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Instant Pot Copycat In-N-Out Burgers Recipe

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It’s been a lot longer than I expected since my last travel adventure. One of my favorite things to do when we travel is eat! Honestly, I feel like half the time we have planned our travel around the restaurants available. When we travelled to Las Vegas, I just knew I had to try In-N-Out Burger. We do not have In-N-Out here in the Midwest, and we certainly didn’t have it when I lived in New York! So In-N-Out was something I knew we had to try. And we LOVED it. So much so that I’ve been dying to try recreating it at home! And that’s why I made this Instant Pot Copycat In-N-Out Burgers Recipe!

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

Why the Instant Pot?

If you’ve been following my blog for a while you’ll know that I’m basically obsessed with pressure cooking and one-pot cooking in the Instant Pot. It’s just… easy. And, when food is made in a pressure cooker, it is 100 times juicier and more flavorful. Sure, you could make burgers on the grill; but I highly suggest you try using an Instant Pot. It’s a complete game-changer.

What you’ll need for these Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

Besides your trusty Instant Pot, you’ll need only a handful of other items.

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers
  • One pound of 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 Tablespoon of salt
  • 1/2 of a Tablespoon of onion powder
  • 1 Tablespoon of pepper
  • Three slices of American Cheese
  • 3 hamburger buns
  • 1/2 of a Tomato, sliced
  • 3 iceberg lettuce leaves
  • 1/2 an onion, sliced
  • 3 Tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing

That’s it! Read the full recipe card details below to make your very own Copycat In-N-Out Burgers. But, be forewarned: you’re going to want to make these every single day!

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

The Recipe

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Additional Time to come to pressure 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 Tablespoon of salt
  • 1 Tablespoon of pepper
  • 1/2 Tablespoon of onion powder
  • 3 hamburger buns
  • 3 Tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing
  • 1/2 Tomato, sliced
  • 3 iceberg lettuce leaves
  • 3 slices of American Cheese
  • 1/2 an onion, sliced

Instructions

INGREDIENTS:

ingredients for burgers

STEP 1:

Mix together your beef, salt, pepper, and salt. 

STEP 2:

Divide the meat into three sections. Pat them into 3 flat patties. Wrap them in aluminum foil. 

STEP 3:

Add 1 ½ cups of water to the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside with your patties (in aluminum) on the trivet. 

STEP 4:

Close the lid on your IP. Close the sealing valve. Set your IP to High Pressure for 10 minutes. 

STEP 5:

When the 10 minutes has finished, do a quick release of the pressure.

STEP 6:

Remove the patties from the aluminum foil. 

STEP 7:

Assemble your burgers. Add your thousand island dressing to the bottom bun. Add your tomato, lettuce, burger, cheese, and onion slice. 

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

Enjoy!

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

© Rachel

Tell me — what’s your favorite fast-food burger joint?!

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Instant Pot Cupid Hot Cocoa Bombs Recipe

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I know, I know — Hot Cocoa Bombs are all the rage! But I just can’t stop! And I won’t stop, honestly. Not only do my kids love them, but I love making them. My kids can’t even finish a full mug of hot chocolate, but that doesn’t stop them from wanting one, like, every single day. And, y’all know I’ve been trying my darndest with this whole ‘staying-at-home’ thing. I’m trying desperately to keep my children excited, entertained, and engaged. And with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, why not try my hand at an Instant Pot Cupid Hot Cocoa Bombs Recipe?!

Instant Pot Cupid Hot Cocoa Bombs

No Instant Pot? No Problem!

Sure, this recipe calls for an Instant Pot. But you don’t necessarily need an Instant Pot for these! I’m basically obsessed with mine. But you could just as easily use a double boiler. I just prefer the IP because I just find that it’s less messy. There’s a Sauté function on every Instant Pot that makes sautéing and searing super easy.

Instant Pot Cupid Hot Cocoa Bombs

What you’ll need for this recipe

Besides an Instant Pot or double-boiler, you’ll need the following:

  • 24 ounces of pink candy melts 
  • 2 cups of marshmallows 
  • 7 Tablespoons of hot cocoa powder
  • Sprinkles — I recommend super fun Valentine’s Day Themed Sprinkles like these!
Instant Pot Cupid Hot Cocoa Bombs
Yield: 14 Cocoa Bombs

Instant Pot Cupid Hot Cocoa Bombs

Instant Pot Cupid Hot Cocoa Bombs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 24 ounces of pink candy melts 
  • 2 cups of marshmallows 
  • 7 Tablespoons of hot cocoa powder
  • Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

STEP ONE

Turn your instant pot onto sauté mode. Place one and a half cups of water inside your instant pot. Place a glass bowl that will fit in your instant pot as it will act as a double broiler. 

