Mouth-Watering Instant Pot Taco Meat Recipe
Here’s my recipe for the perfect Instant Pot Taco Meat. This dish is a great option for busy nights when you don’t have much time to prep and cook your main meal. If you love Mexican flavors, you will definitely love this recipe as it’s packed with intense and bold spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and more.
There’s no need to spend hours over the stove when you’ve got an Instant Pot in hand. This miracle device not only speeds up the cooking process exponentially but also makes the meat flavorful and juicy. Just imagine having this restaurant-quality beef taco in the comfort of your home!
With this recipe, you can easily whip up a batch of delicious homemade tacos that are perfect for feeding your family or guests in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot user or a beginner home cook, trust me that this easy-to-follow recipe will not disappoint. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can easily make substitutions and variations to your liking.
So let’s jump right into the ingredients and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for an easy and delicious recipe that is perfect for a weeknight dinner? Look no further than this Instant Pot Taco Meat Recipe! Whether you’re experienced with cooking or just starting out, this dish is a great choice for anyone who loves savory and satisfying food.
Here are some reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
1. Convenient Cooking: This Instant Pot Taco Meat recipe is simple to prepare and cook in your Instant Pot. The pressure cooker cooks the meat quickly and locks in all the flavors, making this meal hassle-free and perfect for busy days.
2. Amazing Flavor: The combination of taco seasoning, garlic, and diced onions give the meat a zesty flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. A blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, paprika and more are sure to make it irresistible to even the pickiest eaters.
3. Versatile: The recipe can be customized according to your dietary preferences. You can use ground beef, chicken or turkey depending on what you like – all work perfectly fine! Plus if you want to make it vegetarian simply replace the ground meat with any plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
4. Healthy Option: Unlike store-bought taco seasoning packs that may contain additives and high amounts of sodium, this homemade version allows you to adjust the salt level as per your preference. As a result, you can enjoy healthier tacos without compromising on taste and flavor.
With all these features in mind, it’s easy to see why this dish is a must-try! So go ahead, give this easy Instant Pot Taco Meat Recipe a chance at your dinner table tonight and see how it transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Instant Pot Taco Meat Recipe:
Meat and Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 pound of ground beef (can substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 cup of water
- 1 can (14.5 oz) beef broth
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons of chili powder
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Optional:
- Diced cilantro for garnish
Note: You can adjust the seasoning to meet your preference for spice level.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered our ingredients, let’s start the cooking process. Here’s how to make Instant Pot Taco Meat:
Step 1: Saute the Onion and Garlic
Set your Instant Pot to Saute function and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add diced onion and garlic cloves, sauteing for about 2 minutes until soft.
Step 2: Add Ground Beef
Next, add one pound of ground beef to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up into smaller pieces.
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning
Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning, or your preferred seasoning blend. Make sure to stir well with the beef and onion mixture.
Step 4: Add Liquid
Pour in 1 cup of beef broth or water, making sure that is at the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Close the lid of your Instant Pot and set it to “manual high pressure” for 10 minutes if using fresh meat, or 12 minutes if using frozen meat, using the steam release valve in sealing position.
Step 6: Natural Release and Serve
After pressure cooking finishes let the Instant Pot naturally release for 3 minutes, then use quick release for the remaining pressure. Stir well and serve immediately.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this Instant Pot Taco Meat recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences.
If you’re not a fan of red onions or green bell peppers, you can substitute them with other vegetables like carrots or zucchinis. You can also experiment with different types of ground meat, such as ground turkey or chicken, if you prefer a leaner alternative. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of meat you use.
For those who don’t have taco seasoning on hand, you can create your own homemade mix by combining ingredients such as cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This will add more flavor and depth to your taco meat.
If you prefer a spicier kick to your beef tacos, consider adding more cayenne pepper or chili powder to the mix. On the other hand, if you’re not a fan of spice, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether.
For those who are short on time but still want to enjoy this dish, try using frozen ground beef instead of fresh. The Instant Pot will easily cook frozen meat in just a few extra minutes without compromising its texture or flavor.
Lastly, if you don’t have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, you can still make this recipe in a slow cooker or a crock pot. Simply sauté the onions and garlic beforehand and then add all ingredients into a slow cooker for an easy and convenient meal.
Serving and Pairing
Your Instant Pot Taco Meat is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. One popular option is to spoon the meat into taco shells or tortillas and add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, avocado slices, sour cream, and salsa. The combination of the savory beef and the fresh ingredients creates a delicious Mexican-inspired meal that is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
For a healthier option, try mixing the taco meat with brown rice or quinoa and adding some roasted veggies like bell peppers, onions or even zucchini to create a satisfying bowl meal. Drizzle some lime juice over the top of the bowl to add freshness and tanginess.
