The Best Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Why Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes Are a Game-Changer

Let’s be honest—after a long day, the last thing you want to do is spend hours cooking dinner. That’s where the Instant Pot comes in! This magical kitchen appliance cuts cooking time in half, locks in flavors, and delivers delicious meals with minimal effort.

And when it comes to protein, ground beef is a top choice. It’s affordable, versatile, and cooks fast, making it perfect for quick, family-friendly meals. That’s why Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes for Busy Weeknights are a total lifesaver—they allow you to whip up hearty, satisfying dishes in no time, without the stress of complicated cooking.

So, if you’re constantly wondering, “What’s for dinner?”—you’re in the right place! This guide is packed with must-try Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes for Busy Weeknights that will save you time without sacrificing flavor.

Why You’ll Love These Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes

The Benefits of Cooking with an Instant Pot

✅ Cooks Fast: What normally takes an hour, the Instant Pot does in 15-30 minutes.
✅ One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to multiple dishes and messy kitchens.
✅ Flavor Infusion: The sealed environment locks in moisture and bold flavors.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep: Cook once, eat multiple times!

Why Ground Beef is the Ultimate Weeknight Protein

🥩 Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is one of the most affordable meats.
🥩 Super Versatile: From tacos to casseroles, endless recipe possibilities.
🥩 Cooks Quickly: No need to wait hours for dinner—ready in minutes!

Essential Tips for Cooking Ground Beef in an Instant Pot

Before we dive into recipes, here are a few pro tips for perfectly cooked ground beef.

Choosing the Right Ground Beef

• 80/20 Blend → Best balance of flavor and juiciness
• 90/10 Blend → Leaner, but may need extra moisture
• Frozen Ground Beef? No problem! Use the pressure cook setting for 20 minutes

How to Properly Brown Ground Beef in the Instant Pot

1️⃣ Turn on Sauté Mode
2️⃣ Add 1 tbsp oil (prevents sticking)
3️⃣ Cook until browned, breaking it up as you go
4️⃣ Drain excess grease if needed

💡 Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add onions and garlic while browning the beef!

10 Quick and Delicious Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes

Now, let’s get to the good stuff—amazing, easy-to-make recipes that will transform your dinner routine.

1. Instant Pot Ground Beef Chili 🌶️

This hearty, comforting chili is packed with flavor and perfect for chilly nights!

📝 Ingredients:

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Turn Instant Pot to Sauté Mode, brown the ground beef, and drain excess grease.
2️⃣ Add onion & garlic, sauté for 2 minutes.
3️⃣ Stir in tomatoes, beans, broth, and spices.
4️⃣ Close the lid, set to Pressure Cook (High) for 10 minutes.
5️⃣ Let natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release.

💡 Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips!

🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

2. Instant Pot Beef Tacos 🌮

Who doesn’t love taco night? These beef tacos are juicy, flavorful, and ready in 15 minutes.

📝 Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• ½ cup water
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 8 taco shells

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Brown ground beef in Sauté Mode and drain grease.
2️⃣ Add taco seasoning, tomatoes, and water.
3️⃣ Set Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (High) for 5 minutes.
4️⃣ Quick release and serve in taco shells!

💡 Top with lettuce, cheese, salsa, and sour cream!

3. Instant Pot Sloppy Joes 🍔

A kid-friendly classic—sweet, tangy, and messy (in the best way).

📝 Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• ½ cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ cup beef broth
• 4 hamburger buns

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Brown the beef and onions in Sauté Mode.
2️⃣ Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire, brown sugar, and broth.
3️⃣ Set to Pressure Cook (High) for 8 minutes.
4️⃣ Quick release, then serve on buns.

💡 Pair with fries or coleslaw!

4. Instant Pot Ground Beef and Rice 🍚

A one-pot meal that’s comforting, filling, and easy!

📝 Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Brown the beef in Sauté Mode.
2️⃣ Add rice, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings.
3️⃣ Set to Pressure Cook (High) for 10 minutes.
4️⃣ Let natural release for 5 minutes.

💡 Sprinkle with cheese for extra yum!

5. Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef 🍝

Yes, you can cook pasta & meat in one pot—no need to boil separately!

📝 Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 jar pasta sauce
• 8 oz spaghetti noodles (uncooked, broken in half)
• 3 cups water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Brown ground beef in Sauté Mode.
2️⃣ Pour in pasta sauce and seasonings.
3️⃣ Add broken spaghetti noodles.
4️⃣ Pour water over noodles (don’t stir).
5️⃣ Set to Pressure Cook (High) for 8 minutes.
6️⃣ Quick release, stir, and serve.

💡 Top with Parmesan cheese!

6. Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

A creamy, cheesy, comforting soup that tastes like a deconstructed cheeseburger!

📝 Ingredients:

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Turn Instant Pot to Sauté Mode, brown the ground beef, and drain excess grease.
2️⃣ Add onions, carrots, and potatoes, then pour in beef broth.
3️⃣ Set Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (High) for 8 minutes.
4️⃣ Quick release, then stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese.

💡 Top with crispy beef bacon bits for extra flavor!

7. Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef

A healthy, flavor-packed meal with tender bell peppers stuffed with seasoned ground beef and rice.

📝 Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup cheese (optional)
• 1 cup beef broth

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Cut the tops off bell peppers, remove seeds.
2️⃣ Mix ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and seasoning in a bowl.
3️⃣ Stuff mixture into peppers and place in the Instant Pot.
4️⃣ Add beef broth, then set to Pressure Cook (High) for 10 minutes.
5️⃣ Quick release, sprinkle with cheese, and serve.

💡 Use different colored peppers for a vibrant dish!

8. Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff

A creamy, comforting dish with tender ground beef, mushrooms, and noodles in a rich sauce.

📝 Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 8 oz egg noodles
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Brown the ground beef and onions in Sauté Mode.
2️⃣ Add mushrooms, broth, and noodles (press noodles down, don’t stir).
3️⃣ Set to Pressure Cook (High) for 5 minutes.
4️⃣ Quick release, stir in sour cream, and serve!

💡 Garnish with fresh parsley for extra flavor!

9. Instant Pot Korean Beef Bowls

Sweet, savory, and packed with bold flavors, this is perfect for rice bowls!

📝 Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ginger (grated)
• 1 tsp garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 cup white rice (cooked separately)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Brown the ground beef in Sauté Mode.
2️⃣ Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic.
3️⃣ Set Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (High) for 3 minutes.
4️⃣ Quick release, serve over rice, and drizzle with sesame oil.

💡 Top with green onions and sesame seeds for extra crunch!

10. Instant Pot Ground Beef Casserole

A hearty, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for meal prepping!

📝 Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups pasta (uncooked)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Brown the beef in Sauté Mode.
2️⃣ Add pasta, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings.
3️⃣ Set to Pressure Cook (High) for 5 minutes.
4️⃣ Quick release, stir in cheese, and serve.

💡 For extra texture, broil in the oven for 5 minutes!

Common Problems & Solutions When Cooking Instant Pot Ground Beef

1. Why is my ground beef watery in the Instant Pot?

✅ Solution: Always drain excess grease after browning. Adding too much liquid can cause this issue.

2. How do I avoid the “Burn” warning?

✅ Solution: Deglaze the pot by adding a bit of broth or water and scraping the bottom after browning the beef.

3. Can I cook frozen ground beef in the Instant Pot?

✅ Solution: Yes! Pressure cook frozen beef for 20 minutes, then break it up and cook as needed.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

✅ Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cooked ground beef dishes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
✅ Freeze for Later: Freeze in meal-sized portions and thaw overnight in the fridge.
✅ Best Reheating Method: Use the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Why Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes Make Life Easier

There you have it—10 amazing Instant Pot ground beef recipes that are quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re craving comfort food, tacos, or healthy meal-prep dishes, these recipes have got you covered.

The Instant Pot truly transforms cooking, making mealtime stress-free and delicious. So grab your ground beef, hit that Sauté button, and let’s get cooking!

The Best Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes for Busy Weeknights

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• Author: Chef Adam
• Total Time: ~20 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

These Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes are quick, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re making a hearty pasta, a savory taco filling, or a comforting chili, your Instant Pot will help you create flavorful meals in no time. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, these recipes will save you time while delivering satisfying dinners the whole family will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Ground Beef Base:

• 1 lb ground beef (85/15 or leaner)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

For the Sauce & Pasta:

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Sauté the Ground Beef:

   • Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add olive oil.
   • Add onion and garlic; cook for 1-2 minutes until softened.
   • Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned (3-4 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.

2. Season & Deglaze:

   • Stir in salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
   • Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to prevent a burn notice.

3. Add the Pasta & Sauce:

   • Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then stir well.
   • Add uncooked pasta, but do NOT stir—simply press it down into the liquid.

4. Pressure Cook:

   • Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes.
   • Once done, do a quick release of the pressure.

5. Finish & Serve:

   • Stir everything together and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
   • Top with shredded cheese and fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

• Make It Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
• Add More Veggies: Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini after pressure cooking.
• Alternative Proteins: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Tip: Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to maintain the creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes (plus pressure build/release time)
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Approximate
• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 60mg