Introduction
If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that can be prepared in a flash, this Instant Pot beef and macaroni dish is a fantastic choice. With the combination of lean ground beef, delicious spices, and creamy cheese, it creates a satisfying experience for the whole family. Plus, cooking it in the Instant Pot means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
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 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
4 servings
Enjoy this quick and easy dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table with minimal effort!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Beef
Set a 6-quart Instant Pot to the high sauté setting. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the pot. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and cook until browned, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Remember to crumble the beef as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Add ½ medium sweet onion, diced, and ½ green bell pepper, diced, to the pot. Cook while stirring frequently until the vegetables are tender, approximately 2-3 minutes. Then, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 ½ teaspoons of paprika, and ½ teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Stir in 3 cups of beef stock and 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce, followed by adding 12 ounces of elbow macaroni. 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 timer for 5 minutes. After the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 4: Incorporate Cheese and Cream
Once the pressure has been released, stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded mild cheddar cheese and ½ cup of heavy cream. Mix until the cheese has melted, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Finally, stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley leaves.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the dish immediately while it’s hot and enjoy your meal!
Notes
Ingredient Adjustments
You can substitute the ground beef with turkey or a plant-based version if preferred.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to add or replace vegetables such as diced carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Garnishing Suggestions
Consider adding additional fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick on top before serving.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking technique where food is cooked quickly in a small amount of fat over high heat. In this recipe, the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper are sautéed to enhance their flavors and achieve a nice browning.
Pressure Cooking
Pressure cooking uses steam and pressure to cook food quickly. By setting the Instant Pot to high pressure, the beef stock and pasta are cooked in just five minutes, resulting in tender pasta and infused flavors.
Melting Cheese
Melting cheese requires gentle heat to ensure it becomes creamy without clumping. In this recipe, adding shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream to the hot mixture allows the cheese to melt evenly, creating a rich and cheesy sauce.
Garnishing
Garnishing enhances the appearance and flavor of a dish. Fresh parsley is chopped and added to the dish before serving, providing a pop of color and fresh flavor contrast to the rich macaroni and cheese.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta shapes, such as penne or shells, but adjust the cooking time if necessary.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or omit it altogether and add more vegetables for a vegetarian dish.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy milk, such as almond or coconut milk, but the richness and creaminess may be slightly reduced.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef stock or water to maintain moisture.
Can I use low-sodium beef stock?
Yes, using low-sodium beef stock is a great option, allowing you to control the salt level in the dish better. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Conclusion
The combination of tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and creamy cheese in this dish creates a hearty and satisfying meal. The strategic use of spices and herbs enhances the flavors while the elbow macaroni provides delightful texture. Perfectly cooked in an Instant Pot, this recipe not only saves time but also ensures that each ingredient melds together beautifully. Serve it hot and enjoy every comforting bite.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Beef and Broccoli Pasta
Replace bell pepper with broccoli florets for a tasty beef and broccoli combination, adding a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor.
Cheesy Beef Casserole
Layer the cooked mixture in a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake until golden brown for a comforting casserole twist.
Spicy Beef Macaroni
Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to introduce some heat to the dish, balancing it with the creamy cheese.
Vegetarian Version
Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms, and use vegetable stock instead, making it a delicious vegetarian option.
Italian Style Pasta
Incorporate Italian sausage, and blend in some crushed red pepper along with fresh basil for an Italian flair to the original recipe.
Chili Mac
Integrate canned beans and corn, along with chili powder, for a heartier, chili-inspired macaroni dish perfect for chilly evenings.
