Craving something that tastes like a warm blanket on a crisp autumn day? This ground beef instant pot recipe brings together savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and tender pasta in one irresistibly cozy dish. Think of it as your favorite comfort food—with a touch more flavor and none of the hassle.
Whether you’re after a homemade hearty meal or looking for a quick dinner to share, this simple Instant Pot recipe will be your new go-to favorite.
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Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Instant Pot Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This recipe falls right into the category of perfect ground beef Instant Pot recipes—ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for hectic evenings.
- One-Pot Meal: No piles of dishes to tackle after dinner. Everything cooks in one pot for minimal cleanup.
- Family-Friendly: The rich, cheesy flavor makes this one of those ground beef instant pot recipes that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Whether you’re a beginner with pressure cookers or a seasoned Instant Pot pro, this dish offers a delicious, no-fuss path to dinner success.
If you enjoy beefy, savory dishes, you might also love this beef brisket Instant Pot recipe packed with rich flavor.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Instant Pot Recipe
To create one of the most flavorful ground beef instant pot recipes, gather the following simple ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup beef broth
- 16 ounces short pasta (shells, penne, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Each component plays a role in building a rich, savory base for one of your new favorite ground beef instant pot recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to craft one of the easiest and most comforting ground beef instant pot recipes for any night of the week.
Step 1 – Sauté the Ground Beef
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add the oil and ground beef. Cook, breaking up the meat, until fully browned. Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, then transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside.
Step 2 – Combine Ingredients
Into the Instant Pot, add marinara sauce, water, beef broth, pasta, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine everything well.
Step 3 – Pressure Cook
Secure the lid and turn the valve to Sealing. Select Manual or Pressure Cook and set the timer for 8 minutes.
Step 4 – Quick Release and Finish
Once the timer goes off, perform a quick release. Carefully remove the lid, stir in the cooked ground beef, and add shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
This step-by-step method ensures your dish turns out just like the best ground beef instant pot recipes you’ll find online—but better, because it’s homemade.
Helpful Tips for the Best Ground Beef Instant Pot Recipe
To make your dish stand out from other ground beef instant pot recipes, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Deglaze the Pot: After browning the meat, add a splash of beef broth and scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom. This prevents the dreaded burn warning during pressure cooking.
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Choose at least 90% lean meat. It reduces excess grease and keeps your sauce from getting too oily.
- Fresh Mozzarella Wins: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt as well. Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the creamiest finish.
- Season Last: Always taste and adjust seasoning after cooking, especially salt. The broth and marinara might already be salty.
Whether you’re new to instant pot or looking to improve a go-to dish, these tips will help ensure it’s full of flavor and perfectly cooked every time.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Instant Pot Recipe
Round out your meal with side dishes that complement the richness of this comfort-food classic. Whether you’re feeding kids or entertaining guests, these pairings elevate your dish beyond other ground beef instant pot recipes.
- Garlic Bread
The crispy, buttery edges of garlic bread are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. - Green Salad
A light, crisp salad with vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the beef and pasta. - Steamed Vegetables
Broccoli, green beans, or zucchini add color and a healthy contrast to your plate.
For a more satisfying veggie option, try this cauliflower Instant Pot recipe—it’s easy and pairs perfectly.
- Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
For an extra indulgent option, try crispy oven-roasted potatoes topped with grated Parmesan.
These sides not only complete the plate but also turn your meal into one of the most satisfying ground beef instant pot you’ll return to week after week.
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Ground Beef Instant Pot Recipe: The Best Weeknight Comfort Meal
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp oil
3 tsp minced garlic
3 tsp Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
24 oz marinara sauce
2 cups water
1 cup beef broth
16 oz short pasta (penne, shells, etc.)
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1 – Sauté Ground Beef
Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add oil and brown the ground beef. Add garlic and herbs. Remove beef and set aside.
Step 2 – Combine Ingredients
Add marinara, water, broth, pasta, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
Step 3 – Pressure Cook
Secure lid. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Quick release when done.
Step 4 – Add Beef & Cheese
Stir in reserved ground beef and shredded mozzarella. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is creamy. Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes (plus pressurizing time ~10 min)
- Category: Main dish, Comfort food
- Method: Pressure cooking, Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5–2 cups
- Calories: ~510 per serving
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you put raw ground beef in an Instant Pot?
Yes, absolutely. You can brown raw ground beef directly using the ‘Sauté’ function before pressure cooking the rest of the ingredients in this ground beef Instant Pot recipe.
Q: What can I make quickly with ground beef in an Instant Pot?
This recipe is one of the easiest and most flavorful meals you can make. It combines meat, pasta, and sauce all in one pot with minimal cleanup. Or, if you’re craving something more brothy, check out these hearty Crock Pot posole recipes.
Q: Why does my meat turn tough in the Instant Pot?
Usually, it’s due to overcooking or not enough liquid. For this ground beef Instant Pot recipe, we balance the liquids to ensure tenderness.
Q: Do I need to drain the beef before pressure cooking?
If using high-fat beef, it’s a good idea to drain excess grease after browning to keep the dish balanced and avoid oily texture.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure not to exceed the Instant Pot’s fill line. You may need to increase cooking time slightly depending on the pasta type.
Storage & Maintenance
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this ground beef Instant Pot recipe beyond the first serving. Here’s how to keep it fresh and flavorful:
- Refrigeration
Allow leftovers to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Freezing
This dish freezes well. Spoon into freezer-safe containers in portion sizes. It will stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. - Reheating
Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally for even heating.
These simple steps will help preserve the comforting flavors of your ground beef Instant Pot recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about a meal that delivers comfort, flavor, and ease in every bite—and this ground beef Instant Pot recipe checks all the boxes. It’s hearty enough for a cold night, quick enough for a weeknight dinner, and customizable enough to please everyone at the table.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this one-pot dish will quickly become a staple in your rotation. Give it a try, tweak it to your taste, and enjoy the kind of home-cooked comfort that makes you want seconds.
