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    Popular » Recipes » Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Mexican Beef and Rice

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more information. Published: Sep 26, 2022 by Dee

    Instant Pot Mexican Beef and Rice is an easy recipe with ground beef, rice, black beans, salsa and cheese. An easy dinner for busy weeknights made in the pressure cooker!  via @meamel

    Instant Pot Mexican Beef and Rice is an easy recipe with ground beef, rice, black beans, salsa and cheese. An easy dinner for busy weeknights made in the pressure cooker!

    Jump to Recipe -
    instant pot Mexican beef and rice with cheese on serving spoon

    You can never have too many easy Instant Pot recipes in your weekly dinner rotation. And this cheesy Instant Pot ground beef and rice recipe is so easy that it practically cooks by itself!

    This is the kind of easy recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you don't have much time or energy to cook. I have lots of those days!

    A Budget Friendly Ground Beef Recipe

    What I love about this pressure cooker Mexican beef and rice recipe is it makes a lot of food, and it's also very budget friendly. So, it's a great recipe for meal prep.

    Save the leftovers for another day, or use the beef and rice as filling for burritos, burrito bowls or baked burritos. You can freeze the burritos for later, and they reheat easily, especially if you use your Instant Pot air fryer!

    With this one pot method, you're basically making taco meat, and adding rice and beans. It's like Instant Pot Taco Pasta, only it's made with rice.

    So instead of cooking the meat and everything separately, it's all done together -- a HUGE timesaver for an easy weeknight dinner!

    Ingredients

    You only need a handful of ingredients for this easy Instant Pot beef and rice recipe. You can get them in your grocery store or online.

    • Ground beef -- I use lean ground beef
    • Seasonings -- salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, ground black pepper, chili powder, dried onions ( you can sub taco seasoning )
    • Can black beans -- drained and rinsed
    • Jasmine rice -- dry uncooked rice
    • Beef broth -- or water or chicken broth
    • Tomato salsa -- or a can of diced tomatoes
    • Shredded cheddar cheese -- or Mexican blend cheese

    How to Make Mexican Ground Beef and Rice in the Instant Pot

    First, saute the ground beef using the saute function, season it, and add your black beans.

    I use my own seasoning blend here, but you can definitely use your favorite taco seasoning packet if you want.

    ground beef and black beans in the instant pot

    Next, add a cup of rinsed jasmine rice, then, add a cup of beef broth or water, if you prefer. Make sure the rice is covered with liquid.

    Do NOT stir the ground beef and rice together. You can mix the meat mixture after pressure cooking. This will prevent the burn notice.

    ground beef, black beans and jasmine rice in the instant pot pressure cooker

    I add my favorite chunky tomato salsa over the rice. It adds a bit of a kick, but you can use a can of diced tomatoes for milder flavor.

    This is basically the same full-proof method for cooking white rice in the Instant Pot -- works every time!

    I use the same cooking method for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice and Instant Pot Kielbasa and Rice. Try one of those for an easy meal next time!

    salsa layered over rice, black beans and ground beef in the pressure cooker

    Cook Time

    Next, pressure cook the beef and rice for 4 minutes on high pressure, and allow a 10 minute natural release.

    After the 10 minute natural pressure release, move the valve to venting position for a quick release of the remaining pressure.

    Stir in some shredded cheese, and watch it get all melty and ooey gooey. This taco rice is definitely comfort food, friends!

    instant pot mexican ground beef and rice with black beans on a spoon in the pressure cooker

    Serve Instant Pot cheesy ground beef and rice in bowls, and add your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, lettuce and tomatoes.

    Or, use the cheesy beef and rice as a filling for burritos.

    cheesy Mexican ground beef and rice with black beans on a serving spoon in the instant pot

    How to Store

    Store leftover ground beef and rice in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It should keep for up to 4 days.

    Reheat leftovers of this delicious one pot meal in your microwave.

    You can freeze this cheesy hamburger and rice casserole for up to 3 months for best taste.

    Variations

    There are a few ways to change up this Instant Pot ground beef recipe.

