Are you tired of the same old ground beef meals? The Instant Pot can help you shake things up in the kitchen.
This amazing appliance lets you cook tasty ground beef dishes quickly and easily.
You can make many different meals using ground beef in your Instant Pot. From classic favorites like chili and meatloaf to new ideas like taco pie and barbacoa, there are many options to try.
These recipes are great for busy weeknights when you need a fast, filling dinner.
1. Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff is a tasty and quick meal you can make in your Instant Pot. You’ll love how the pressure cooker creates tender, flavorful beef in no time.
To start, brown the ground beef using the sauté function. Add mushrooms, onions, and garlic for extra flavor.
Next, toss in egg noodles, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup. Don’t forget a splash of Worcestershire sauce for that classic stroganoff taste.
Close the lid and let the Instant Pot work its magic. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, comforting dish ready to serve.
This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without much fuss.
2. Korean Beef Bowls
Korean Beef Bowls are a tasty and quick Instant Pot meal. You can make this dish in under 30 minutes.
Start by cooking ground beef in your Instant Pot using the Saute function. Break it up with a spatula as it browns.
Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger for the sauce. Add this to the cooked beef.
You can cook rice at the same time using the pot-in-pot method. Place a trivet over the beef, then add a pan with rice and water on top.
Pressure cook for 4 minutes. Your Korean Beef Bowls will be ready to serve over rice or in lettuce wraps.
3. Chili Mac and Cheese
Chili mac and cheese is a comforting dish you can easily make in your Instant Pot. This hearty meal combines ground beef, pasta, beans, and cheese in one pot.
To start, brown the ground beef in your Instant Pot using the sauté function. Add onions, garlic, and spices like chili powder and cumin for extra flavor.
Next, pour in diced tomatoes, beans, and broth. Add elbow macaroni and give it a quick stir.
Cook on high pressure for about 4 minutes. After a quick release, stir in shredded cheese until melted.
Your chili mac and cheese is ready to serve in just 30 minutes.
4. Taco Pasta
Taco pasta is a tasty mix of two favorite meals. You can make it easily in your Instant Pot.
Start by browning ground beef using the saute function. Add onions and garlic for extra flavor.
Next, stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and salsa. Pour in some broth or water and add your pasta.
Close the lid and pressure cook for about 4-5 minutes.
When it’s done, you can mix in cheese if you like.
This dish is quick and simple. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a filling meal without much fuss.
You can change it up by adding corn, beans, or bell peppers. Serve it with sour cream or guacamole on top for extra yum.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a tasty and colorful Instant Pot meal. You can make them easily with ground beef, rice, and spices.
Cut the tops off your peppers and remove the seeds. In a bowl, mix cooked ground beef, rice, diced tomatoes, and seasonings.
Fill the peppers with this mixture.
Pour water into your Instant Pot and place a trivet inside. Put the stuffed peppers on the trivet.
Cook on high pressure for about 5 minutes. Use quick release when done.
Your peppers will be tender and the filling hot and flavorful.
This dish is perfect for a family dinner. You can customize the fillings based on what you like or have on hand.
6. Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic dish you can easily make in your Instant Pot.
Start by sautéing ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Remove the beef and set it aside.
Next, cook onions and garlic in the pot until soft. Add the beef back in, along with crushed tomatoes and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For the pasta, break spaghetti in half and add it to the pot. Pour in beef broth or stock.
Cook on high pressure for 7-8 minutes, depending on how soft you like your noodles.
When done, quick release the pressure. Give everything a good stir, and your hearty Spaghetti Bolognese is ready to serve.
7. Beef and Broccoli
Beef and broccoli is a tasty meal you can make in your Instant Pot. This dish cooks quickly and gives you tender meat with crisp veggies.
To start, brown the ground beef in the pot. Then add broccoli florets, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
The Instant Pot cooks everything together in just minutes.
You’ll end up with a flavorful Asian-inspired dinner. The beef soaks up the sauce while the broccoli stays bright green. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.
This recipe is perfect when you want takeout flavors at home. It’s faster and healthier than ordering in.
8. Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage rolls are a tasty and comforting dish you can easily make in your Instant Pot. Start by preparing cabbage leaves and a flavorful ground beef and rice filling.
Layer the stuffed cabbage rolls in your Instant Pot with some tomato sauce. Cook them under pressure for a quick and delicious meal.
