30+ Best Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes Quick & Cheap (2024)

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This list of Instant Pot Ground Beef recipes is the best list to keep on hand for busy days. They’re pretty inexpensive, and they’re quick and easy, too!

Have you ever wondered what recipes that you can make in the Instant Pot with ground beef? I have been looking and looking for recipes for the Instant Pot using ground beef and I think I’ve finally found several favorites!

I love using ground beef, because it’s one of the cuts of meat that I almost always have on hand. But, when it comes to hamburger Instant Pot recipes, I didn’t really know what I could make, until recently, that is.

I finally decided to do some research and figure it out. It turns out that you can make a whole lot of ground beef recipes in the Instant Pot. It sure makes for an easy dinner!

30+ Best Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes Quick & Cheap (1)

Can You Brown Meat in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely. That is why we have the Sauté function on the Instant Pot. You can also do it in another way that I’ll outline below. You can cook it from frozen or you can cook it in a block and then break it apart later (instructions on how to do that are below).

Can I Substitute Other Ground Meats for Hamburger Meat?

Yes, you can easily follow the instructions on this post to cook ground turkey, ground chicken or even ground pork. Of course, you can use ground venison in these tasty ground beef Instant Pot recipes as well. I do it all the time with good results!

Can You Put Raw Ground Beef/Hamburger in the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker?

Yes and no. You can cook a whole block of ground beef in the Instant Pot under pressure on the trivet (directions below). When you do so, it allows the grease to drain below the trivet.

I would not cook ground beef in the pressure cooker with other ingredients in a recipe (unless it’s spices like onion powder, garlic powder, etc.). If it has any fat content, it will make your cooked dish too greasy. You will want to brown it using the Sauté function or precook it under pressure in the Instant Pot.

How Do you Cook Ground Beef in an Instant Pot?

Using theSauté method:

  1. Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté.
  2. Set the timer for 15 minutes. (You can always turn it off, but it’s a pain if the timer runs out before you’re done cooking it.)
  3. Place meat in the bottom of the Instant Pot and stir regularly, as if you were using a skillet.
  4. Drain meat, be sure to use hot pads when lifting the bowl out (or just use low fat beef).
  5. Return beef to the pot, to continue cooking your recipe.

Using the pressure method:

  1. Place trivet in the bottom of the pot, along with 1 cup of water.
  2. Add ground beef on top of trivet.
  3. Close lid and shut valve (turn it to sealing, not venting).
  4. Set the timer for 20 minutes and make sure that your pressure setting is set to high (not low).
  5. Once the timer goes off, Quick release the steam.
  6. Remove lid and block of beef.
  7. Using forks, bear claws or just your hands (after it has cooled), tear apart the meat into chunks.

As for the draining of the meat part, if you buy meat that has much fat in it, you will want to drain the fat first. I like to use my Easy Greasy Colander to do that. It has a handy bowl that fits under it, to catch the grease. After I drain the grease, I typically rinse it, too, to get any excess fat off.

You can see it pictured below…

30+ Best Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes Quick & Cheap (2)
30+ Best Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes Quick & Cheap (3)

How to Cook Frozen Ground Beef in the Instant Pot

This method is basically the same as cooking it under pressure above, we’ve just adjusted the time a bit.

  1. Place the trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot.
  2. Place your frozen ground beef on top of the trivet.
  3. Add 1 cup of water.
  4. Close the lid and the valve.
  5. Press Manual/Pressure Cook, high pressure and set your cooking time to 30 minutes.
  6. Quick release the pressure.
  7. Use a spoon or fork to break the meat up into clumps.

I currently have the 6 quart and 8 quart Instant Pot. I use and love both of them regularly I also have a spring form pan that will fit into my pot as well. This works perfectly for some recipes.

Which Recipe is Your Family’s Favorite Hamburger Recipe for the Instant Pot?

ahh, I’m so glad you asked! :). We really enjoy the Meatloaf and Potatoes as well as the Ground Beef Stroganoff. I’d say those are definitely 2 of our absolute favorites from this list.

I’d love to know what yours is, too, even if it’s not on this list. Leave me a comment below to share what your favorite ground beef recipe is!

I’m hoping you will find some family favorites out of these 30 plus Instant Pot recipes with ground beef. We really enjoy most of the recipes on this list! Be sure to sign up to receive a free Freezer to Instant Pot One Week Meal Plan. It’ll make your meal planning this week so much easier!

If you’re interested in also seeing a great list of slow cooker ground beef recipes, click here.

Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes

Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff

Ground Beef Stroganoff is one of our families’s favorite Instant Pot ground beef meals because it is so simple & easy. After you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder why it’s not on your meal plan every week!

Instant Pot Enchilada Pasta

For a bit of a Mexican food flare, try this delicious Enchilada Pasta ground beef pressure cooker recipe. Top it with some sour cream to finish the taste and you’ll be happy you stayed home and cooked for dinner tonight! This dish is perfect for a quick meal when you know you’ll be on the go.

Instant Pot Chili Mac

I love using ground beef Instant Pot recipes! Not only is this dish just plain delicious, it’s also so easy to dump and go….putting it all on automatic in the pressure cooker! Even my kids love this Chlil Mac recipe, which is a HUGE win for me.

Instant Pot Porcupine Meat Balls

This is one of those pressure cooker ground beef recipes that your family will ask for again and again. With rice in the meat mixture, this recipe gives you a unique taste that you’re sure to enjoy!

How to Cook Frozen Ground Beef in the Instant Pot

Did you know you can cook frozen ground beef in the Instant Pot even without a trivet?! No thawing. No waiting. It’s a lifesaver on busy days.

Instant Pot Meat Loaf and Mashed Potatoes

My favorite Instant Pot Meatloaf Recipe is the BEST Instant Pot recipe with ground beef that I’ve ever made! It easily competes with restaurants like Cracker Barrel, but maybe even better than that. You’ll have to try it to know exactly what I mean. And get this…. the meat and potatoes cook together at the same time!

Instant Pot Taco Meat

Using this delicious ground meat Instant Pot recipe you’ll realize that Instant Pot Taco Meat is an easy way to make Taco Tuesdays happen with ease. Of course, any night could be taco night, if you’re anything like us!

This Instant Pot hamburger recipe for the pressure cooker uses layers of sliced potatoes, shredded cheese and ground meat in your Instant Pot. The most time consuming part of preparing it is slicing the potatoes. It is definitely a family friendly recipes that the husband and kids will love.

Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

When I’m ready for easy ground beef instant pot meals I go for something like this Sloppy Joe recipe. Click the link to see how Sloppy joes got their name.

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

Instant Pot One Pot Spaghetti

Instant Pot Goulash

Instant Pot Wendy’s Copy Cat Chili

Instant Pot Taco Pie

Instant Pot Salisbury Steak

Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chili

Instant Pot Shepherd’s Pie

Instant Pot Taco Soup

Instant Pot Stuffed Bell Peppers

Instant Pot Beefy Broccoli Rice

Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Soup

Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli

Instant Pot Meat Ball Subs

Instant Pot Minestrone

Instant Pot Egg Rolls in a bowl

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

Instant Pot Easy Chili Recipe

Instant Pot Korean Beef & Rice

Instant Pot Beef & Potato Soup

Instant Pot Ground Beef & Rice (Mexican)

To find more Instant Pot recipes on Sidetracked Sarah, please visit the Instant Pot section of my site.

30+ Best Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes Quick & Cheap (4)

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30+ Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes

This list of Instant Pot Ground Beef recipes is the best list to keep on hand for busy days. They're pretty inexpensive, too!

Course Main Dish

Cuisine All

Keyword 30+ Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 6 -8

Calories 192kcal

Author Sarah Robinson

Ingredients

  • Ground Beef
  • Liquid
  • Check each recipe for specific ingredients!

Instructions

  • Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff

  • Instant Pot Enchilada Pasta

  • Instant Pot Chili Mac

  • Instant Pot Porcupine Meat Balls

  • How to Cook Frozen Ground Beef in the Instant Pot

  • Instant Pot Meat Loaf and Mashed Potatoes

  • Instant Pot Taco Meat

  • Instant Pot Beef & Cheesy Potatoes

  • Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

  • Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

  • Instant Pot One Pot Spaghetti

  • Instant Pot Goulash

  • Instant Pot Wendy's Copy Cat Chili

  • Instant Pot Taco Pie

  • Instant Pot Salisbury Steak

  • Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chili

  • Instant Pot Shepherd's Pie

  • Instant Pot Taco Soup

  • Instant Pot Stuffed Bell Peppers

  • Instant Pot Beefy Broccoli Rice

  • Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

  • Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Soup

  • Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli

  • Instant Pot Meat Ball Subs

  • Instant Pot Minestrone

  • Instant Pot Egg Rolls in a bowl

  • Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

  • Instant Pot Easy Chili Recipe

  • Instant Pot Korean Beef & Rice

  • Instant Pot Beef & Potato Soup

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 192kcal | Protein: 13g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 138mg | Potassium: 204mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg

30+ Best Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes Quick & Cheap (2024)

FAQs

How many pounds of ground beef can you cook in Instant Pot? ›

Check the middle of the meat after cook time to be sure an internal temperature of 160 degrees has been reached. I would not recommend cooking more than 3-4 pounds of frozen meat at a time. Doing so, would overcrowd your Instant Pot and therefore would cause it to take forever to reach pressure.

