If there’s one dish that can turn an ordinary weeknight into an all-out family favorite, it’s Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole. This one-pot wonder brings together all the savory, cheesy, downright cozy flavors of a classic cheeseburger—with the magical ease of the Instant Pot. Imagine tender pasta, perfectly seasoned beef, melty cheddar, and a creamy sauce, all lovingly cradled in a single bite. Best of all, it’s ridiculously quick and simple, making it a go-to dinner you’ll crave again and again.

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! Each one plays a starring role in bringing out either the irresistible cheeseburger flavor, a lush texture, or a pop of color. You probably have most of them in your kitchen already—these are straightforward, no-fuss essentials that really make this Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole shine.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and keeps the beef from sticking to the pot.
Ground beef: The heart and soul of the dish—choose leaner beef to prevent too much grease.
Onion (diced): Sweet, savory, and a must for building classic cheeseburger flavor.
Garlic (minced): A dose of garlicky depth that enhances every bite.
Salt: Opens up all the other flavors—don’t skip!
Black pepper: Lends a gentle kick to balance out the richness.
Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and gorgeous color.
Worcestershire sauce: The secret ingredient for a savory, beefy boost.
Beef broth: Keeps the pasta tender and infuses everything with extra meaty goodness.
Diced tomatoes (undrained): Bring a bit of acidity and help create a luscious sauce.
Elbow macaroni (uncooked): Classic comfort and perfect for soaking up all that flavor.
Heavy cream: The secret to a silky, ultra-creamy sauce.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, cheesy perfection—sharp cheddar works especially well!
Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh, vibrant finish and pop of color.

How to Make Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics

Start by setting your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add a swirl of olive oil. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it up as you go, and let it brown until it’s beautifully caramelized. If there’s extra grease, just drain it off. Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing just until everything softens and your kitchen smells irresistible. This step builds a deep, burger-like foundation of flavor that makes all the difference for Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole.

Step 2: Season and Layer in Flavor

Time to take things up a notch! Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, paprika, and a generous splash of Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a quick stir to coat the beef and onions in the seasoning and let those flavors mingle. Cancel the Sauté mode to prep for pressure cooking and prevent burning.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Into the pot go the beef broth, diced tomatoes (liquid and all), and the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir gently, making sure the pasta is well submerged. This is the real magic of this dish—everything cooks together, with the pasta soaking up all that amazing cheeseburger flavor.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on Manual (High Pressure) for just 4 minutes. Yes, you read that right! When the timer beeps, do a quick release for perfectly tender pasta and a saucy, savory mix that smells like heaven.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese

With the lid off, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in loads of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is gloriously melted and the sauce is creamy and thick. Let the dish sit for a few minutes; it will thicken up to that classic, scoopable cheeseburger casserole texture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole into bowls or onto plates and scatter with chopped parsley if you like a little color and freshness. Now comes the best part: dig in and enjoy all those nostalgic cheeseburger flavors!

How to Serve Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole

Garnishes

Sprinkle your casserole with fresh chopped parsley, extra cheddar, or even a few chopped pickles for a playful cheeseburger vibe. A drizzle of ketchup and mustard can transform each serving into a spot-on, over-the-top tribute to your favorite burger.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but it’s even better with a crisp green salad, oven-roasted veggies, or simple steamed broccoli. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls make perfect partners for scooping up every last bit of cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve portions inside halved, hollowed-out burger buns, or bake the finished Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole in a casserole dish with extra cheddar on top for a bubbly, golden finish. You can even offer a toppings bar with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and pickled jalapeños to let everyone customize their plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 or 4 days. The flavors only get better as they mingle, so lunchtime the next day might be even tastier!

Freezing

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole freezes surprisingly well. Portion into freezer-safe containers, label, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results—just remember that the texture of the pasta will be a little softer after freezing, but the flavor still hits all the right notes.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual servings in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, or gently warm on the stovetop over low heat. If the casserole seems a bit thick, add a splash of milk or broth before heating to restore creaminess and moisture.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef with something else?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work nicely for a lighter take without sacrificing flavor. You can also use plant-based crumbles to create an equally hearty vegetarian version of Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole.

What type Main Course

Sharp cheddar is hands-down the classic choice, but feel free to use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for extra meltiness. Pepper jack can also add a fun kick!

Can I make Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole without heavy cream?

If you’re out of heavy cream or want something lighter, swap in half-and-half or even whole milk. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but you’ll still get plenty of cheesy, creamy satisfaction.

Do I need to cook the pasta beforehand?

No pre-cooking needed! The uncooked elbow macaroni goes right into the Instant Pot along with everything else, so it soaks up maximum flavor and cooks to perfect tenderness under pressure.

How do I prevent a burn notice in the Instant Pot?

Be sure to fully deglaze the pot after sautéing the beef and onions—scrape up all those flavorful browned bits before adding broth and tomatoes. This step will help prevent food from sticking and triggering a burn warning.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole is more than just an easy meal—it’s a guaranteed family favorite full of comfort and nostalgia. Try it for your next weeknight dinner and watch everyone come back for seconds (and thirds!). There’s just something magical about turning burger night into a cozy, cheesy, one-pot creation that nobody can resist.

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole is a delicious one-pot meal that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting pasta dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this cheesy and savory casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cheeseburger Casserole:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups beef broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
8 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Cheeseburger Casserole: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Cook ground beef in olive oil until browned. Add onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Sauté until onions are softened.
Cook the Pasta: Cancel Sauté mode. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, and macaroni. Pressure cook for 4 minutes, then do a quick release.
Finish the Dish: Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted. Let sit to thicken. Garnish with parsley before serving.