Another great way to serve your Instant Pot Taco Meat is as a filling for burritos, enchiladas or quesadillas. Mix it up with some refried beans and cheese before wrapping it in a tortilla or spreading it over a corn tortilla for a quick lunch.
As for pairing with drinks, think about simple and refreshing options like Corona beer, margarita or cold iced tea to balance out the spiciness from the chili powder and cayenne pepper in this recipe.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair your Instant Pot Taco Meat recipe, be sure to enjoy it with friends and family for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Instant Pot Taco Meat recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need an easy meal to make ahead and reheat. The good news is that this recipe can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer for quick meal prep.
To make ahead, let the taco meat cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. When reheating, simply place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
For those who want to reheat the taco meat in the Instant Pot, add a splash of water to the bottom of the pot before adding the meat. This will help create some steam as it reheats, preventing dryness. Place the taco meat on a steam rack (to keep it above the water) and cover with foil or a lid. Set the Instant Pot to Manual High Pressure for 3-4 minutes, depending on how much taco meat you are reheating.
One great feature of this recipe is that it can be easily customized with substitutions and variations, making it versatile enough for any taste preference or dietary need. If you prefer ground turkey, chicken or even chuck roast over ground beef for your tacos, you can easily swap them out in this recipe.
For those who love homemade taco seasoning, feel free to substitute store-bought taco seasoning with your own favorite blend of spices such as paprika, cumin, garlic powder and chili powder. And if you have any leftover taco meat that you’d like to repurpose into another meal, try using it as a pizza topping or adding it to scrambled eggs for breakfast burritos.
Overall, this Instant Pot Taco Meat recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient for meal prep and make-ahead meals. With just a few simple steps, you can have delicious taco meat ready to serve anytime, anywhere.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the best possible results for this instant pot taco meat recipe, I recommend keeping in mind a few tips and tricks.
Firstly, take note of the amount of liquid you use in the recipe. Too much liquid can result in a watery texture, while too little can cause the meat to dry out. Use the recommended amount of water or beef broth as stipulated in the recipe to ensure optimal consistency.
Secondly, be sure to add enough seasoning for a bold and flavorful taste. The chili powder and cumin are crucial components for achieving that authentic taco flavor. However, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning according to your personal preference.
Another important tip is to let the pressure release on its own after cooking instead of using the quick release function. This allows for natural tenderizing of the meat and ensures maximum flavor absorption.
It’s also worth mentioning that using high-quality ingredients will elevate the overall taste of your dish. Fresh garlic, onions, cilantro, and bell peppers will bring an extra depth of flavor that canned alternatives simply cannot match.
Lastly, if you prefer a leaner option, try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a healthier alternative. You can even experiment with other types of ground meat such as chuck roast or ground pork.
By following these simple tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to crafting delicious and authentic tacos right from your very own kitchen.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Instant Pot Taco Meat Recipe is the perfect option for anyone craving delicious and effortless tacos. It’s quick, tasty, and versatile enough to fit any variety of preferences with its substitutions and variations. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen beef, it doesn’t matter because the Instant Pot works wonders on them both. Trust me when I say this recipe will please all your taco cravings!
So, fire up your Instant Pot and get ready for a restaurant-quality meal right in your own home. With just a few simple ingredients and steps to follow, anyone can create mouthwatering tacos in less than 30 minutes. Don’t forget to top them off with some cilantro and add some spice with cayenne pepper or chili powder.
And if you don’t have an Instant Pot, don’t worry! This recipe can be easily modified for slow cookers or even made with ground turkey, chicken or chuck roast. Plus, not to forget the homemade taco seasoning is always an option to switch things up.
In conclusion, with the popularity of Mexican cuisine, instant pot taco meat has become more than just a dish – it’s a lifestyle! Make it for dinner tonight and treat yourself to a hearty meal that everyone in the family will love.
Instant Pot Taco Meat Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef or 2 lbs ground meat, of your choice
- 4 tablespoons oil (I used olive oil)
- 2 red onions, diced
- 3 green bell peppers, diced
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried chipotle powder
- cilantro, to garnish
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to the instant pot except for the ground beef.
- Press the saute button and stir fry for 5 or 6 minutes.
- Then add the ground beef and cook until mostly brown.
- Secure the lid, close the pressure valve, and cook for 10 minutes at high pressure.
- Naturally release pressure (or you can quick release too if you're in a hurry).
- Open the lid, and if the meat is released any liquid then press the saute button and boil it off.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve.