Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that works well in many dishes, making it a favorite in kitchens everywhere. Using an Instant Pot to prepare meals with ground beef can save time and effort while producing delicious results. I will share my top nine ground beef recipes that are perfect for the Instant Pot, showcasing flavors and convenience.
Whether I am making a hearty casserole, flavorful chili, or savory meat sauce, the Instant Pot can simplify the cooking process. This kitchen appliance offers a unique advantage by cooking ingredients quickly while enhancing their taste. These recipes will not only save time but also deliver satisfying meals for any occasion.
1. Chili Mac and Cheese
Chili Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that combines pasta, ground beef, chili flavors, and cheese. It’s a perfect meal for busy days.
This recipe is easy to make in the Instant Pot. I love how quickly it comes together. In about 30 minutes, I can have a delicious meal ready to serve.
To make Chili Mac and Cheese, I follow these simple steps:
- Sauté: I start by sautéing one pound of ground beef until it’s browned.
- Add Ingredients: Next, I mix in one chopped onion, two minced garlic cloves, and one can of diced tomatoes.
- Spice: I add one tablespoon of chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Pasta: Then, I pour in two cups of beef broth and two cups of elbow macaroni.
- Cook: I seal the lid and cook on high pressure for five minutes.
- Release: After cooking, I do a quick release of the pressure.
- Cheese: Finally, I stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Enjoying my Chili Mac and Cheese feels like a warm hug on a plate.
2. Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is a delicious and easy dish to prepare. This recipe combines the flavors of classic lasagna in a comforting soup form.
Making this soup is straightforward. I love how quick it is to put together, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
To prepare, I follow these steps:
- Brown the Meat: I start by browning one pound of ground beef in the Instant Pot. This takes about 5 minutes.
- Add Ingredients: Next, I add diced onions, garlic, and a jar of marinara sauce. I mix in 4 cups of broth and a teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- Cook: I seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
- Add Noodles: After releasing the pressure, I stir in broken lasagna noodles and cook on sauté for around 10 minutes.
- Finish with Cheese: Finally, I stir in ricotta cheese and mozzarella until melted.
This dish is filling and full of flavor, bringing all the comfort of lasagna to a soup. I often serve it with garlic bread for a complete meal.
3. Korean Ground Beef Bowls
Korean Ground Beef Bowls are a delicious and easy dish to make. This recipe combines ground beef with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil for a savory flavor. It’s satisfying and perfect for a quick meal.
To make these bowls, I start by cooking 1 pound of ground beef in my Instant Pot on sauté mode. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Once the beef is browned, I drain any excess fat.
Next, I add 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. I stir everything together and let it cook for another 3 minutes.
While the beef cooks, I make my rice. I typically use 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water in my Instant Pot. This takes about 10 minutes to cook.
To assemble, I put the rice in a bowl, top it with the ground beef mixture, and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if I have them. Each bite is full of flavor, making it a simple choice for dinner.
4. Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ground Beef Stroganoff is a classic dish that combines tender beef with a creamy sauce. It’s simple to make and perfect for a comforting meal.
To prepare this dish, I quickly brown the ground beef in my Instant Pot. I season it with salt and pepper for flavor. Then, I add onions, garlic, and mushrooms, cooking until they’re soft.
Next, I stir in beef broth and some Worcestershire sauce. This step adds depth to the flavor. I then set my Instant Pot to pressure cook for about 10 minutes.
After the cooking time is over, I release the pressure. I finish the dish by stirring in sour cream and a bit of flour to thicken the sauce. It’s best served over egg noodles or rice.
In just a few easy steps, I create a hearty meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Ground Beef Stroganoff is a dish I love for its flavor and ease of preparation.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and versatile dish. They are made by hollowing out bell peppers and filling them with a mixture, often including ground beef, rice, and spices.
Making stuffed bell peppers in an Instant Pot is easy. I can prepare them quickly, and they turn out tender and flavorful.
Here’s how I make them:
- Cook 1 pound of ground beef in the Instant Pot until browned. This usually takes about 5 minutes on sauté mode.
- Add 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 cup of diced tomatoes, and seasoning to taste. Stir to combine.
- Hollow out 4 bell peppers and place them in the pot.
- Fill each pepper with the beef and rice mixture.
- Add 1 cup of beef broth to the pot.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
These stuffed bell peppers make a hearty meal. They are not only easy to prepare, but they also pack great flavor and nutrition.
6. Beef Barley Soup
Beef barley soup is a hearty dish made with ground beef, barley, and vegetables. It’s a comforting option, especially during colder months.
I find it easy to make this soup in my Instant Pot. It allows me to prepare it quickly while keeping the flavors rich and deep.
Here are the simple steps I follow:
- Sauté: I start by sautéing one pound of ground beef in the Instant Pot until browned.