    You can use ground turkey or ground chicken or ground pork or ground sausage instead of hamburger meat.

    For regular long grain rice or basmati rice, keep the same cooking time. If you want to use brown rice, cook the meat mixture for 22 minutes and do a 10 minutes pressure release.

    instant pot mexican ground beef and rice with black beans on a spoon in the pressure cooker

    Instant Pot Mexican Beef and Rice

    Published by Dee
    Instant Pot Mexican Beef and Rice is a quick and super easy cheesy dinner made in one pot with ground beef, rice, black beans, salsa and cheese. A 30 minute meal with easy clean up. Use for meal prep in burritos and burrito bowls!
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Recipe Share by Text Share by Email
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    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 9 mins
    pressure time 10 mins
    Total Time 24 mins
    Course Main
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 10
    Calories 258.24 kcal

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

    Ingredients
      

    • 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
    • 1 tablespoon dried minced onions
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon chili powder
    • 1 15-ounce can black beans drained and rinsed
    • 1 cup uncooked rinsed jasmine rice
    • 1 cup beef broth or water
    • 1 16-ounce chunky tomato salsa or 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
    • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend or Colby jack

    Instructions
     

    • Hit SAUTE on the Instant Pot, and when it reads Hot, add the ground beef, dried onions, sea salt, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, pepper, chili powder. Break meat up with spatula, and cook until no longer pink. Make sure nothing is stuck to the bottom of the pot. If it is, use water or broth to deglaze pot
    • Stir in the black beans, then hit CANCEL
    • Pour the jasmine rice over the beans, then add the beef broth, and pat down to make sure rice is covered
    • Add the salsa (do not stir), then place the lid on the pot, and make sure valve is on Sealing position
    • Hit PRESSURE COOK for 4 minutes. Pot will take a few minutes to reach pressure, then cook.
    • When pot beeps, allow a 10 minute natural release, then quick release remaining pressure
    • Carefully remove lid, then stir together. Stir in cheese, and add more if you want. Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    Recipe was made in a 6 quart Instant Pot electric pressure cooker.
    Be sure to rinse rice before using. If you don't use lean ground beef, you may want to drain beef and add spices after draining.
    Can substitute your favorite taco seasoning for the spices.
    Use 1 can of diced tomatoes instead of salsa for a milder version.

    Nutrition information is estimated. Please do your own calculation to fit special diets.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 258.24kcalCarbohydrates: 16.06gProtein: 21.98gFat: 11.16gSaturated Fat: 6.37gCholesterol: 65.91mgSodium: 511.13mgPotassium: 311.62mgFiber: 0.44gSugar: 0.37gVitamin A: 354.61IUVitamin C: 0.38mgCalcium: 178.84mgIron: 2.14mg
    Tried this recipe? Please comment and rate it! Show me your dish on Instagram!Mention @meatloafandmelodrama or tag #meatloafandmelodrama!

    I hope you enjoy this hearty meal as much as my whole family does. This easy weeknight dinner is definitely comfort food!

    If you do try this easy dinner recipe, please leave a star rating and comment.

    For more easy Instant Pot recipes and Instant Pot ground beef recipes, be sure to sign up for the weekly newsletter and follow on social media.

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    More Recipes made in the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Melissa says

      December 03, 2022 at 5:38 pm

      Tried this tonight…it was amazing! The only thing I added in addition is a half jar if queso when I added the cheese at the end. Made it extra creamy! Such a yummy dish! Thank Roy for sharing!

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        December 03, 2022 at 5:39 pm

        For*

    2. Lisa Buckley says

      October 09, 2022 at 4:52 pm

      This was really easy and good! The only thing is one cup of broth didn’t even come close to covering the rice, so I added one more. Do you know why that might have happened?

      Reply
      • Dee says

        October 10, 2022 at 12:50 pm

        Hmm. I'm not sure what happened, but the rice isn't always deeply submerged. I usually press it down with a spatula so that it's mostly covered with liquid, then add the salsa on top.