What is the best cut of meat for Instant Pot? ›

Best Cuts for Your Pressure Cooker/Instant Pot

You can cook any cut in a multi-cooker, but we recommend those from the chuck and round.

How long does it take to cook 2 pounds of beef in the Instant Pot? ›

Cooking time: When cooking a pot roast in an Instant Pot, allow 20 minutes for every pound of meat. For example, cook a 2-pound pot roast at high pressure for 40 minutes and a 3-pound pot roast for 60 minutes.

What cannot be cooked in Instant Pot? ›

6 Things You Should Never Cook in an Instant Pot
  1. Creamy Sauces. If there's one food group you should avoid in the Instant Pot, it's dairy. ...
  2. Fried Chicken. The best fried chicken is crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside and perfectly golden brown. ...
  3. Cookies. ...
  4. Burgers. ...
  5. Pie. ...
  6. Steak.

Why is my beef tough in Instant Pot? ›

To prevent a chewy beef steak, you need to avoid using too much high-pressure heat. Of course, start with pressure cooking your roast (that's why you're using the Instant Pot anyway), but keep that high-pressured phase to a few minutes only.

Can you overcook beef in Instant Pot? ›

In a few words, yes! You can also undercook it, too. Overcooking the meat would result in a very dry tasting pot roast.

How full is too full in an Instant Pot? ›

Your Instant Pot should have a line on the inner pot to show the maximum amount of food you can cook in it at once (and it's there for good reason!). Overfilling your Instant Pot can affect the pressure that builds up inside, so you might end up with a mushy meal, or one that doesn't cook properly.

Does meat need to be submerged in Instant Pot? ›

If you completely submerged the meat in liquid, it would pull some of the flavor out of the meat. The sealed Instant Pot environment keeps all the liquid AND flavor in the meat, even without submerging the meat.

What is the easiest Instant Pot to use? ›

The Instant Pot Duo Plus 8-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker was immediately our favorite out of all the models we tested. Conquering our cooking tests with ease and precision, this model is functional and affordable. We were impressed by how many purposes it serves and how easy it was to use and clean it.

How do you keep meat from burning in an Instant Pot? ›

How to Prevent a Burn Notice in the Future
  1. Scrape before you seal: Scrape up all the browned bits left in the pot after sautéing food and before closing the lid.
  2. Double-check your parts before you close up the pot for cooking. ...
  3. Make sure that you're using enough liquid.
Apr 15, 2022

Do you cover meat with liquid in a pressure cooker? ›

While you may cover meat almost completely for a conventional braise, use just enough liquid for the cooker to reach pressure – during pressure cooking the meat will release it's own juice and braise in that flavorful liquid, instead. DO use fresh herbs.

How much water do I put in my Instant Pot for meat? ›

Add 1 cup of water. Place your ground meat on the trivet/in the steamer basket. Cook for 6 minutes at high pressure. Use quick pressure release method.

Does Instant Pot tenderize meat? ›

Both slow cookers and pressure cookers do a good job of tenderizing tough meat, but each makes meat more edible in a different way.

How to cook raw meat in Instant Pot? ›

So, alternatively, you can use the Pressure/Manual setting and cook 1 to 2 pounds of ground meat as follows:
  1. Place your trivet or steaming basket into the inner pot.
  2. Add 1 cup of water.
  3. Place your ground meat on the trivet/in the steamer basket.
  4. Cook for 6 minutes at high pressure.
  5. Use quick pressure release method.
Nov 1, 2020

Do you have to brown meat before Instant Pot? ›

Yes, you can sear meat in an Instant Pot using the sauté function. This allows you to brown the meat before pressure cooking, which helps enhance the flavor and texture of the meat.

Is it safe to put raw ground beef in slow cooker? ›

Yes, you can totally cook raw beef in a slow cooker. Many slow-cooker chili recipes have a step for browning the beef before it goes into the Crock-Pot. While this step isn't necessary, caramelizing the meat creates richer, bolder flavors.

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