Instant Pot Cheeseburger Pasta (Hamburger Helper)

Step 1

Turn the Instant Pot on and press the Sauté function key.

Step 2

Add the onions, olive oil and a pinch of salt and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the beef and garlic and cook together for 2 more minutes, stirring a few times.

Step 3

Add the rest of the ingredients and the dried pasta. Stir through really well. Cancel the Sauté function key.

Step 4

Place the lid and lock it, making sure the top valve is pointing to Sealing. Set to Manual, HIGH pressure, and adjust the time to 4 minutes. After 3 beeps, the Instant Pot will start building the pressure and cooking will begin at the same time.

Step 5

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pickled red onions (this can be done ahead of time or the day before), by combining them with the other ingredients in a bowl. Slice the gherkins and grate a little more cheese.

Step 6

Once the 4-minute timer goes off, use the quick release to let off the steam (simply point the top valve to Venting and step aside). Open the lid once the pressure is out.

Step 7

Mix the cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) with 2-3 tablespoons of water and add to the pasta. Add the grated cheese and stir everything through. The cheese will melt into the pasta broth and the sauce will thicken.

Step 8

Note:If you find that you don’t have enough liquid in the pasta, simply add a little more hot stock. You can always set the Instant Pot to Sauté for a couple of minutes to heat everything up again.

Step 9

Serve the pasta in bowls and top with sliced gherkins/pickles, a teaspoon of pickled onions and a little more grated cheese.