The Easiest Way to Cook Frozen Ground Beef in an Instant Pot
When you’re in a pinch and need to get dinner on the table quickly, there’s nothing quite as convenient as cooking with an Instant Pot. It’s a versatile kitchen appliance that can help you create delicious meals in no time. One of the best features of the Instant Pot is its ability to cook frozen foods, including ground beef. In this blog post, we’ll show you the easiest and most efficient way to cook frozen ground beef in an Instant Pot without a trivet.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure you have all the necessary ingredients:
- Frozen ground beef
- Instant Pot
- 1 cup of water or broth
- Salt and pepper or your favorite seasonings
The Method
- Start by adding 1 cup of water or broth to the inner pot of your Instant Pot.
- Next, place the frozen ground beef into the Instant Pot, breaking it up into smaller pieces if necessary.
- Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice. Remember to season generously as the flavors tend to mellow during the cooking process.
- Close the lid securely and make sure the pressure valve is set to the sealing position.
- Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode, and adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of your frozen ground beef. As a general guideline, cook for approximately 20-25 minutes for each pound of ground beef. If you have a 1-pound block of frozen ground beef, cook for 20 minutes; for a 2-pound block, cook for 40 minutes, and so on.
- Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Afterward, perform a quick release by carefully turning the pressure valve to the venting position.
- Open the lid once the pressure has fully released and check the internal temperature of the ground beef using a meat thermometer. It should reach a minimum of 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is cooked through and safe to eat.
- Using a slotted spoon or tongs, carefully remove the cooked ground beef from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a separate plate or bowl. Leave the excess liquid in the pot.
- At this point, you can use the cooked ground beef in a variety of dishes, such as tacos, spaghetti sauce, or chili. The possibilities are endless!
With this simple method, you can have perfectly cooked frozen ground beef ready to use in just a matter of minutes. The Instant Pot allows for a hassle-free cooking experience, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. Give this technique a try and enjoy the convenience of cooking frozen ground beef without the need for a trivet.
Happy cooking!
For those looking to cook frozen ground beef in an Instant Pot without a trivet, there are plenty of recipes to try. Start with Instant Pot Chili for a hearty meal. Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff offers a creamy, comforting dish. Instant Pot Beef Enchiladas provide a spicy kick, while Instant Pot Cabbage Rolls are perfect for a healthier option. Instant Pot Beef Tacos make for a quick, delicious dinner. Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic favorite and Instant Pot Sloppy Joes are great for a casual meal. Instant Pot Shepherd's Pie and Instant Pot Meatballs in Marinara Sauce are also must-tries for their rich flavors.