Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes for Quick and Easy Dinners
Quick, satisfying meals are within easy reach with ground beef cooked in a pressure cooker. This method transforms humble ingredients into flavorful, family-friendly dishes in a fraction of the time compared to traditional cooking methods. From hearty stews to savory pasta sauces, the versatility of ground beef shines in these convenient preparations.
Equipment
- Instant Pot (6-quart or larger recommended)
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Can opener
- Ladle (for serving)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef: Set the Instant Pot to the "Saute" function. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Step 2: Saute Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the Instant Pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, corn, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Pressure Cook: Pour in the beef broth. Stir to combine all ingredients. Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to "Sealing." Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" function and set the cooking time to 25 minutes at high pressure.
- Step 5: Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure by moving the valve to the "Venting" position. Be cautious of escaping steam.
- Step 6: Serve: Remove the lid and stir the chili. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, topped with your favorite chili toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or avocado. Optional Tips and Substitutions: For a spicier chili, add a chopped jalapeo pepper along with the onions and bell peppers. Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for ground beef. Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or molasses for a touch of sweetness. For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans with a fork before serving. Top with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option.
Notes
Variations
Ground beef recipes crafted for the Instant Pot platform lend themselves to a multitude of adaptations and enhancements.
- Ingredient Swaps: Ground turkey or chicken can replace ground beef for a leaner protein option. Diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash may substitute for corn, offering a variation in flavor and nutritional profile. Quinoa or lentils may be incorporated as a bean alternative, increasing fiber content.
- Regional Twists: Incorporating chorizo sausage and smoked paprika offers a Spanish-inspired flavor profile. Adding coconut milk and curry powder creates an Indian-influenced dish. Replacing traditional chili spices with Italian herbs and diced tomatoes transforms the recipe into a hearty ragu.
- Dietary Adjustments: For a gluten-free variation, ensure the tomato sauce and any added seasonings are gluten-free. For a low-carb option, omit the beans and corn, and increase the amount of non-starchy vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini. For a vegetarian adaptation, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or crumbled tofu.
Serving Suggestions
Instant Pot ground beef recipes, such as chili, are well-suited for a variety of occasions. It is an excellent choice for casual weeknight dinners, potlucks, and game-day gatherings. When serving, a variety of toppings can enhance the dining experience. Common additions include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado slices, and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt. A side of cornbread or tortilla chips complements the meal, providing textural contrast. Ground beef based sauces are also suitable for pasta topping and tacos.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is essential for preserving the freshness and quality of Instant Pot ground beef recipes.
- Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerated, the dish will maintain optimal quality for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, transfer the cooled dish to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. When using bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing. Properly frozen, the dish can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the dish in the Instant Pot using the “Saute” function, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until warmed, or reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question 1: Can I use frozen ground beef in the Instant Pot?
Yes, frozen ground beef can be used. It is recommended to add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked and tender. - Question 2: How do I prevent the “burn” notice on my Instant Pot?
Ensure there is sufficient liquid in the pot and that no food particles are stuck to the bottom. Deglazing the pot after browning the meat helps to remove any stuck-on bits. - Question 3: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker instead?
Yes, this recipe can be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef separately, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. - Question 4: What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. A general chili seasoning blend can be used as a substitute for individual spices.