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