The Best Method in 2025 for Cooking Ground Beef in Instant Pot

Why Your Ground Beef Deserves Better

Let’s be honest—you’ve probably browned ground beef on the stovetop more times than you can count. You toss it into a pan, stir it around, maybe throw in some seasoning, and call it dinner. But how often does that process turn into a greasy mess, a burnt crust, or—worse yet—dry, chewy meat?

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Here’s the thing: ground beef is the unsung hero of weeknight meals. It’s cheap, versatile, and always in your freezer. But it deserves more than rushed stovetop cooking and endless pan scrubbing. That’s where your Instant Pot steps in and changes the game. With the right method, you can take that everyday staple and turn it into a juicy, richly flavored base for tacos, casseroles, pasta, and more—without the mess or stress.

Let’s dive in and show you exactly how to make it happen.

What Makes Cooking Ground Beef in Instant Pot the Best Option?

You might be wondering, why go through the trouble of learning a new method when the stovetop “kind of works”? The truth is, the Instant Pot doesn’t just work—it works smarter.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Time-efficient: Cooks your beef in about half the time, with no need to babysit.
• One-pot cleanup: Sauté, pressure cook, and serve—all in the same pot.
• Flavor retention: Pressure cooking locks in juices, creating a more tender bite.
• Batch-ready: Perfect for cooking multiple pounds at once for meal prep.
• Hands-off process: You don’t need to hover or stir constantly—set it and forget it.

When you put all that together, it’s clear why this method isn’t just better—it’s the best.

Essential Equipment and Ingredients for Perfect Instant Pot Ground Beef

What You’ll Need:

To get started, here’s a quick checklist. Having these ready ensures a smooth process from start to finish.

Equipment:

• Instant Pot (6-quart or larger)
• Wooden spatula or spoon
• Strainer (optional for draining fat)
• Cutting board (if adding veggies)

Ingredients:

Pro Tip: Don’t skip the liquid—your Instant Pot needs it to build pressure safely and cook evenly.

Step-by-Step: The Best Method for Cooking Ground Beef in Instant Pot

1. Turn on Sauté Mode

Start by hitting the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot. Let it warm up for 1–2 minutes.

Add a tablespoon of oil and toss in your ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it starts to brown. This helps avoid large clumps that pressure cooking won’t break down.

Let it brown for 3–5 minutes, just enough to give it some color. You don’t need it fully cooked—just enough to start the flavor process.

2. Deglaze the Pot

Here’s where many people go wrong.

Once you’ve browned the meat, pour in a cup of water or broth. Use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom.

Why does this matter? Because those bits hold flavor—and skipping this step can trigger your Instant Pot’s burn warning.

3. Pressure Cook

Now seal the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and choose “Pressure Cook” or “Manual.”

• Time: 5 minutes on High Pressure
• Release: Natural Release for 10 minutes, then Quick Release the rest

The steam penetrates the beef, finishing the cook evenly while infusing it with moisture and flavor.

4. Drain (If Desired)

Once you open the pot, give the meat a stir and assess the fat content.

If you used 80/20 beef, you may want to pour it into a strainer to remove excess grease. Want to keep it all in for flavor? Totally up to you.

Now it’s ready for tacos, spaghetti, stuffed peppers, or whatever your recipe calls for.

Tips and Tricks for Cooking Ground Beef in Instant Pot

Want next-level results? These extra pointers can help you take your Instant Pot game even higher.

Flavor-Boosting Tips:

• Brown the meat with onions and garlic during sauté mode for a richer base.
• Add seasoning after pressure cooking—herbs and spices retain more aroma this way.
• Use beef broth instead of water for added umami.

Meal Prep Hacks:

• Cook 3–4 pounds at once, then portion into freezer bags.
• Label each portion with the date and seasonings used.
• Reheat easily in microwave, skillet, or back in the Instant Pot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Skipping the deglaze step: leads to burn errors.
• Using extra-lean beef: results in dry, crumbly texture.
• Overcooking: 5 minutes is plenty—more time breaks down texture.

Recipe Variations and Flavor Add-Ins

Once you’ve nailed the basic method, it’s time to experiment with creative spins.

Instant Pot Taco Meat

• Brown beef with onions and garlic
• Add taco seasoning, ½ cup diced tomatoes (drained), and broth
• Pressure cook for 5 minutes, quick release, stir and serve

Instant Pot Ground Beef and Rice

• After browning, add 1 cup uncooked rice, 2 cups broth, and 1 can diced tomatoes
• Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, quick release
• Stir in cheese or beans for a Tex-Mex twist

Asian-Inspired Beef

• Mix soy sauce, hoisin, and sesame oil with ground beef
• Add shredded carrots, ginger, and green onions
• Serve over jasmine rice or noodles

Nutritional Info & Cooking Times Comparison

Understanding how this method stacks up can help you plan better meals.

Nutrition (Per 4 oz Cooked Ground Beef):

• Calories: ~250
• Protein: ~22g
• Fat: ~18g
• Carbs: 0g

Comparison Table:

Instant Pot wins in every category—less effort, better flavor, minimal mess.

FAQs: Cooking Ground Beef in Instant Pot

Can you cook frozen ground beef in Instant Pot?

Absolutely. Just skip the sauté and cook under pressure for 15–20 minutes depending on the thickness. Always do a full natural release for best results.

Do you have to add water to cook ground beef in Instant Pot?

Yes—always add at least 1 cup of liquid to avoid burn warnings and ensure proper pressure build-up.

Can I cook more than 1 pound at once?

Definitely. You can cook up to 3 pounds in a 6-quart Instant Pot. Break it up as much as possible before sealing the lid.

Why is my beef watery?

That’s just natural juices. You can simmer on Sauté for a minute to evaporate excess liquid, or drain it if you prefer a drier texture.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Never Go Back to the Stovetop

When it comes to convenience, flavor, and cleanup, the Instant Pot blows traditional methods out of the water. By using this approach, you not only save time, but you also elevate an everyday ingredient into something delicious and worthy of your dinner table.

Imagine being able to walk away from the stove, prep the rest of your meal, or even put your feet up for five minutes—while your ground beef cooks itself to perfection.

So the next time you’re reaching for that familiar pound of beef, plug in your Instant Pot instead. You’ll taste the difference, and your future self will thank you.