Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

This Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole transforms everything you love about a classic cheeseburger into a hearty, comforting one-pot meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have time for complicated cooking. The rice soaks up all those delicious burger flavors while the special sauce gives it that authentic cheeseburger finish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Effortless: From prep to table in just 30 minutes with minimal hands-on time—your Instant Pot does all the work!
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist this dish. It has all the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger in a fun new format.
• Budget-Stretcher: Ground beef goes further when combined with rice, making this an economical way to feed a hungry family.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in the Instant Pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground beef: The star of the show that provides that classic burger flavor. Choose lean ground beef (85/15) for the best balance of flavor and less grease.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish. Dice it finely if you have onion-skeptical family members.
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder): The perfect trio for that classic burger taste. Feel free to adjust to your family’s preference.
• Brown rice: Absorbs all the delicious flavors while adding heartiness. It’s also more nutritious than white rice.
• Worcestershire sauce: This is the secret ingredient that gives the dish that unmistakable burger flavor.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy depth that really makes the flavors pop.
• Diced tomatoes: Provides moisture and a slight acidity that balances the richness of the beef.
• Water: Necessary for cooking the rice properly in the pressure cooker.
• Cheddar cheese: What’s a cheeseburger without cheese? Use sharp cheddar for the most flavor impact.
• Special sauce ingredients (mayo, yogurt/sour cream, ketchup): Creates that classic burger joint special sauce experience.
• Pickles: The finishing touch that makes this taste just like a real cheeseburger.

Variations

• Bacon Cheeseburger: Add cooked, crumbled bacon along with the cheese for a bacon cheeseburger variation.
• Veggie-Packed: Sneak in some finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms with the onions for extra nutrition.
• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a kick.
• BBQ Style: Substitute barbecue sauce for some of the ketchup in the special sauce for a smoky twist.

How to Make Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Turn your Instant Pot to “SAUTE” and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add ground beef, diced onion, seasoning salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Break up the ground beef with a hamburger chopper as it browns.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

Once the beef is mostly browned, add 3/4 cup water to the pot. Scrape the bottom thoroughly with a wooden spoon to remove any browned bits (this prevents the dreaded “BURN” notice).

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Sprinkle the brown rice over the water and hamburger mixture WITHOUT stirring. Top with Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and both cans of diced tomatoes, making sure all the rice is covered with tomatoes.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to “SEAL,” and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once cooking completes, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

Carefully release any remaining pressure. Fluff and mix the beef and rice mixture with a fork, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Place the lid back on (no pressure, just using the residual heat) for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.

Step 6: Prepare Special Sauce

While the casserole cooks, mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), ketchup, and a dash of salt and pepper in a small bowl.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Skip the Scraping: Always deglaze the pot thoroughly after browning the meat to prevent the “BURN” message.
• Layer Correctly: The order of ingredients matters in the Instant Pot—leaving the rice on top of the beef without stirring, then covering with tomatoes, ensures proper cooking.
• Natural Release: The 10-minute natural release for brown rice is crucial—it gives the rice time to finish cooking and absorb remaining liquid.
• Cheese Selection: Freshly grated cheese melts much better than pre-shredded varieties which contain anti-caking agents.

How to Serve

This casserole is practically a complete meal on its own, but here are some perfect pairings:

Toppings:

Serve with the special sauce, chopped pickles, and additional toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or sliced avocado to let everyone customize their plate.

Side Dishes:

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables makes an excellent companion to balance the hearty casserole.

Bread Option:

Toasted sesame seed buns on the side can add that authentic burger experience for those who want to scoop some casserole onto bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion into individual servings for quick lunches or dinners. I recommend freezing without the special sauce (make that fresh when serving).

Reheating

Microwave individual portions with a sprinkle of water to prevent drying out. For larger portions, reheat covered in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20-25 minutes from refrigerated, longer if frozen).

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a leaner alternative. You might want to add an extra dash of Worcestershire sauce since turkey has a milder flavor than beef.

What if I don’t have brown rice? Can I use white rice?
Yes! If using white rice, follow the recipe exactly but perform a quick release immediately after the 10-minute cooking time instead of the natural release. White rice cooks faster and can become mushy if left too long.

Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
Definitely! Brown the meat and onions in a large skillet, then transfer everything to a casserole dish, adding slightly more water (1 cup total). Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes, then uncover, add cheese, and bake 5 minutes more.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply check your Worcestershire sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free (most major brands are) and you’re all set! The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole brings together everything we love about cheeseburgers in a convenient, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s the kind of meal that will have your family rushing to the table and asking for seconds. Give it a try the next time you’re craving the flavors of a cheeseburger but want something a bit more substantial and shareable!

Print