STEP TWO

Add in your candy melts to the bowl. Continue to mix until the chocolate has completely melted.

STEP THREE

Lightly grease the inside of your silicone molds. Add chocolate to your molds making sure that chocolate is completely coding the mold on the inside. Place in the freezer for about five minutes.

STEP FOUR

Remove your molds from the freezer. Add a half a tablespoon of cocoa powder and about 4 marshmallows per mold.

STEP FIVE

Add more of your melted chocolate on top of the marshmallows to close the mold and lock the cocoa and marshmallows from coming out. Return to the freezer for about 5 to 10 minutes.

STEP SIX

Remove your cocoa bombs by pushing on the silicone side of the mold until the bomb pops out. 

STEP SEVEN

With a spoon, drizzle your remaining chocolate over the bombs. Immediately add your sprinkles before the chocolate hardens. 

STEP EIGHT

Please one or two bombs in your favorite mug and pour hot milk over it to melt the chocolate releasing the hot cocoa and marshmallows.

Instant Pot Cupid Hot Cocoa Bombs

STEP NINE

Stir with a spoon and enjoy!

Instant Pot Cupid Hot Cocoa Bombs

© Rachel

I can’t wait for you to try these Instant Pot Cupid Hot Cocoa Bombs!

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Valentine Cupid Hot Cocoa Bomb Recipe

Sheet Pan Pancakes

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My kids have always been picky eaters. Once they find something they absolutely love, they stick to it. Big time. My eldest loves a bowl of cereal, but that has been an acquired taste. In my 8+ years as a mom, I’ve tried to feed my kids every breakfast food imaginable. But the one thing they always seem to want? Pancakes. And pancakes just so happen to be my least favorite breakfast food to make. Mostly because three kids times three pancakes each means I am standing at the stovetop over a pan for nearly an hour (to make sure there are enough for my husband and I, as well as leftovers). It can be downright daunting! So I got creative. These easy weekday (or weekend) morning sheet pan pancakes are the perfect way to make pancakes for a crowd!

Weekday Morning Sheet Pan Pancakes

Getting creative and innovative

Listen, every mom has had moments of being at home with their kids at some point in their motherhood journey. But this pandemic took it to a whole other level! Suddenly our kids — and, who am I kidding, we! — are eating 24/7. Grocery deliveries and BJ’s Drive Up orders are now happening twice weekly. It’s basically insanity. And during insanity comes ingenuity. Is that the saying? Probably (most definitely) not, but let’s roll with it.

Weekday Morning Sheet Pan Pancakes

Who would have thought that something as simple as foregoing the griddle could be so life-changing? Okay, perhaps life-changing is a bit dramatic. But morning changing? Totally and completely accurate.

What you’ll need

This recipe is beyond easy peasy. Just grab your favorite pancake mix, water, and some vanilla, and you are good to go! Oh — and a sheet pan. Any old sheet pan will do! Just be sure you grease it (we prefer avocado oil or coconut oil).

Weekday Morning Sheet Pan Pancakes

Sheet Pan Pancakes

Yield: 12 servings

Sheet Pan Pancakes

Weekday Morning Sheet Pan Pancakes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups boxed pancake mix
  • 2 cups of water
  • 2 Tablespoons of Vanilla

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP ONE -

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.

STEP TWO -

Mix together your pancake mix, water, and vanilla.

STEP THREE -

On a lightly greased sheet pan, pour in your pancake mix. 

STEP FOUR -

Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.

STEP FIVE -

Allow it to cool before cutting into it.

STEP 6 -

Cut into 12 servings. Top with butter, syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh fruit, and/or more! ENJOY!

