Looking for fast and tasty meals? Instant Pot ground beef recipes are a great option. These dishes combine the speed of pressure cooking with the versatility of ground beef. You’ll find many family favorites that can be made quickly and easily.
Instant Pot ground beef recipes offer a wide range of options from comfort food classics to international flavors. Try meatballs, chili, stroganoff, or even lasagna. With simple ingredients and short cook times, you can have dinner on the table in no time. These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd.
Instant Pot beef chili is a quick and tasty meal you can make with ground beef. Start by sautéing onions, bell peppers, and garlic in your Instant Pot.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Mix in chili powder, cumin, oregano, and other spices for flavor.
Pour in broth, tomato paste, and canned beans. Pressure cook for about 15 minutes. The result is a hearty chili packed with flavor.
You can customize your chili by adding different beans or adjusting spice levels. Serve with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions for extra flavor.
Instant Pot spaghetti with meat sauce is a quick and easy meal. You can make it in just one pot, saving time and dishes.
Start by browning ground beef in your Instant Pot using the sauté function. Add onions and garlic for extra flavor. Once the meat is cooked, turn off the sauté mode.
Break spaghetti noodles in half and place them on top of the meat. Pour in broth or water, followed by pasta sauce. Make sure the noodles are covered by liquid.
Close the lid and cook on high pressure for about 5 minutes. After a quick release, stir the pasta and sauce together. Your spaghetti with meat sauce is now ready to serve.
Beef taco soup is a tasty meal you can make quickly in your Instant Pot. Start by browning ground beef using the sauté function. Drain any excess fat.
Add taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano to the meat. Stir in beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and beef broth.
Close the lid and cook on high pressure for a few minutes. The exact time depends on your Instant Pot model.
When done, you can top your soup with cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips. This hearty soup is perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings.
Beef stroganoff is a classic comfort dish that’s easy to make in your Instant Pot. Start by browning ground beef with mushrooms, onions, and garlic using the saute function.
Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and egg noodles to the pot. Cook on high pressure for about 5 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for another 5 minutes.
Stir in some Greek yogurt or sour cream at the end for a creamy finish. This quick and tasty meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying.
You can customize your stroganoff by adding different herbs or vegetables. Serve it over noodles or rice for a filling dinner.
Craving lasagna but short on time? Your Instant Pot can help. Start by cooking ground beef, onions, and garlic in the pot. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for flavor.
Layer the ingredients in the pot. Start with a bit of sauce, then uncooked lasagna noodles broken to fit. Add the meat mixture, ricotta cheese, and more sauce. Repeat layers until you run out of ingredients.
Pour beef broth over the top to help cook the pasta. Don’t stir – just close the lid and set to high pressure for 4 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening.
Sprinkle mozzarella on top and let it melt. You’ll have a delicious lasagna in a fraction of the usual time.
Instant Pot beef stuffed peppers are a tasty and easy meal. You’ll need bell peppers, ground beef, rice, cheese, and seasonings.
Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds. Brown the beef with onions in the Instant Pot using the Saute function. Add spices, tomato sauce, and cooked rice to the beef mixture.
Fill the peppers with the beef and rice mixture. Place them on the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Add water to the bottom of the pot.
Cook on high pressure for 8-16 minutes, depending on whether you pre-cooked the beef. When done, top with extra cheese if desired.
Instant Pot Shepherd’s Pie is a quick and easy version of the classic comfort food. You can make it with ground beef or lamb, depending on your preference.
The Instant Pot cooks the meat and vegetable filling in one step. Then you can add mashed potatoes on top and broil for a golden crust.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s filling, hearty, and can feed a whole family. You can even prepare the components ahead of time and assemble later.
Try adding cheese to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
This quick and easy meal combines ground beef and rice in your Instant Pot. Start by sautéing the beef until browned. Add onions, garlic, and spices for flavor.
Pour in rice, tomato sauce, and broth. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes before opening.
For extra flavor, try adding carrots or peas. You can also stir in some cheese or sour cream at the end. This hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a filling meal fast.
Instant Pot Korean Beef offers a tasty twist on your usual ground beef meals. You can create this flavorful dish in about 30 minutes.
The recipe combines ground beef with classic Korean ingredients like ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Some versions also add pear for extra sweetness.
You’ll pressure cook the beef mixture, then finish it on the sauté setting. This creates a perfectly tender and savory result.
Serve your Korean beef over rice for a satisfying bowl. Add toppings like cucumbers, carrots, or kimchi to enhance the flavors and textures.
This dish is perfect when you want something different for dinner. It’s quick, easy, and sure to please your taste buds.
Instant Pot beef tacos are a quick and easy meal for busy weeknights. You can have them ready in under 30 minutes using your pressure cooker.
Start by sautéing ground beef in the Instant Pot. Break it up as it cooks. Add taco seasonings like chili powder, cumin, and oregano for flavor.
Pour in some beef broth and cook under pressure for just a few minutes. The result is perfectly seasoned taco meat.
Serve the beef in taco shells with your favorite toppings. Try cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, or salsa. These tacos are kid-friendly and customizable for the whole family.
This hearty dish combines ground beef, rice, and melty cheese for a satisfying meal. It’s quick to prepare and cooks in just 10 minutes in your Instant Pot.
You’ll brown the beef with onions using the sauté function. Then add garlic, seasonings, and broth. Scrape the bottom to prevent sticking.
Mix in rice and tomato sauce. Cook on high pressure, then top with cheese. The result is a comforting casserole perfect for busy weeknights.
You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or beans. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Instant Pot Beef Bolognese is a quick and tasty way to make this classic Italian sauce. You can have a rich, meaty pasta topping ready in about 30 minutes.
Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in the Instant Pot. Add garlic and ground beef, cooking until the meat browns. Pour in some wine to deglaze the pot.
Next, add crushed tomatoes and beef stock. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. When done, do a quick release.
The result is a flavorful sauce that tastes like it simmered all day. Serve over your favorite pasta with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a satisfying meal.
Instant Pot beef fajitas are a quick and tasty meal you can make with ease. You’ll need steak, bell peppers, onions, and your favorite fajita seasonings.
Start by searing the steak in your Instant Pot using the sauté function. This step adds extra flavor to the meat.
Next, add your sliced veggies and seasonings. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for about 7 minutes.
When done, let the pressure release naturally for a few minutes before opening. Serve your fajitas with warm tortillas and toppings like sour cream, cheese, or guacamole.
This method makes tender, flavorful fajitas without the need for a smoking hot skillet. It’s perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.
Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup is a tasty meal that’s quick to make. You start by cooking ground beef in your Instant Pot using the sauté function.
Add potatoes, carrots, and onions to the pot. Pour in beef broth and cream of mushroom soup. Sprinkle in some seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 5 minutes. After cooking, let it sit for about 10 minutes before releasing the pressure.
For a creamier soup, you can stir in some heavy cream at the end. This hearty soup is perfect for cold days and takes little time to prepare.
This hearty soup combines ground beef with vegetables and beans for a satisfying meal. Start by browning the beef in your Instant Pot using the sauté function.
Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened. Toss in some garlic, basil, and oregano for flavor.
Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and kidney beans. Don’t forget to add pasta and zucchini. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
After a quick release, your beef minestrone is ready to serve. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Swedish meatballs are a tasty comfort food you can easily make in your Instant Pot. Mix ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg yolks, and spices to form the meatballs.
Brown the meatballs using the Instant Pot’s saute function. This step adds flavor to the dish. Cook them under pressure for about 10 minutes.
After cooking, add cream and Worcestershire sauce to create a rich gravy. The result is tender meatballs in a creamy sauce.
Serve your Swedish meatballs over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for a filling meal. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick, hearty dinner.
Instant Pot beef tostadas are a quick and tasty meal option. Start by cooking seasoned ground beef in your pressure cooker.
Add onions, garlic, and spices for extra flavor. Once the beef is done, spread it on crispy tostada shells.
Top with your favorite ingredients like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese. You can also add sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
These tostadas are perfect for busy weeknights. They’re easy to customize for each family member’s preferences. Serve with a side of beans or rice for a complete meal.
Beef ragu is a tasty Italian meat sauce you can make easily in your Instant Pot. Start by browning seasoned beef chunks in the pot using the saute function.
Next, add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until the veggies soften. Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes for a rich base.
Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 30 minutes. The beef will become tender and flavorful. When done, shred the meat and mix it back into the sauce.
Serve your hearty beef ragu over pasta or polenta for a comforting meal. You can also use it as a filling for lasagna or sandwiches.
Beef picadillo is a flavorful dish you can easily make in your Instant Pot. Start by sautéing ground beef until it’s no longer pink.
Next, add onions, garlic, and tomatoes to the pot. Stir in spices like cumin, salt, and pepper. For extra flavor, include olives or capers with some of their brine.
Pour in tomato sauce and a bit of water. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
After cooking, let the pot sit for 5 minutes before releasing the pressure. Give everything a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve your picadillo over rice or use it in tacos and burritos. It’s a versatile dish that’s sure to please.
Instant Pot Beef Ziti is a quick and easy meal you can make in about 20 minutes. Start by browning ground beef in your Instant Pot using the sauté function.
Add onions and garlic for extra flavor. Mix in pasta, marinara sauce, and broth. Cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
After a quick release, stir in some cottage cheese for creaminess. Top with mozzarella and let it melt.
This hearty dish combines tender pasta, savory beef, and gooey cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a tasty, filling dinner without much fuss.
Shakshuka gets a meaty twist with this Instant Pot version. You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together.
Start by sautéing ground beef in your Instant Pot. Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers for extra flavor.
Stir in diced tomatoes, spices like cumin and paprika, and a touch of heat with some cayenne pepper. Let the Instant Pot do its magic for a few minutes.
Create wells in the sauce and crack eggs directly into them. Close the lid and cook for just a minute or two until the egg whites set.
Serve your beef shakshuka hot, garnished with fresh herbs. It’s a protein-packed meal perfect for any time of day.
Beef Pad Thai in your Instant Pot is a quick and tasty meal. Start by browning ground beef using the sauté function. Add minced garlic and ginger for flavor.
Mix fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice to create the Pad Thai sauce. Pour it over the beef and stir.
Add rice noodles and water to the pot. Cook on high pressure for 2-3 minutes. Quick release the pressure when done.
Stir in bean sprouts, sliced green onions, and chopped peanuts. The residual heat will soften them slightly.
Serve your Beef Pad Thai hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. You can adjust the spice level by adding sriracha sauce if desired.
Benefits of Using Instant Pot for Ground Beef Recipes
Instant Pots offer several advantages when cooking ground beef dishes. They save time, keep flavors locked in, and allow you to make many different meals easily.
Speed and Efficiency
Instant Pots cook ground beef much faster than traditional methods. You can have a meal ready in 30 minutes or less.
These cookers use high pressure to speed up cooking times. This means you can make chili, tacos, or pasta dishes quickly on busy weeknights.
Instant Pots also save energy. They use less power than an oven or stovetop for the same cooking time.
Instant Pots keep more flavor and nutrients in your food. The sealed cooking environment traps steam and flavors inside.
Your ground beef dishes will taste richer and more intense. Spices and seasonings blend better with the meat.
The pressure cooking process helps break down tough fibers in meat. This makes your ground beef more tender and juicy.
Nutrients stay in the food instead of escaping into the air or cooking water. Your meals will be healthier and more nutritious.
Versatility in Cooking
You can make many different ground beef recipes in an Instant Pot. From soups and stews to casseroles and pasta dishes, the options are endless.
Instant Pots let you brown meat and cook the whole meal in one pot. This means less cleanup for you after dinner.
You can easily adjust recipes for different serving sizes. Make small batches for two or large meals for a family.
Instant Pots work well for meal prep too. Cook a big batch of ground beef and use it in different meals throughout the week.
Tips for Cooking Ground Beef in an Instant Pot
Cooking ground beef in an Instant Pot is quick and easy. You can make tasty meals with a few simple steps. Here are some helpful tips to get the best results.
Choosing the Right Ground Beef
Pick ground beef with 80-85% lean meat for the best flavor. This fat content helps keep the meat juicy when cooked under pressure. Avoid extra lean beef, as it can become dry.
Frozen beef works well in the Instant Pot. You don’t need to thaw it first. This saves time and is very handy.
If using fresh beef, break it into chunks before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
Pre-Cooking Preparations
Put a cup of water in the Instant Pot before adding the beef. This creates steam for cooking.
Use the metal trivet that came with your pot. Place the beef on top of it. This keeps the meat out of the water.
Don’t add salt before cooking. It can make the meat tough. Season after it’s cooked instead.
If you want to brown the beef first, use the “Sauté” function. This adds more flavor. Then switch to pressure cooking.
Cooking Times and Methods
For fresh ground beef, cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes after.
Frozen beef needs more time. Cook it for 20-30 minutes on high pressure. The time depends on how thick the beef is.
Use quick release after cooking. This stops the beef from overcooking.
Break up the cooked beef with a spoon or masher. It should crumble easily.
Check that the inside temperature is at least 160°F (71°C). This makes sure it’s safe to eat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making ground beef in an Instant Pot can be tricky. Watch out for these errors to get the best results.
Overcrowding the Pot
Don’t pack too much meat in your Instant Pot. This can lead to uneven cooking and tough meat.
Fill the pot only about halfway for ground beef. This gives room for the meat to expand as it cooks. If you need more, cook in batches.
Break up the meat before cooking. Use a wooden spoon to separate it into smaller chunks. This helps it cook more evenly.
For frozen ground beef, use the trivet. This lifts the meat and allows hot steam to circulate.
Not Adjusting Liquid Levels
Getting the right amount of liquid is key for Instant Pot cooking. Too little can cause burning, while too much makes your dish watery.
For ground beef, you often need less liquid than you think. The meat releases its own juices as it cooks.
Start with 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid for most recipes. Adjust based on other ingredients and the final dish you’re making.
If your recipe includes tomato sauce or other liquids, count these toward the total liquid amount.
Ignoring Safety Instructions
Always follow the safety rules for your Instant Pot. They keep you safe and help your food turn out better.
Make sure the sealing ring is in place before cooking. A loose ring can let steam escape and affect cooking times.
Don’t fill the pot past the max fill line. This can block the steam release valve.
Use the right release method. Quick release works for ground beef, but be careful of hot steam.
Clean the lid and seal after each use. This prevents food buildup and keeps your pot working well.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
