Quick and Easy Ground Beef Instant Pot Recipes Tonight
Ground beef instant pot recipes: Quick, versatile meals cooked easily in an instant pot. Featuring hearty dishes with simple ingredients for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- Instant Pot (6-quart or larger recommended)
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Can opener
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef: Turn the Instant Pot to the "Saute" function. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Step 2: Saute Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the Instant Pot. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, green bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the valve. Cook on "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" mode for 15 minutes.
- Step 5: Natural Pressure Release: Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
- Step 6: Serve and Garnish: Open the Instant Pot and stir the chili. Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions, if desired. Optional: For a thicker chili, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the slurry into the chili after cooking and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Other variations include adding a can of diced tomatoes or substituting ground turkey for ground beef.
Notes
Variations
Ground beef Instant Pot recipes offer extensive room for customization.
- Ingredient Swaps: Ground turkey or chicken can replace ground beef for a leaner alternative. Diced tomatoes with green chilies can substitute crushed tomatoes for added heat. Black beans or great northern beans can be used instead of kidney beans.
- Regional Twists: For a Tex-Mex variation, add a packet of taco seasoning and a can of corn. An Italian-inspired adaptation could include Italian seasoning, diced zucchini, and a splash of red wine vinegar. A Mediterranean spin might incorporate diced eggplant, chickpeas, and a sprinkle of dried mint.
- Dietary Adjustments: To make the recipe gluten-free, ensure that all ingredients, particularly the beef broth, are certified gluten-free. For a lower-sodium version, use low-sodium beef broth and reduce the amount of added salt. A vegetarian option can be achieved by substituting the ground beef with plant-based crumbles.
Serving Suggestions
Ground beef Instant Pot recipes can be served in a variety of ways to complement different occasions.
- Casual Meals: Serve in bowls as a hearty chili, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
- Family Dinners: Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a filling and comforting meal.
- Game Day Gatherings: Serve as a dip with tortilla chips, or use as a filling for tacos, burritos, or nachos.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the freshness and quality of ground beef Instant Pot recipes.
- Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, divide the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the Instant Pot using the “Saute” function, or on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water if needed to prevent sticking. Ensure the dish is heated thoroughly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question 1: Can this recipe be doubled?Answer: Yes, the recipe can be doubled. Ensure the Instant Pot is not filled beyond the maximum fill line. Cooking time may need to be increased by a few minutes.
- Question 2: Can I use frozen ground beef?Answer: Yes, frozen ground beef can be used, but it will increase the cooking time. Brown the ground beef using the “Saute” function before pressure cooking.
- Question 3: What if the chili is too watery?Answer: After cooking, use the “Saute” function to simmer the chili and reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the chili to thicken.
- Question 4: Can I add more vegetables?Answer: Yes, feel free to add other vegetables such as corn, mushrooms, or spinach. Add them during the pressure cooking stage.