- Add Veggies: Next, I mix in one chopped onion, one diced carrot, and one diced celery stalk. I let them cook for about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: I then add half a cup of pearl barley, four cups of beef broth, and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook: After sealing the pot, I set it to cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Once done, I allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes.
This recipe gives me a filling soup that warms me up and serves well as a meal on its own.
7. Cheeseburger Soup
Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting dish that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger in a creamy, hearty soup. It includes ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and vegetables, making it satisfying and delicious.
I find this recipe easy to make, especially in the Instant Pot. It saves time and allows for a rich flavor without much effort.
Here are the simple steps I follow:
- Brown 1 pound of ground beef in the Instant Pot using the sauté function.
- Add 1 chopped onion and 2 cloves of garlic; cook until soft.
- Stir in 2 cups of diced potatoes and 4 cups of beef broth.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once done, release the pressure and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheese.
These steps create a warm and hearty soup that I enjoy any time of the year. It’s a quick meal perfect for busy days.
8. Ground Beef Tacos
Ground beef tacos are a delicious and simple meal that I enjoy making. They are quick to prepare and can be customized easily. Using an Instant Pot makes the cooking process even faster.
To make ground beef tacos, I start with 1 pound of ground beef. I set my Instant Pot to the sauté function. Once it’s hot, I add the ground beef and cook it until browned, usually about 5-7 minutes.
Next, I drain any excess fat. Then, I add my favorite taco seasoning along with 1 cup of water. I stir to combine everything well. After that, I close the lid and set the pressure cook function for 10 minutes.
Once it’s done, I let the pressure release naturally for about 5 minutes before doing a quick release. I then serve the beef in taco shells with toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa.
This meal is not only easy to make but also perfect for a busy weeknight. Ground beef tacos are sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
9. Instant Pot Beef and Rice
Instant Pot Beef and Rice is a straightforward dish that combines ground beef, rice, and seasonings for a tasty meal. I find it easy to prepare, making it great for busy evenings.
To make it, I start by browning 1 pound of ground beef in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting. This only takes about 5 minutes. Once the beef is browned, I drain any excess fat.
Next, I add 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of beef broth to the pot. I also like to include 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and some salt and pepper for flavor. After that, I stir everything together.
I securely close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, I let the pressure release naturally for about 5 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
When it’s all done, I enjoy a hearty meal that pairs well with vegetables or a salad. This dish is not only simple but also filling and delicious.
What Are The Nutritional Benefits Of Ground Beef?
Ground beef offers a range of nutritional advantages that can be significant for a balanced diet. It is particularly notable for its protein content and essential vitamins and minerals.
How Much Protein Does Ground Beef Contain?
I find ground beef to be an excellent source of protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues in the body. A 3-ounce serving of cooked ground beef contains about 22 grams of protein.
This amount covers about 44% of an adult’s daily protein requirement. Protein helps maintain muscle mass, supports immune function, and aids in hormone production. Because ground beef is also convenient to prepare, I appreciate how it makes including protein in my diet easy and tasty.
What Vitamins And Minerals Are Found In Ground Beef?
Ground beef is rich in several vitamins and minerals, which play important roles in various bodily functions. It is particularly high in iron, which is vital for oxygen transport in the blood. A 3-ounce serving typically provides 2.7 milligrams of iron, around 15% of the daily recommendation for adults.
Additionally, ground beef contains significant amounts of zinc, important for immune health, and B vitamins like B12, which is essential for energy production. These nutrients make ground beef a valuable addition to my meals, providing more than just protein.
What Are The Best Cooking Techniques For An Instant Pot?
Using an Instant Pot for ground beef offers unique cooking methods that save time while maintaining flavor. I’ll cover essential techniques, including sautéing to build depth of flavor and pressure cooking to ensure meat is tender and juicy.
How Do You Sauté Meat In An Instant Pot?
Sautéing is an important step when cooking ground beef in an Instant Pot. I often start by setting the pot to “Sauté” mode. This heats the bottom of the pot and allows the meat to brown.
Brown the ground beef in batches to avoid steaming. I usually break it up with a wooden spoon. It’s crucial to cook until browned because this adds a rich flavor.
I also like to add seasonings and vegetables during this stage. Ingredients like onions, garlic, and bell peppers enhance the overall taste. Once the meat is browned and the veggies are softened, I remove excess fat if needed before moving to the next cooking steps.
What Are The Recommended Pressure Cooking Settings For Different Dishes?
Once the meat is sautéed, I switch to pressure cooking. With ground beef, I find that cooking for about 10-15 minutes at high pressure is ideal.
Ensure there is enough liquid in the pot. I typically add 1 cup of broth or water. This creates necessary steam for the pressure cooking process.
After cooking, I allow for a natural release of pressure for about 5 minutes before switching to a quick release. This allows the juices to settle, keeping the meat tender.
Using these techniques, I can make delicious ground beef dishes that are flavorful and satisfying in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.