Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal but short on time? Look no further! This Instant Pot ground beef recipe is your answer to quick and delicious homemade cooking. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe delivers tender, juicy ground beef in a fraction of the time, perfect for busy weeknights or a simple weekend lunch. It’s one of those easy recipes that's surprisingly versatile – use it as a base for tacos, chili, pasta sauce, or simply enjoy it on its own with a side of your favorite vegetables. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this healthy meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics (Optional): If you prefer a deeper flavor, start by setting your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add the olive oil, then sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step isn't strictly necessary but adds a nice depth of flavor.
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Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the Instant Pot and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally. This helps to render some of the fat and ensures even cooking.
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Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes (both cans), beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined.
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Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the pressure is released, you can shred the beef with two forks for a more textured dish, or leave it as is. Serve immediately with your favorite sides. This delicious dish is perfect as a quick dinner idea.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Ground Beef:
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Ensure there's enough space for the beef to brown properly. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Add vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini during the sautéing stage or along with the other ingredients.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve your Instant Pot ground beef over rice, mashed potatoes, or quinoa for a satisfying and complete meal.
Variations:
- Taco Beef: Omit the cayenne pepper and add a packet of taco seasoning for a delicious taco filling.
- Chili: Add a can of kidney beans or black beans for a hearty chili.
- Sloppy Joes: Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) for a classic sloppy joe filling.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This Instant Pot ground beef recipe is a testament to the power of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a versatile and delicious option that's perfect for busy weeknights, making it one of the best recipes for those looking for quick dinner ideas without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Enjoy!