    3. Cindy Griffith says

      October 05, 2022 at 6:46 am

      This is a new favorite in our weeknight rotation. Made it last night and it was a big hit!5 stars

      Reply
    4. Dale says

      October 04, 2022 at 8:11 pm

      If you like Tex-Mex as I do you’ll love this so yummy.
      Thanks for sharing5 stars

      Reply
    5. Brenna says

      January 08, 2022 at 3:07 pm

      Trying this tonight. Do you drain and rinse your beans?

      Reply
      • Dee says

        January 08, 2022 at 4:08 pm

        Yes, always. I'll add that step to the instructions. 🙂

    6. Jaz says

      November 10, 2021 at 3:05 pm

      Gonna try this without tomatos tonight and substituting with refried beans! Let’s see how it goes!

      Reply
    7. Hannah Hartley says

      July 12, 2021 at 4:46 am

      Soooo yum!!! Thank you for sharing. It’s quick, easy and absolutely delicious5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        July 12, 2021 at 11:43 am

        So glad you liked it, Hannah.Thanks for the wonderful review!

    8. Ed says

      April 15, 2020 at 12:51 pm

      If you do not use the spices, how much taco seasoning do you suggest?

      Reply
      • Dee says

        April 15, 2020 at 9:50 pm

        I would use the packet of taco seasoning if that's what you have.

    9. Chris says

      April 08, 2020 at 4:34 pm

      This recipe is really good! It reminds me and my husband of a place we use to go to years ago called the Burrito Shop. They had the best burritos. Thanks for a really good instant pot recipe.5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        April 09, 2020 at 11:16 am

        You just made my day, Chris! Thank you so much!

    10. Claudia says

      February 23, 2020 at 10:47 am

      Can this recipe be doubled for a large group still using the 6 qt insta pot?

      Reply
      • Dee says

        February 23, 2020 at 3:44 pm

        It can as long as everything fits under the fill line.

    11. Diane Thomas says

      November 07, 2019 at 3:10 pm

      Can you use Basmati rice as that is all I buy?

      Reply
      • Dee says

        November 07, 2019 at 4:12 pm

        I believe any white rice would work here. Brown rice would take longer.

    12. Tara says

      November 05, 2019 at 10:27 am

      I just tried this one on Halloween. It was so easy and yummy! I added a can of corn to the mix too.5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        November 07, 2019 at 7:44 am

        So glad you liked it, Tara! I love that you added corn -- have to try that next time.

    13. James says

      October 30, 2019 at 6:45 am

      Made this last night. Another super hit. Easy to make with ingredients we always have on hand.5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        November 01, 2019 at 11:20 am

        I'm glad you liked it, James. Thanks!

    14. Taylor says

      October 29, 2019 at 7:16 am

      I've been looking for more easy instant pot recipes and this is perfect!! So simple and yummy!5 stars

      Reply
    15. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

      October 29, 2019 at 4:31 am

      This Instant Pot Mexican Beef and Rice looks absolutely delicious! Yummy!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        November 03, 2019 at 11:23 am

        Thank you so much, Erin. We love it!

    16. Kimberly says

      October 28, 2019 at 8:49 pm

      Oooh, that looks so flavorful and this is perfect for busy weeknights!

      Reply
    17. annie says

      October 28, 2019 at 4:23 pm

      I'm going to try this! I need some new easy dishes for busy nights!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        November 01, 2019 at 11:21 am

        I hope you like it, Annie!

    18. Anna says

      October 28, 2019 at 3:42 pm

      This was so easy and delicious! My kids loved it!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        November 01, 2019 at 11:22 am

        So glad to hear this, Anna! Thank you!

    19. Sara Welch says

      October 28, 2019 at 3:15 pm

      Another great recipe for my Instant Pot! Adding this to my dinner line up for the week!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        November 01, 2019 at 11:22 am

        It's definitely going in our regular rotation. Thanks, Sara!

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    I’m the blogger, chief cook, recipe developer and photographer behind Meatloaf and Melodrama. I absolutely love to create easy, budget-friendly, homemade meals and treats for my family. I also love to think of new ways to repurpose leftovers so that my family will actually eat them!

    More about me →

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