Instant Pot Ham and Cheese Macaroni Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy and delicious weeknight meal, this Instant Pot Ham and Cheese Macaroni recipe is perfect for you. It’s quick, comforting, and loaded with flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ham from a holiday meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Add the macaroni, water, and olive oil to the Instant Pot and give it a stir.
2. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Select the manual/pressure cook button and set the time for 5 minutes. Once the timer beeps, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes before turning the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
3. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a paste, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper. Cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth.
5. Add the diced ham to the Instant Pot, followed by the cheese sauce, and stir to combine.
6. Let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.

This Instant Pot Ham and Cheese Macaroni recipe is the perfect meal for an easy weeknight dinner, potluck, or meal prep for the week ahead. The Instant Pot makes it super quick and easy to cook the macaroni, and the cheese sauce is the perfect combination of creamy and flavorful. Plus, using leftover ham is a great way to reduce food waste and make use of any leftover holiday ham you may have.

A cool trick when making this recipe is to use a mixture of different cheeses, such as cheddar, gruyere, and monterey jack, to give it an extra depth of flavor. You can also mix in different types of meat, like bacon or sausage, for even more variety. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a little bit of heat!

So the next time you’re in need of a quick and easy meal, try this Instant Pot Ham and Cheese Macaroni recipe. It’s comfort food at its finest, and it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.