Satisfy Your Hunger with This Quick and Flavorful Instant Pot Beefaroni Recipe

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Instant Pot Beefaroni is a dish that has stood the test of time, beloved for its comforting flavors and simplicity. Imagine coming home after a long day, craving something hearty and satisfying, yet not wanting to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where this Instant Pot Beefaroni comes in—it's a modern twist on a classic dish, combining rich, meaty flavors with the ease of an all-in-one pot meal.

The magic of this recipe lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into a delightful meal that everyone at the table will love. With just a few steps, you can have a bowl of warm, cheesy pasta that’s bursting with flavor. The Instant Pot does most of the work, allowing you to relax and enjoy the process of creating a meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Recipe: Instant Pot Beefaroni

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 lb elbow pasta
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Italian herbs
• 2 cups water
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1.5 oz butter, cut into cubes
• Scallions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Beef: Start by activating the Saute setting on your Instant Pot. Add the olive oil and ground beef, cooking and stirring until the beef is browned and crumbled.
2. Add the Aromatics and Spices: Incorporate the minced garlic, Italian herbs, paprika, onion powder, cumin, and salt. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure the beef is evenly coated with spices.
3. Add Liquid: Pour in the water and stir well, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent any bits from sticking. This helps avoid the dreaded "Burn" warning. Turn off the Saute mode.
4. Layer the Pasta and Sauce: Spread the elbow pasta evenly over the beef mixture without stirring. Pour the tomato sauce and tomato paste on top, also without stirring. Dot the butter cubes over the top.
5. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook mode on HIGH for 4 minutes. Once the cooking cycle completes, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before performing a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
6. Finish and Serve: Remove the lid carefully. Stir the contents gently to combine. Set the Instant Pot to Keep Warm mode and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover for about 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt. You can either stir the cheese into the pasta or place the dish under a broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish and Enjoy: Top with chopped scallions for a fresh finish and serve hot!

The Delicious Ending

Instant Pot Beefaroni is more than just a meal—it's a quick escape to comfort food heaven. The creamy cheese, tender pasta, and savory beef come together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to enjoy a nostalgic, homemade meal without the fuss, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So grab your Instant Pot and get ready to delight in the deliciousness of Beefaroni!

For a delicious Instant Pot Beefaroni recipe, you can explore various versions that cater to different tastes and preferences.

1. Basic Instant Pot Beefaroni: This recipe is a quick and easy one-pan meal that combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, and a blend of spices, all cooked together in the Instant Pot. You start by sautéing the beef with olive oil, garlic, and spices, then add water and pasta without stirring to avoid sticking. After adding the tomato sauce and a bit of butter, you pressure cook for a few minutes and finish by melting cheese over the top for a creamy finish. Garnish with scallions for a bit of freshness. This recipe is straightforward and results in a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners​(Instant Pot Eats).
2. Instant Pot Beef and Pasta (Beefaroni): A slightly different take includes the use of passata (a smooth tomato puree) instead of regular tomato sauce, which helps prevent the "Burn" error due to its thinner consistency. This version also incorporates beef stock for added depth of flavor and can be made healthier by stirring in some baby spinach at the end. This recipe is quick, taking about 5 minutes to cook once the pressure is reached, and offers a flexible base that you can customize with different types of pasta or added vegetables​(Carmy - Easy Healthy-ish Recipes).
3. Family-Friendly Instant Pot Beefaroni: For a kid-friendly approach, consider a recipe that keeps things simple with just ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese. This version focuses on straightforward steps to ensure even beginner cooks can achieve great results. The dish is layered in the pot without stirring, which helps maintain a good texture for the pasta. It's quick to prepare and can be paired with a light side salad, making it a versatile option for any meal​(BusyCooks).

Each of these recipes has its own twist, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and taste preferences. For more detailed instructions and variations, you can check out the full recipes on their respective websites: Instant Pot Eats, Carmy - Easy Healthy-ish Recipes, and Busy Cooks.