Irresistibly Easy Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Ground Beef and Rice Recipe

Crafting a mouth-watering instant pot cheesy taco ground beef and rice dish promises pure comfort on busy weeknights.

Layers of savory flavors blend seamlessly in this one-pot wonder.

Tender beef mingles with perfectly cooked rice and melted cheese, creating a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.

Spices dance through each bite, bringing vibrant southwestern flair to your dinner table.

Mexican-inspired ingredients combine effortlessly, making meal preparation simple and delightful.

Complex tastes emerge from straightforward cooking techniques that anyone can master.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Ground Beef and Rice Recipe

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the core of this taco-inspired dish.

• Butter or Margarine: Helps brown the beef and adds a rich, smooth base to the cooking process.

• Taco Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that gives the dish its classic Mexican-inspired taste profile and helps to enhance the overall flavor of the ground beef and rice.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides depth and aromatic notes to complement the meat.

• Rice: A staple grain that absorbs the flavors and creates a substantial base for the dish.
• Water or Beef Broth: Helps cook the rice and adds extra flavor to the entire recipe.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts over the top to create a creamy, gooey finish that adds richness and extra flavor to the dish.

How to Make Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Ground Beef and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Instant Pot

Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Saute Less mode for 7 minutes. This will help create a perfect base for your delicious taco-inspired meal.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add a small amount of butter or margarine to the pot. Drop in the ground beef and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into small crumbles. Cook the meat until it starts to brown and develop a rich, savory flavor. Don’t worry if the beef looks slightly pink – you’ll continue cooking it later.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Sprinkle in your favorite taco seasoning. Mix the spices thoroughly with the ground beef to ensure every bite is packed with zesty Mexican-inspired flavor. The seasonings will help create a mouth-watering base for your dish.

Step 4: Add Liquid and Rice

Pour in water or beef broth, then add uncooked rice to the pot. Gently stir to combine the ingredients, making sure the rice is evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing position. Select the Pressure Cook or Manual mode and set the timer for the appropriate rice cooking time. This will help the rice absorb all the delicious flavors of the meat and seasonings.

Step 6: Quick Release and Cheese It Up

Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully do a quick release of the pressure. Open the lid and generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the rice and beef mixture. The residual heat will help melt the cheese into a gooey, irresistible topping.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced green onions
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños

Serve hot and enjoy your quick and tasty Instant Pot meal!

Pro Tips for Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Ground Beef and Rice Recipe

• Brown Beef Perfectly: Keep stirring and breaking down ground beef to ensure even cooking and prevent clumping in the Instant Pot.
• Drain Excess Fat: Use a slotted spoon to remove fatty liquids after browning beef for a cleaner, less greasy final dish.
• Choose Lean Meat Wisely: Select ground beef with 85% or 90% lean meat to reduce extra grease while maintaining rich flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize taco seasoning by adding more or less chili powder, cumin, or paprika to match your preferred heat intensity.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Sprinkle shredded cheese after cooking and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to create a perfectly melted, gooey topping.

Variation Ideas for Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Ground Beef and Rice Recipe

• Vegetarian Rice Bowl: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meatless version packed with protein.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap rice with riced cauliflower to create a keto-friendly meal that's lighter and lower in carbohydrates.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Upgrade: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and top with fresh cilantro for an extra kick of authentic Mexican flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese to maintain creamy texture while accommodating lactose-intolerant dietary needs.

Pairing Suggestions for Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Ground Beef and Rice Recipe

• Elevate Mexican Beer Pairing: Complement the cheesy taco ground beef and rice with a crisp, light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial. The beer's refreshing taste cuts through the rich, spicy flavors and cleanses the palate.
• Zesty Salsa Sidekick: Serve a fresh, homemade salsa with chunky tomatoes, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño to add brightness and contrast to the creamy, cheesy dish. The salsa's acidity balances the richness of the beef and rice.
• Cool Sour Cream Topping: Dollop some tangy sour cream on top to create a creamy, cooling element that mellows the dish's spiciness and adds a luxurious texture to each bite.

Storage Advice for Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Ground Beef and Rice Recipe

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining freshness and preventing bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled taco beef and rice to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Prevent freezer burn by using tight-sealing containers.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour leftovers into a skillet over medium-low heat.

FAQs About Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Ground Beef and Rice Recipe

• Is ground beef safe if it's slightly pink in the Instant Pot?

Yes, as long as it reaches 160°F internal temperature, which kills harmful bacteria. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.

• Can I use lean ground beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! Lean ground beef works well. Just be careful not to overcook, as it can become dry. The fat content helps keep the meat moist and flavorful.

• Do I need to drain the ground beef after cooking?

It depends on the fat content. If using higher fat ground beef, you might want to drain excess grease to reduce the dish’s overall fat content. With leaner beef, draining isn’t always necessary.

Why Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Ground Beef and Rice Recipe Is Effortless

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Combine ground beef, rice, and taco seasonings in one pot for a hassle-free meal that requires minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Kid-Approved Comfort Food: Create a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies picky eaters and hungry families with its cheesy, savory taco-inspired goodness.
• Quick Weeknight Miracle: Transform basic ingredients into a delicious one-pot meal that saves time and delivers restaurant-style taste right at home without complicated cooking techniques.
• Customizable Flavor Explosion: Easily adapt the recipe by adding your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or fresh cilantro to make this dish uniquely yours.

Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Ground Beef and Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 7 minutes (plus additional unspecified cooking)
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Ground Beef and Rice brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to your dinner table. Spicy, cheesy flavors meld perfectly with tender rice, creating a quick and satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound lean ground beef

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 ounce gluten-free taco seasoning

Grains and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cups long grain white rice
• 3 cups water

Sauce and Salsa:

• 2 cups Heinz chili sauce
• 1 1/2 cups medium corn and black bean salsa

Cheese:

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend

Cooking Fat:

• Butter or margarine (for sauteing)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté function at low heat for precise browning of the ground beef.
2. Introduce a small amount of butter to the heated pot, allowing it to melt and create a flavorful base for the meat.
3. Add ground beef, systematically breaking it into fine, uniform crumbles while stirring continuously to ensure even cooking.
4. Continue cooking until the meat transforms from pink to a rich, deep brown color, indicating complete doneness.
5. Drain any excess fat accumulated during the cooking process to maintain a clean, concentrated flavor profile.
6. Incorporate taco seasoning, stirring thoroughly to coat each meat fragment with robust, zesty spices.
7. Pour in rice and liquid, gently mixing to distribute ingredients evenly across the pot’s surface.
8. Secure the Instant Pot lid, setting the valve to sealing position for optimal pressure cooking.
9. Program the device to cook at high pressure for approximately 4-5 minutes, allowing rice to absorb flavors and become tender.
10. Once cooking completes, perform a quick release of pressure to prevent overcooking.
11. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot mixture, letting residual heat melt it into a creamy, luxurious topping.
12. Gently fold the melted cheese through the beef and rice, creating a harmonious, indulgent one-pot meal.

Notes

• Drain excess fat from the ground beef to reduce greasiness and improve the dish’s overall texture.
• Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) for a healthier version that still maintains great flavor and moisture.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or Mexican blend for added depth and excitement in the taco rice.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting taco seasoning or adding fresh jalapeños for those who love a kick of heat.

• Prep Time: 7 minutes
• Cook Time: Not specified
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 512 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg