5 Quick Beef Instant Pot Recipes for Busy Cooks

Are you a busy individual who loves beef but finds little time for traditional cooking methods? If so, an Instant Pot can be your kitchen savior. Here, we'll explore five delicious and quick beef recipes tailored for your Instant Pot, ensuring you get flavor without the fuss.

1. Beef Stew in Instant Pot

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes

• Ingredients:
• 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
2. Using the sauté function, heat olive oil in your Instant Pot, then brown the beef on all sides, remove and set aside.
3. Add onions and garlic to the pot; sauté until translucent.
4. Add the broth, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, and herbs. Return the beef to the pot, lock the lid, and set to cook on Manual High Pressure for 35 minutes.
5. Once done, do a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.

🍲 Note: This recipe uses beef chuck which becomes tender and flavorful under pressure cooking.

2. Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes

• Ingredients:
• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients except broccoli and cornstarch mixture into the Instant Pot.
2. Lock the lid and set to cook on Manual High Pressure for 12 minutes.
3. Quick release the pressure. Add broccoli and set to sauté. Pour in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce, and cook for an additional 3 minutes.

3. Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes | Total time: 55 minutes

• Ingredients:
• 2 lbs beef short ribs
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary

Instructions:

1. Season ribs with salt and pepper.
2. Using sauté function, brown ribs on all sides in hot oil, remove and set aside.
3. Sauté onions and garlic, add wine to deglaze, then stir in broth, tomato paste, and rosemary.
4. Return ribs to pot, lock the lid, and cook on Manual High Pressure for 45 minutes.
5. Natural release for 15 minutes, then quick release.

4. Instant Pot Beef Chili

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes

• Ingredients:
• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Using sauté mode, cook ground beef until browned, remove excess fat.
2. Add onions, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Add beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Lock the lid and set on Manual High Pressure for 20 minutes.
5. Quick release the pressure when finished.

5. Instant Pot Barbecue Beef

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 1 hour | Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

• Ingredients:
• 2 lbs chuck roast, cut into chunks
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the Instant Pot, stirring to blend.
2. Lock the lid and cook on Manual High Pressure for 1 hour.
3. Use natural release for 15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
4. Shred beef with forks and mix with the cooking liquid before serving.

As we've journeyed through these five beef Instant Pot recipes, it's clear that you can achieve mouthwatering results with minimal time investment. Each dish offers a unique taste profile, from the comforting beef stew to the zesty BBQ beef, providing a variety of flavors that cater to different culinary preferences. Using the Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures that the beef is tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection, making it an essential tool for busy cooks. The diversity of these recipes allows for quick weeknight dinners or even an impressive weekend meal, all with the convenience of modern technology.

Can I use frozen beef in these recipes?

+

Yes, you can use frozen beef, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 50%. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to thaw the beef first if possible.

How do I adjust these recipes for a larger Instant Pot?

+

When increasing the quantity, ensure that the ingredients fill no more than two-thirds of the pot to avoid clogging the valve with foam or steam. Adjust cooking times minimally as Instant Pots scale well for larger volumes.

What if I want to make the stew or chili less thick?

+

You can add more beef broth, water, or even tomato juice to thin out the consistency to your liking. Adjust the thickness post-cooking by adding liquid and stirring until you reach the desired texture.