You can also try an “unstuffed” version by mixing chopped cabbage with the beef and rice. This saves time while keeping all the flavors you love.
For extra flavor, add spices like paprika or oregano to your sauce. Serve your cabbage rolls hot, straight from the Instant Pot.
9. Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting dish you can easily make in your Instant Pot. Start by browning ground beef with onions and garlic using the sauté function.
Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and broth for flavor. Toss in some vegetables like carrots and celery.
While the beef mixture cooks, prepare mashed potatoes separately. Once the filling is done, top it with the mashed potatoes.
You can finish the dish under the broiler for a crispy top. This hearty meal is perfect for cold evenings and family dinners.
10. Beef Enchiladas
Beef enchiladas are a tasty Instant Pot meal you can make with just a few ingredients. You’ll need ground beef, enchilada sauce, green chiles, tortillas, and cheese.
Brown the beef in your Instant Pot using the sauté function. Add the sauce and chiles, then layer with tortillas and cheese.
Cook for about 20 minutes under pressure. The result is a flavorful casserole that serves 6 people.
You can customize this dish easily. Try using shredded beef instead of ground, or swap red sauce for green. Corn tortillas work well too if you prefer them over flour.
11. Sloppy Joes
You can make tasty sloppy joes in your Instant Pot in just 30 minutes. This classic American sandwich uses ground beef, vegetables, and a tangy sauce.
The Instant Pot makes the meat tender and infuses it with flavor.
You’ll need ground beef, ketchup, tomato paste, and spices for this recipe.
Serve your sloppy joes on toasted buns for a traditional meal. For a healthier option, try them over a salad or baked potato.
This dish is kid-friendly and budget-friendly. You can easily double the recipe and freeze leftovers for quick future meals.
12. Lasagna
Making lasagna in your Instant Pot is quick and easy. You can create this classic Italian dish without turning on your oven.
Layer noodles, meat sauce, and cheese in a springform pan. Place the pan on a trivet inside the Instant Pot. Add water to the bottom of the pot.
Cook on high pressure for about 25 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening.
You’ll have a hot, bubbly lasagna with perfectly cooked noodles and melted cheese. Serve it straight from the pot for a satisfying meal.
13. Swedish Meatballs
Swedish meatballs are a tasty comfort food you can easily make in your Instant Pot. Mix ground beef and pork with breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, and spices like allspice and nutmeg.
Form small meatballs and brown them using the sauté function. Then pressure cook for 3-4 minutes with some broth.
After cooking, remove the meatballs and make a creamy sauce in the pot. Whisk flour with heavy cream and add it to the cooking liquid.
Return the meatballs to the sauce and stir gently to coat. Serve your Swedish meatballs over noodles or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
14. Beef Burritos
Beef burritos are a tasty and easy meal to make in your Instant Pot. You can cook the ground beef, rice, and beans together in one pot.
Start by browning the beef using the sauté function. Add onions, garlic, and spices for extra flavor.
Next, stir in rice, beans, tomatoes, and broth. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes.
Once done, fluff the mixture and wrap it in warm tortillas. Top with cheese, salsa, or sour cream if you like.
These burritos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. You can make a big batch and freeze extras for later.
15. Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Mozzarella stuffed meatballs are a tasty twist on classic meatballs. They’re easy to make in your Instant Pot.
Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, spices, and an egg in a bowl. Cut string cheese into small pieces. Form the beef mixture around each cheese piece to create stuffed meatballs.
Add tomato sauce to the Instant Pot. Place the meatballs on top. Cook on high pressure for a few minutes until the meatballs are done.
You can serve these as an appetizer with toothpicks or over pasta for a filling meal. The melted cheese center adds a delicious surprise to each bite.
16. Beef Tacos
Instant Pot beef tacos are a quick and tasty meal option. You can use ground beef or a beef roast for these tacos.
For ground beef tacos, brown the meat in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Add taco seasoning, water, and other spices. Cook on high pressure for 3-5 minutes.
If using a beef roast, season it with taco spices and add some broth. Cook on high pressure for about 75 minutes. After cooking, shred the beef and mix it with the juices.
Serve your beef in taco shells with your favorite toppings. Try lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream. You can also use the meat for nachos or taco salads.
17. Beef Picadillo
Beef picadillo is a flavorful dish you can easily make in your Instant Pot. It combines ground beef with a mix of spices and vegetables.
