5 Easy Ground Beef Instant Pot Recipes You'll Love

Are you in search of the perfect ground beef Instant Pot recipes to simplify your meal preparation while delivering mouthwatering flavors? The Instant Pot, known for its versatility and speed, is an excellent tool for cooking up a variety of dishes. Here, we'll explore five easy ground beef recipes that not only maximize the potential of your Instant Pot but are also guaranteed to become family favorites.

Hearty Chili Con Carne

Chili is a go-to comfort food, perfect for those chilly evenings. Here’s how to make a delicious pot of Chili Con Carne using your Instant Pot:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Using the Instant Pot’s sauté function, brown the ground beef with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
3. Stir in the beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, chili powder, and cumin.
4. Lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
5. Perform a quick release, stir, and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.

🌶️ Note: You can adjust the chili's heat by adding or reducing the amount of chili powder or adding some fresh jalapeños.

Instant Pot Taco Pasta

Taco pasta combines the zest of Mexican spices with the comfort of pasta in one dish:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups uncooked pasta
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef using the Instant Pot’s sauté function. Drain excess fat.
2. Add onions, sauté until translucent.
3. Add pasta, taco seasoning, tomatoes, and beef broth. Mix well.
4. Seal the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
5. Perform a quick release, stir in cheese until melted, and serve.

🍝 Note: This recipe can be customized with additional toppings like olives, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.

Smoky BBQ Beef Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes get a flavorful upgrade with smoky BBQ taste, and here's how:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté ground beef in the Instant Pot until browned, then drain excess fat.
2. Add bell pepper, onion, BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Lock the lid, set to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
4. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
5. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

This recipe is a must-try if you love Chinese takeout:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef using the sauté function, remove excess fat.
2. Mix soy sauce, broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic. Pour over beef.
3. Add broccoli on top. Do not stir.
4. Seal and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
5. Quick release, stir, and cook on sauté for an additional 2 minutes to thicken the sauce.

🌼 Note: For a lower sodium option, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or reduce the amount of soy sauce and increase the broth.

Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

Prepare a comforting classic with both meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper

For the Potatoes:

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Make a foil sling to lift the meatloaf in and out of the pot. Mix meatloaf ingredients, shape into loaf, wrap in foil.
2. Add potatoes to the pot with just enough water to cover them, place meatloaf on top using the sling.
3. Seal and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
4. Use quick release, check meatloaf for doneness, and mash the potatoes with milk, butter, salt, and pepper.

📝 Note: Using a trivet to raise the meatloaf above the water level helps keep it moist while allowing the potatoes to cook simultaneously.

With these five ground beef Instant Pot recipes, you're equipped to make meals that are both delicious and convenient. From the smoky Sloppy Joes to the comforting Beef and Broccoli, these dishes are designed to save time without compromising on taste. Experiment with these recipes, adjust seasonings to your palate, and watch as these dishes become staples in your home cooking repertoire. Enjoy the convenience and flavor that your Instant Pot brings to your kitchen!

Can I use frozen ground beef in these recipes?

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Yes, you can use frozen ground beef. You might need to increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes for the beef to thaw and cook properly.

How can I make these recipes healthier?

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To make these recipes healthier, consider using lean ground beef, reducing the amount of salt, and adding more vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition.

What can I do if my dishes come out too soupy?

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If your dish is too soupy, you can use the sauté function to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry after pressure cooking.

Can these recipes be scaled up for larger gatherings?

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Yes, simply increase the ingredients proportionately. Remember to increase the cooking time slightly when doubling the recipe to ensure everything cooks evenly.