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Quick Tender Instant Pot Ground Beef from Frozen Recipe for Easy Meals

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A quick and easy method to cook tender, juicy ground beef straight from frozen in an Instant Pot, perfect for busy weeknights and versatile meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) frozen ground beef (preferably 80/20)
  • 1 medium onion (yellow or white), finely chopped (about 1 cup or 150 g)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

  1. Peel and finely chop 1 medium onion and mince 3 garlic cloves. Set aside.
  2. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat for about 2 minutes until shimmering.
  3. Add the chopped onions and garlic to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
  4. Place the frozen block of ground beef directly into the pot.
  5. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of beef broth or water over the beef to create steam for pressure cooking.
  6. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and optional spices (smoked paprika or chili powder and dried oregano).
  7. Secure the lid and set the valve to ‘Sealing’. Press ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high pressure for 20 minutes.
  8. After cooking, allow a 10-minute natural pressure release, then carefully switch the valve to ‘Venting’ to release remaining steam.
  9. Open the lid and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break apart and crumble the cooked beef.
  10. If there is excess liquid, use the ‘Sauté’ function to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the liquid reduces and the beef browns.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. The beef is now ready to be used in your favorite dishes.

Notes

Do not rush the natural pressure release to keep beef tender and juicy. Sautéing onions and garlic before pressure cooking adds important flavor depth. Use broth instead of water for better flavor and steam. Break up beef while still warm for best texture. Adjust cooking time if using more than 1 pound of beef (add 5 minutes per additional pound).

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, ground beef, frozen beef, quick dinner, easy meals, pressure cooker, tender beef, weeknight dinner