To start, brown the beef using the sauté function. Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers to build flavor. Tomatoes, olives, and spices like cumin give the dish its signature taste.
Cook the picadillo on high pressure for about 15 minutes. Let it naturally release for 5 minutes before opening the pot.
You can serve picadillo over rice, in tacos, or as a filling for burritos. It’s a versatile meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
18. Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
You can make tasty Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes in your Instant Pot. Start by sautéing peppers and onions. Then add ground beef and cook until browned.
Mix in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and seasonings. Some recipes use onion soup mix for extra flavor. Cook on high pressure for 5-6 minutes.
After cooking, you can thicken the sauce if needed. Serve on buns topped with provolone cheese. This meal combines the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the ease of sloppy joes.
19. Stuffed Cabbage Soup
Stuffed cabbage soup is a tasty Instant Pot meal you can make in just 30 minutes. It combines the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in an easy-to-prepare soup form.
To make this soup, you’ll need ground beef, rice, cabbage, and tomato sauce. Start by browning the beef with onions and garlic in your Instant Pot using the sauté function.
Add chopped cabbage, rice, and tomato sauce to the pot. Season with salt and your choice of spices. Some recipes suggest adding a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Close the lid and cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally before opening. Stir the soup and serve hot for a comforting meal.
20. Chili Con Carne
Chili con carne is a perfect dish for your Instant Pot. This hearty meal combines ground beef with beans and spices for a comforting flavor.
To make it, start by browning the beef using the Sauté function. Add onions, garlic, and your favorite chili spices. Mix in beans, tomatoes, and broth.
Set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 5 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick-releasing the rest. Stir well and serve.
You can freeze leftovers for easy reheating later. Simply use the pot-in-pot method to warm it up in your Instant Pot. This chili is sure to become a family favorite.
21. Beef and Quinoa Stew
This hearty Instant Pot dish combines ground beef and quinoa for a filling meal. You’ll start by browning the beef with onions and garlic using the Sauté function.
Next, add carrots, celery, and your choice of herbs. Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in the quinoa and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure.
After releasing the pressure, you’ll have a nutritious stew packed with protein and fiber. The quinoa absorbs the savory flavors while the beef adds richness.
This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
22. Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff
You can make a tasty beef and mushroom stroganoff in your Instant Pot. This dish combines ground beef, mushrooms, and egg noodles in a creamy sauce.
To start, use the Instant Pot’s saute function to brown the beef with onions and garlic. Add mushrooms and cook until softened.
Next, stir in water, beef broth, and egg noodles. Close the lid and pressure cook for a few minutes. When done, mix in sour cream for a rich, creamy texture.
This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s comforting, flavorful, and ready in about 30 minutes.
23. Nacho Casserole
Instant Pot Nacho Casserole is a tasty and quick meal you can make with ground beef. Brown the beef with onions and taco seasoning in your Instant Pot using the sauté function.
Add broth, rice, tomatoes, corn, and green chilies. Don’t stir after adding these ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then let it sit for 10 minutes before releasing the pressure.
Once done, stir in cheese and top with tortilla chips. Let the cheese melt before serving. This dish combines the flavors of nachos with the ease of a casserole, all made in your Instant Pot.
24. Beef Pot Pie
Beef pot pie is a cozy dish you can make in your Instant Pot. Start by sautéing ground beef with onions and garlic. Add carrots, potatoes, and peas for extra flavor and texture.
Pour in beef broth and seasonings like thyme and bay leaves. Cook on high pressure for about 30 minutes. When done, make a quick slurry with flour and water to thicken the filling.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with store-bought pie crust or puff pastry. Bake in a preheated oven until the crust is golden brown.
This hearty meal combines the speed of pressure cooking with the comfort of a traditional pot pie. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings.
25. Beef Tortilla Soup
Beef Tortilla Soup is a tasty and filling dish you can make in your Instant Pot. This Mexican-inspired soup uses ground beef as its main protein. The beef cooks quickly with spices like cumin and garlic.
You’ll add tomatoes, corn, and broth to create a flavorful base. Crushed tortilla chips give the soup its name and add texture. Top your soup with cheese, cilantro, and more chips for extra crunch.
This soup is perfect for cold days or when you want a quick meal. Your Instant Pot makes it easy to have dinner ready in under an hour. It’s a great way to use ground beef in a new and exciting dish.
26. Beef Ragu
Beef ragu is a tasty Italian-inspired dish you can make in your Instant Pot. It uses ground beef cooked with tomatoes, herbs, and spices.
