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Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
4.6 from 75 votes

Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

The Instant Pot Hamburger Helper is a one-pot dish combining browned ground beef, soaked white rice, and a sauce of tomato, coconut milk, and beef broth with aromatic herbs and spices. This recipe produces a creamy, hearty meal with a balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors from maple syrup and cider vinegar. The texture is tender with juicy ground beef mingling with fluffy rice in a rich sauce.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 363 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp avocado oil
  • 1/2 yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 2 cups white rice soaked and drained
  • 1 (15-oz) can coconut milk full-fat, + 1 cup for serving, optional
  • 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 Tbsp cider vinegar
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup optional
  • 1 tsp oregano dried
  • 1 tsp parsley dried
  • 1 tsp paprika ground
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt to taste, sea salt

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Soak the rice for at least 10 minutes before beginning the recipe. It can soak while the onion is sautéing. (Note: be sure to drain it fully before using).
  2. Add the avocado oil to your Instant Pot and press the Sauté button. Allow it to heat up for a couple of minutes.
  3. Stir in the onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until translucent and edges begin to brown, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the ground beef and brown for 2 minutes per side before breaking it into smaller pieces using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Stir in the garlic, dried herbs and sea salt.
  5. Stir in the soaked and drained white rice until well incorporated.
  6. Pour in the broth, tomato sauce,1 whole can of coconut milk, and cider vinegar. Stir well.
  7. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and press Manual. Adjust the time setting for 10 minutes and be sure the steam vent is sealed.
  8. Once the pressure cooker goes through its full course, allow it to naturally release (go into keep warm mode) for 5 minutes. Manually release any remaining pressure using the quick release valve.
  9. Stir the hamburger helper well, and give it a taste. Add more sea salt to taste and if desired, add 1 more cup off full-fat canned coconut milk and stir well. Do note that as the hamburger helper sits, the more the rice will absorb moisture, so if you like your helper on the saucy side, be sure to add some additional coconut milk (or broth) even if you don’t think you need it.
  10. If desired, add 1 to 2 cups of grated mild cheddar or jack cheese once the Hamburger Helper is fully cooked and stir well.

Notes

  • Always soak the white rice before cooking to improve texture and cooking consistency.
  • Consider buying two cans of full-fat coconut milk to add extra creaminess when serving.
  • You can stir in 1 to 2 cups of grated cheddar or jack cheese after cooking for a richer dish.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 363kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 21g (7%) Protein 21g (42%) Fat 20g (31%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 2g (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 363

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 363kcal 18%
Carbohydrates 21g 7%
Protein 21g 42%
Fat 20g 31%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 2g 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.