Weekday Morning Sheet Pan Pancakes

© Rachel

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My Wish For the New Year

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Twenty-twenty was anything but awesome for many people. I, myself, didn’t have too terrible of a year. Thankfully, the health of my family remained in tact. And I was able to stay at home and care for my young family. I realize that this is not a position that everyone was in. But I found myself pleasantly surprised by the turn of events that landed me in a new role serving as a public official. That stands as only the beginning of my wish for the New Year.

My Wish For the New Year

My wish for my personal life

Twenty-twenty consisted of some major changes in my personal life. I said goodbye to people who had come into my life at various points over the last few years. In many ways, I saw this coming. I knew that 2020 would be a game-changer when it came to politics. I knew that my personal politics, which I stand firmly grounded in, would be pushed up against those with severely differing opinions. And, in many ways, I was prepared for that to happen. But that doesn’t mean it didn’t suck to lose people.

Moving into this new year, I hope that my new and strengthened relationships from 2020 continue to grow. Even if that means I’ve curated a very close group of like-minded friends and acquaintances. I will nurture those relationships and hold them close. It’s the only way to remain close to people throughout a pandemic.

My wish for my career

To my surprise, 2020 was a super busy and successful year for me. After losing my part-time job in April (after having already taken a leave of absence), I bucked down on doing what I love — creating content and recipes. I shared some of my favorite dairy-free recipes and shared shopping tips to help save money.

In February, I got involved with the On Our Sleeves campaign. Partnering with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, I travelled to Columbus with other bloggers. The experience was life-changing. I met so many other influencers who value the importance of mental health. And it also happened to be the last time I travelled, as the pandemic struck the US shortly thereafter.

My goal is to continue building a community. I want to offer resources for parenting, money challenges, recipes, and also mental health.

My Wish For the New Year

But there’s another part of my ‘career’ that really blossomed this past year. I took on a very unexpected role in public service. And I am seeking reelection for the first time later this year.

My wish for health

At the beginning of 2020, I was on a path to better health. I had been practicing intermittent fasting and I was getting healthier. But I was also still teaching cycling and was super active with my kids at the YMCA. The pandemic didn’t immediately side-track my health, but by the Summer it had. I had grown tired of the same old routine at home. We were eating a lot more takeout. And my workouts were minimal.

Knowing what we know now, and about how this is going to be a long road back to ‘normal,’ I’m taking a different look at health. I’m truly focusing on whole mind-body health. In October of last year I bought a Peloton. My work schedule was so busy in October and November, that I really didn’t get ‘into’ riding until December. But upon finishing cycling workouts I’m reminded of just how good exercise is for my mental health.

My Wish For the New Year

While my kids have remained super active throughout the last year, I’m trying to get them to be more intentional with moving their bodies. They’ve started doing kids yoga on YouTube and talking more openly about their mental health.

Cheers to 2021

I surely hope that you and yours remain healthy throughout this year. What big or small goal do you have for this year?

Air Fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts

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I’m obsessed with making small moments into big memories for my kids. And, perhaps, this year more than ever. Truth be told, I have never been a big fan of Valentine’s Day. Not even while my husband and I were dating. I just kind of saw it for what we have made it — into a “Hallmark holiday.” But kids don’t see it that way. I vividly recall Valentine’s Day as a kid. My dad used to shower my sister and I with chocolates and gifts. It was ‘his’ holiday. Even as a kid it was clear that my mom ran the show on other holidays. But Valentine’s Day was his. To continue this tradition, my husband has taken to showering our kids with chocolates and gifts at Valentine’s Day. He’ll even pass of my Air Fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts as his. And I’ll totally let him!

Air Fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts

What you’ll need to make these festive pop tarts

  • 15 ounces of premade pie crusts (equivalent to 2 frozen crusts)
  • 4 ounces of strawberry preserves total (reserve 1 ounce for the frosting) 
  • 1 cup of powdered sugar
  • 1 egg, whisked 
  • 4 tablespoons of valentine day sprinkles
  • 1 heart cookie cutter 
Air Fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts

Why an air fryer?

Okay, so I know I have given mad love to my Instant Pot. But we’ve been on the air fryer bandwagon as well. Like, for a long time. For the last 2 years we have hardly ever used our ‘bake’ feature on our oven — or our deep fryer. Because our air fryer has done so many amazing things. I throw the kids pizza rolls and chicken nuggets in it for a quick and easy lunch. But I can also make yummy treats like these pop tarts!

