Quick Instant Pot Kodiak Casserole Recipe

Welcome to Myriad Cooking, where we make baking simple! Discover this irresistible Instant Pot Kodiak casserole recipe, a true weeknight hero. This comforting dish expertly combines savory ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a uniquely flavorful sauce. It’s perfect for busy parents and beginners looking for a quick, easy, and satisfying meal. Learn how to create this cheesy, hearty family favorite in your Instant Pot today.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Kodiak Casserole

You’ll quickly fall in love with this incredible Kodiak casserole recipe for so many reasons! It’s designed to bring joy and ease to your kitchen, aligning perfectly with our mission to make cooking simple.

• Quick & Easy: This one-pot Instant Pot recipe significantly cuts down on both cooking time and cleanup, making busy weeknights stress-free.
• Unique Flavor Profile: A delightful blend of tangy picante and smoky BBQ sauces creates a depth of flavor that sets this casserole apart from traditional dishes.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy, and incredibly hearty, this dish is perfect for any season, providing a comforting embrace with every bite.
• Family-Friendly: With familiar ingredients and a universally appealing taste, this easy Kodiak casserole recipe is sure to be a hit with all ages, even picky eaters.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to different dietary preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand, ensuring flexibility in your meal planning.

Kodiak Casserole Recipe

A rich and comforting Instant Pot Kodiak Casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a zesty tomato-based sauce, finished with melted cheddar cheese.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup diced onions
• 1 rib celery diced
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 1/2 cups chicken or beef broth
• 8 ounces uncooked egg noodles
• 1 can diced green chiles 4 oz
• 1 can tomato sauce 8 oz
• 1/2 cup Pace picante sauce
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

 

Cooking Steps

• Set the Instant Pot to saute mode. Once hot, brown the ground beef with diced onions and celery for about 5 minutes, then drain any excess fat and stir in salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Pour in the broth, then scrape the bottom of the pot to ensure nothing is sticking, which helps prevent a ‘burn’ notice.
• Evenly sprinkle the egg noodles into the pot, then carefully layer the diced green chiles, tomato sauce, picante sauce, BBQ sauce, and Worcestershire sauce on top without stirring.
• Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on manual for 1 minute. After cooking, allow a 5-minute natural pressure release before moving the valve to venting and removing the lid.
• Stir the casserole thoroughly, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and allow it to melt before serving.

Notes

Serve this hearty Instant Pot Kodiak Casserole with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying family meal.

Keyword cheesy, egg noodles, ground beef,, Instant Pot casserole, one‑pot, pressure cooker, weeknight dinner

Ingredients

Creating this amazing Kodiak casserole recipe starts with a simple list of ingredients, many of which you likely already have. This combination ensures a robust flavor and satisfying texture in every serving.

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup diced onions
• 1 rib celery, diced
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 ½ cups chicken or beef broth
• 8 ounces uncooked egg noodles
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• ½ cup Pace picante sauce (mild recommended)
• ¼ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Notes & Substitutions

Feel free to customize this Kodiak beef casserole to fit your taste and pantry.

• Ground Meat: For a lighter version, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken without losing flavor.
• Broth: Beef broth truly intensifies the savory notes, but chicken broth works perfectly too for a milder taste.
• Pasta: Get creative with your pasta! Rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni can easily replace egg noodles in this hearty casserole.
• Spice Level: Adjust the picante sauce from mild to medium or hot, depending on how much kick you like.
• Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby, or a zesty Mexican blend are all excellent alternatives to cheddar cheese.
• Add-ins: For extra depth and nutrients, consider stirring in sliced mushrooms or black olives.

Equipment

You’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this fantastic Instant Pot Kodiak casserole recipe. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity, requiring minimal specialized gear.

• Instant Pot (6-quart is ideal, but 3 or 8-quart models also work well)
• Cutting board and a sharp knife for prepping vegetables
• Measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient amounts
• Spatula or wooden spoon for sautéing and stirring

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these clear, easy steps to create your delicious Instant Pot Kodiak casserole recipe. We’ll walk you through each stage, ensuring a perfect result every time. This beginner-friendly guide makes cooking simple and enjoyable.

1. Sauté Aromatics and Beef: Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Once the display shows “HOT,” add the lean ground beef. Break it up with your spatula. Stir in the diced onions and celery. Continue to brown the mixture for about 5 minutes, until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables soften.
2. Season and Deglaze: Carefully drain any excess grease from the pot. Stir in the kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring everything is well combined. Pour in the 2 ½ cups of broth. Use your spatula to thoroughly scrape the bottom of the pot, making sure no bits of food are stuck. This is crucial to prevent a “Burn” notice.
3. Layer Ingredients: Evenly sprinkle the uncooked egg noodles over the beef and broth mixture. Next, gently dump the diced green chiles, tomato sauce, picante sauce, BBQ sauce, and Worcestershire sauce on top of the noodles. Do not stir the layers. Keeping them separate helps the pasta cook correctly.
4. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure it’s properly sealed. Set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cooking time to 1 minute. The pot will take some time to come to pressure before cooking begins.
5. Release Pressure: Once the cooking cycle finishes, allow the Instant Pot to natural pressure release (NPR) for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, carefully move the valve to “Venting” to quick release any remaining pressure. Once the pin drops, you can safely remove the lid.
6. Finish and Serve: Give the Kodiak casserole recipe a good stir to combine all the ingredients. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the hot casserole and let it sit for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a gooey, delicious topping. Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty meal!

Stovetop Instructions (Variation)

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can still enjoy this wonderful Kodiak casserole recipe with a stovetop adaptation.

• Boil the egg noodles separately in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain them well.
• In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with the diced onions and celery over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
• Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, diced green chiles, tomato sauce, picante sauce, BBQ sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine.
• Add the cooked and drained noodles to the skillet. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Remove from heat, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and creamy. Serve hot.

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect Kodiak casserole recipe is easy with a few insider tips. These simple suggestions ensure a smooth cooking process and a delicious outcome.

• Prevent Burn Notice: Always deglaze your Instant Pot thoroughly after sautéing the beef and before adding broth. Scrape up all stuck-on bits to avoid the “Burn” warning. For more detailed advice on this common issue, review some effective Instant Pot burn notice prevention tips.
• Layering is Key: Remember, do not stir the liquids and noodles after layering them in the Instant Pot. This technique is vital for proper pressure cooking and pasta texture.
• Pasta Perfection: If using different pasta types, adjust the pressure cook time. Use the formula: Box Cook Time / 2 – 2 minutes for al dente results.
• Cheesy Finish: Opt for freshly shredded cheddar cheese rather than pre-shredded. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother because it lacks the anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded varieties, as explained by Simply Recipes.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This satisfying casserole makes excellent leftovers. Portion it out for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

This hearty Kodiak casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Knowing how to store and vary it makes this recipe even more useful.

• Serving: Elevate your dinner by pairing this comforting dish with a crisp, fresh side salad. Roasted broccoli or green beans add a healthy, vibrant touch. For an extra treat, serve it with warm, crusty garlic bread.
• Storage: Store any leftover Kodiak casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, making it great for meal prep.
• Freezing: This Instant Pot Kodiak meal freezes beautifully. Divide it into individual portions and freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Variations

Get creative and customize your family’s new favorite Kodiak dinner!

• Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture.
• Veggie Loaded: Boost the nutrition and texture by stirring in some corn, diced bell peppers, or a handful of fresh spinach at the very end.
• Smoky Flavor: A sprinkle of smoked paprika complements the BBQ sauce beautifully, adding another layer of delicious smokiness.

Nutritional Information

This Kodiak casserole recipe offers a balanced and satisfying meal, providing a good source of protein and carbohydrates. Please note that these values are approximate.

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

FAQ

Here are some common questions about making this Instant Pot Kodiak casserole recipe. We’re here to make cooking simple for you!

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Kodiak casserole recipe truly is a triumph of flavor and convenience. It perfectly blends comforting textures with a unique, savory taste, all while offering incredibly easy preparation. Whether you’re a busy parent or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is designed to simplify your meal times. Make this hearty casserole creation a new family favorite and enjoy delicious, homemade meals with minimal effort.