The Instant Pot makes the meat tender and flavorful in less time than traditional cooking methods. You can set it to high pressure for about 30 minutes.
After cooking, the ragu will be rich and saucy. It’s perfect to serve over pasta, polenta, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
This dish is great for family dinners or when you want a hearty meal. You can even make extra and freeze it for later use.
27. Meatball Subs
Meatball subs are a tasty meal you can make in your Instant Pot. Start by mixing ground beef with breadcrumbs, cheese, eggs, and spices in a bowl. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
Add water to the Instant Pot and place the meatballs on the trivet. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. While they cook, prepare your favorite sauce.
After cooking, remove the meatballs and drain the liquid. Use the sauté function to crisp up the meatballs for a few minutes. Pour sauce over them and mix well.
Serve the meatballs on sub rolls with sliced provolone cheese. You can broil the sandwiches briefly to melt the cheese if desired.
28. Beef and Black Bean Chili
You can make a tasty beef and black bean chili in your Instant Pot. Start by sautéing onions and garlic. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Mix in chili powder and other spices. Pour in tomatoes, black beans, and broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Close the lid and pressure cook for about 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally. Open the lid and give it a good stir.
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or cilantro.
29. Chipotle Beef Tacos
Chipotle beef tacos are a tasty and simple Instant Pot meal. You can make them with ground beef or chuck roast for a shredded version.
For ground beef tacos, brown the meat with onions and garlic in the pot. Add chipotle peppers, tomato sauce, and spices like chili powder and cumin. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
If using chuck roast, brown the meat first. Blend chipotle peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and spices to make a sauce. Pour it over the beef and pressure cook until tender.
Serve your spicy chipotle beef in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. Try cheese, lettuce, and sour cream to balance the heat.
30. Beef Tamale Pie
Beef Tamale Pie is a tasty Instant Pot meal that combines the flavors of tamales with the ease of a casserole. You can make this dish quickly using your pressure cooker.
Start by browning ground beef in the Instant Pot. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Mix in corn, tomatoes, and green chilies for extra flavor.
Pour beef broth and tomato sauce over the meat mixture. Sprinkle in some spices to boost the taste. For the topping, mix cornbread batter and spread it over the beef.
Cook the tamale pie under pressure for about 30 minutes. Let it sit for 10 minutes after cooking. Serve this hearty meal hot and enjoy the blend of beef and cornbread flavors.
Health Benefits of Using an Instant Pot
Instant Pots offer great health benefits when cooking ground beef dishes. They help keep nutrients in food and cut down on cooking time.
Retaining Nutrients
Instant Pots lock in vitamins and minerals better than other cooking methods. The sealed pot traps steam, which helps food keep more of its natural goodness. This means your ground beef meals will be more nutritious.
Pressure cooking also uses less water than boiling. Less water contact means fewer nutrients leach out of the food. Your veggies will stay brighter and more flavorful too.
Reducing Cooking Time
Faster cooking with an Instant Pot can lead to healthier meals. The quick process means less time for nutrients to break down from heat. You’ll get more vitamins in your food.
Short cook times make it easier to prep healthy meals on busy days. This can help you avoid fast food or processed options. With an Instant Pot, you can make nutritious ground beef stews or chilis in under an hour.
Quick cooking also uses less energy. This is good for both your wallet and the planet.
Tips for Cooking Ground Beef in an Instant Pot
Cooking ground beef in your Instant Pot can be quick and easy. The right meat and cooking methods make a big difference in taste and texture.
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 get dry.
For frozen beef, use 1-pound blocks. Place them on the trivet with 1 cup of water in the pot. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
Fresh ground beef cooks faster. Use the sauté function to brown it first. Break it into chunks as it cooks. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat before adding other ingredients.
Sautéing for Flavor
Start with the sauté function to build flavor.
Heat a bit of oil in the pot. Add diced onions and garlic for extra taste.
Cook until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Stir often to brown all sides. This step adds a rich taste to your dishes.
Once browned, you can add spices. Try salt, pepper, and paprika for basic seasoning.
Drain excess fat if needed. Now your beef is ready for pressure cooking with other ingredients.
Remember to deglaze the pot after sautéing.
Add a splash of broth or water. Scrape the bottom to loosen any stuck bits.
This prevents the “burn” notice during pressure cooking.