Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend gathering, this Instant Pot beef taco recipe is sure to delight. With tender ground beef infused with a blend of spices and served in warm tortillas or crispy taco shells, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be customized with your favorite toppings. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the steps to create this mouthwatering dish!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– ¾ cup beef broth
– 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– ½ small onion, diced
– 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
– 2 (1-pound) packages frozen ground beef
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– ¾ teaspoon cumin
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
– Tortillas (flour or corn) or crispy taco shells
– Shredded lettuce
– Diced tomato
– Diced red onion
– Shredded Mexican blend cheese
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
26 minutes
Total Time
41 minutes
Yield
Serves 6-8
Instructions
1. In a 6-quart Instant Pot®, whisk together beef broth and cornstarch.
2. Stir in minced garlic, diced onion, and diced green chiles.
3. Place the two frozen ground beef bricks on top, slightly overlapping.
4. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the frozen ground beef.
5. Select the manual setting on the Instant Pot; adjust pressure to high, and set the time for 20 minutes. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick-release of the pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Switch to the high sauté setting. Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and slightly thickens, about 5-6 minutes. As it cooks, break up the beef into crumbles.
7. Serve immediately in tortillas or taco shells with desired toppings.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
In a 6-quart Instant Pot®, whisk together ¾ cup beef broth and 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch until well combined.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Green Chiles
Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic, ½ small diced onion, and 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles into the broth mixture.
Step 3: Add Frozen Ground Beef
Place the two packages of frozen ground beef (1-pound each) on top of the mixture, allowing them to slightly overlap.
Step 4: Season the Beef
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ¾ teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the frozen ground beef.
Step 5: Cook Under Pressure
Select the manual setting on the Instant Pot, adjust the pressure to high, and set the cooking time for 20 minutes. Once the cooking is complete, perform a quick-release of the pressure following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Step 6: Sauté and Break Up Beef
Switch the Instant Pot to the high sauté setting. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5-6 minutes until it reduces and thickens slightly. During this time, break up the beef into crumbles.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the beef mixture immediately in tortillas (flour or corn) or crispy taco shells. Top with desired accompaniments.
Notes
Ingredient Quality
For the best flavor, use high-quality beef broth and fresh ingredients, such as garlic and onion.
Serving Suggestions
Common toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onions, and shredded Mexican blend cheese.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving again.
Customization
Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste; you can add more chili powder for extra heat or additional herbs for more depth of flavor.
Cook techniques
Pressure Cooking
Pressure cooking is an efficient technique that uses steam and high pressure to cook food faster. In this recipe, the Instant Pot is used to cook the frozen ground beef quickly while infusing it with the flavors of the broth and spices.
Sautéing
Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or liquid over relatively high heat. In this recipe, after pressure cooking, the mixture is sautéed to reduce and thicken the sauce while breaking up the ground beef into crumbles.
Whisking
Whisking is a technique used to combine ingredients thoroughly. Here, it is employed to mix the beef broth and cornstarch, ensuring that the cornstarch is incorporated evenly, preventing lumps when cooking.
Seasoning
Seasoning is important for enhancing the flavor of the dish. A blend of chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper is sprinkled over the beef to create a robust flavor profile.
Quick-release Pressure Method
The quick-release method releases the steam built up in the pressure cooker quickly, allowing for immediate access to the food. This technique is utilized after the initial cooking time, facilitating a fast transition to sautéing.
FAQ
Can I use fresh ground beef instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh ground beef can be used. Adjust the cooking time if needed, as fresh meat cooks faster than frozen.
What type of tortillas should I use?
You can use either flour or corn tortillas, depending on your preference. Crispy taco shells are also a great option for serving.
Can I substitute beef broth with another liquid?
Yes, you can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth, or even water, but the flavor may vary.
How can I customize the toppings?
You can customize the toppings with ingredients such as sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, or any of your favorite taco toppings.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for meal prep. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
Conclusion
This flavorful beef dish, prepared in the Instant Pot, combines a rich blend of spices with the convenience of frozen ground beef, making it a perfect option for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether served in tortillas or crispy taco shells, it’s sure to please family and friends alike.
Classic Beef Tacos
Use the cooked beef mixture to create traditional beef tacos, topping with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese.
Nacho Platter
Layer the beef mixture over tortilla chips, add jalapeños, cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings for a delicious snack.
Taco Salad
Serve the beef over a bed of greens with toppings like black beans, corn, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for a hearty salad.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Mix the beef with cooked rice, fill halved bell peppers, and bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
Beef Burritos
Wrap the beef mixture in large tortillas with beans and rice, then grill or bake until golden for a delicious burrito option.
Chili Con Carne
Use the seasoned beef mixture as a base for chili by adding kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and extra seasonings for a hearty stew.
Beef Quesadillas
Fill tortillas with the beef mixture and cheese, then cook on a skillet until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted.
