Lovers: Top your finished casserole with crispy bacon bits or crunchy French fried onions for a delightful texture contrast. For an added treat, consider serving alongside a refreshing side salad or a warm loaf of garlic bread, making every bite a moment worth savoring! What to Serve with Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Add some delightful sides to elevate your cheesy masterpiece into a complete meal. Crispy Garlic Bread: The golden crunch of garlic bread provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy texture of the casserole. Perfect for soaking up any delicious sauce that’s left on your plate! Fresh Garden Salad: A vibrant salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing finish to the hearty cheeseburger casserole. This light side balances the richness beautifully. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their nutty flavor and crunchy texture create a delicious pairing, making your meal feel homey and wholesome. Toss them with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt for a delightful side. Steamed Broccoli: This vibrant green adds color and essential nutrients. Its subtle flavor complements the dish while boosting your meal with fresh health benefits. Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness and crispy texture of sweet potato fries enhance the meal’s indulgence while providing a fun twist on traditional fries that everyone will enjoy. Pickles and Olives: A small platter of tangy pickles and olives adds a touch of acidity and crunch, elevating your cheeseburger experience even further. They make for a great appetizer too! Milkshake or Smoothie: To round out your meal, pair the casserole with a creamy milkshake or fruity smoothie. It’s a nostalgic nod to classic diner meals, making dinner feel special and indulgent. Make Ahead Options These Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole preparations are perfect for busy home cooks! You can brown the ground beef and combine it with seasonings up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta and diced tomatoes can be added just before cooking to maintain the pasta’s texture. When you’re ready to eat, simply transfer the prepped mixture into the Instant Pot, add the pasta and tomatoes, and proceed to pressure cook. This way, you save time without compromising on flavor, allowing you to enjoy your favorite casserole with minimal effort! Expert Tips for Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole • Perfectly Browned Beef: Ensure your ground beef is fully browned during sautéing. This step builds a deep, savory flavor that enhances the entire casserole. • Pasta Placement: Mix the pasta gently into the liquid without over-stirring to avoid mushy noodles. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged to cook evenly. • Pressure Release Care: Always perform the quick pressure release slowly and carefully to prevent splatters from hot liquid. • Cheese Melting Method: After cooking, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and close the lid for a few minutes. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly without overcooking. • Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Gently reheat in the microwave or stovetop to maintain the creamy texture of your Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole. Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best ground beef for this casserole? Absolutely! For the best flavor, look for ground beef that is at least 80% lean. This balance provides enough fat for flavor while keeping it from being too greasy. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute without compromising taste. How should I store leftovers of my Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole? Very simple! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you find yourself with more than you can eat, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Remember to let it cool down completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals. Can I freeze my Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole? Yes, you can! To freeze, let the casserole cool completely then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label it with the date, as it can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. What should I do if my pasta gets mushy in the casserole? If your pasta turns out mushy, it could be due to over-stirring or the pasta not being fully submerged in the liquid. For prevention next time, avoid stirring too much once the pasta is added. Ensure that it’s covered in the cooking liquid to cook evenly. If it does happen, serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a side salad to balance out the texture! Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets? Absolutely! Just swap out the elbow macaroni and use certified gluten-free pasta. Check your beef broth to ensure it’s gluten-free as well. With these adjustments, you’ll get to enjoy the same delicious flavor without any gluten-related concerns. What toppings can I add to enhance this Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole? Great question! I love to sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top, or even some dill pickles for that extra crunch. You can also add a handful of sautéed mushrooms or fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives to give it a fresh kick! Experimenting with toppings is a fun way to make this dish your own. Easy Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole for Busy Nights This Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and gooey cheese, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Casserole1 pound Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.2 cups Elbow Macaroni Gluten-free pasta can be used for a gluten-sensitive option.1 can Diced Tomatoes Feel free to use crushed tomatoes or fresh diced tomatoes.1 teaspoon Onion Powder Fresh onions can be used instead, just increase the quantity to taste.1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be an aromatic alternative.1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Soy sauce can work as a substitute.2 cups Beef Broth Substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Feel free to experiment with a cheese blend.to taste Saltto taste PepperFor Servingto taste Fresh Parsley or Green Onions For garnishing.as needed Side Salad or Steamed Vegetables To serve alongside for a balanced meal. Equipment Instant Pot Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Once hot, add the ground beef and break it apart using a spatula. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the meat is browned and no pink remains. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat.Next, sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir vigorously for about 1 minute to coat the beef with spices, then pour in the beef broth, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot.Now, fold in your elbow macaroni and diced tomatoes gently to combine. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged within the liquid.Seal the Instant Pot lid securely, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Once the cooking cycle completes, perform a quick release of the pressure.After the pressure has fully released, gently open the lid. Immediately sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of your casserole. Close the lid again for about 2-3 minutes, letting the cheese melt.Gently stir the casserole to combine the melted cheese with the beef and pasta, garnishing with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve warm with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg NotesStore leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently adding a splash of beef broth if needed. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