Air Fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts
Yield: 8 Pop Tarts (approximately)

Air fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts

Air Fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes

Ingredients

  • 15 ounces of premade pie crusts (equivalent to 2 frozen crusts)
  • 4 ounces of strawberry preserves total (reserve 1 ounce for the frosting) 
  • 1 cup of powdered sugar
  • 1 egg, whisked 
  • 4 tablespoons of valentine day sprinkles
  • 1 heart cookie cutter 

Instructions

STEP ONE:

Lay your pie crust out flat on a lightly floured surface. With your cookie cutter cut out as many heart shaped hearts you can with the amount of pie crust you have.

STEP TWO:

On one of the heart-shaped crust, take 1 tablespoon of your jelly preserves, and place it in the middle. Spread it out evenly on the heart shape. Make sure to leave room around the edges.

STEP THREE:

Taking your finger, dip it in the egg wash, and evenly spread the egg wash around the edges surrounding the jelly.

STEP FOUR:

Place another heart shaped pie crust on top of the other heart with the jelly on it. Using a fork press down the edges creating a seal. 

STEP FIVE:

Using a kitchen brush, dip it in the egg wash and top the rest of your heart shape with the egg wash.

STEP SIX:

Using a fork, or toothpick, poke about 6 to 8 holes in the top of your top layer pastry.

STEP SEVEN:

Depending on the size of your air fryer, place as many pastry hearts in your air fryer that will fit without interfering with the shape of the pastry.

pop tarts

STEP EIGHT:

Cook your pop tart at 370° for 7 minutes. Once the timer is done, open your air fryer, and flip your pop tarts. Continue to cook at 370° for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until it is reached a soft brown color.

STEP NINE:

Remove from the air fryer, and transfer to a cooling rack.

STEP TEN:

While your pastries are cooling, mix together your powdered sugar and jelly preserve. Mix, and whisk together. You can choose to add more powdered sugar if you like your frosting thicker. 

STEP ELEVEN:

Drizzle your frosting over your pop tart and add your sprinkles while your frosting is still wet.

Air Fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts

STEP TWELVE:

Allow them to cool and the frosting to harden, and then enjoy!

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Need an easy and delicious treat to make Valentine's Day special for your kids? Air Fryer Valentine's Day Strawberry Pop Tarts are THE best!

Easy New Year’s Eve Rotel Dip Recipe

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I know we’re all ready to put 2020 behind us. And I know that this year has been draining on all of us in so many ways. My hopes for this New Years Eve is that we all can collectively use this night to stay home and hope for a brighter and better 2021. Instead of having lavish parties and big NYE bashes, we’re opting for the socially responsible at-home celebrations. And what better (and easier!) dish to make than this easy New Year’s Eve Rotel Dip!

Easy New Year's Eve Rotel Dip

The coziest comfort food

Remember those times I gave up dairy entirely? Yeah, they were hard times, friends. I am such a big fan of cheese. It’s my comfort food, for sure. But warm, cheesy, rotel dip? It’s basically the ultimate cozy comfort food. And couldn’t we all use a little extra comfort right now? (Yes, the answer is YES.).

Easy New Year's Eve Rotel Dip

Honestly, there’s nothing easier than this dip. And the entire family loves it so much. Best yet? There are only two ingredients: Velveeta and Rotel. That’s absolutely it. So hurry up and add those ingredients to your grocery pickup, stat! And try out this Easy New Year’s Eve Rotel Dip Recipe now!

ingredients

How to Make this recipe

Easy New Year's Eve Rotel Dip

Rotel Dip

Easy New Year's Eve Rotel Dip

Ingredients

  • 1 - 16 ounce package of Velveeta Cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1 - 10 ounce can of Rotel Original, drained

Instructions

ingredients

Step 1:

Cut the Velveeta into squares and drain the liquid from the Rotel tomatoes.

Step 2:

Place the Velveeta and tomatoes in a medium saucepan and place over medium heat.

Step 3:

Stir frequently until the cheese is completely melted and both ingredients are well-combined.

Easy New Year's Eve Rotel Dip

Step 4:

Serve warm with chips or veggies.

Easy New Year's Eve Rotel Dip

Notes

 if you prefer a thinner texture to the dip, do not drain the Rotel tomatoes -- or drain just some of it.

© Rachel

Tell me — what’s your go-to NYE recipe?