Tired of complicated dinners that take forever to prepare? Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's ready in minutes? Then look no further! This Instant Pot recipe using ground beef is your answer. This cheesy beef and rice dish is incredibly easy, healthy, and satisfying – perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. It's one of those effortless recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, a true testament to the magic of the Instant Pot!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Get started: Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until softened.
Combine ingredients: Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined.
Pressure cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
Stir in cheese: Gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve: Serve immediately. This cheesy beef and rice is delicious on its own, or you can pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and healthy meal.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Cheesy Beef & Rice:
- Don't overcook the rice: Following the recommended cooking time is crucial for perfectly cooked rice. Overcooking can lead to mushy rice.
- Use good quality broth: The flavor of your broth significantly impacts the overall taste of the dish. Using a flavorful beef broth will elevate the entire recipe.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the onions and garlic for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Variations:
- Mexican Beef & Rice: Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of tomato soup and add a packet of taco seasoning. Top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
- Italian Beef & Rice: Use Italian seasoning instead of oregano and add a can of diced tomatoes. Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
- Creamy Chicken & Rice: Replace ground beef with 1.5 lbs of cooked chicken, shredded or diced.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This easy Instant Pot recipe using ground beef is a fantastic example of quick, delicious, and healthy homemade cooking. It's a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!