Instant Pot Beef and Rice Recipe

This Instant Pot Beef and Rice recipe is a delicious and satisfying one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with tender beef, fluffy rice, and a medley of flavorful vegetables, all cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, with just a few minutes of prep time and then your Instant Pot does all the work.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Beef and Rice

• Flavorful and Satisfying: This dish is packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of spices. It’s also incredibly satisfying, thanks to the hearty rice and protein from the beef.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is a breeze to make, even for beginner cooks. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in under an hour!
• One-Pot Wonder: This dish is made in just one pot, which means less cleanup for you.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this dish with different vegetables, herbs, or spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef and Rice

• Short Grain Brown Rice: I use short grain brown rice for this recipe because it cooks up fluffy and absorbs the flavors of the dish beautifully.
• Beef Chuck or Beef Stew Meat: I like to use beef chuck because it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked in the Instant Pot.
• Olive Oil: Used for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
• Onion: A diced onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Carrots: Thickly julienned carrots add sweetness, color, and nutrients.
• Water: Used for cooking the rice and creating a flavorful broth.
• Salt, Pepper, Cumin, Paprika, and Coriander: These spices add a warm and savory flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: A whole head of garlic is added to the pot for a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pot for some heat.
• Veggie Variety: Toss in some other vegetables like mushrooms, celery, or bell peppers.
• Herby Twist: Add some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, to the dish.
• Wine Enhancement: Add a splash of red wine to the pot for a deeper flavor.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef and Rice

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Rinse and drain the rice and set aside. Set the Instant Pot to sauté on high heat. Add the olive oil and, once hot, add the beef in a single layer. Sauté until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the butter and chopped onion to the pot and stir for about 3 minutes, or until softened. Add the carrots and all the seasonings (salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and coriander). Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the carrots are softened, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add the Rice and Garlic

Spread the rice evenly over the top of the vegetables. Do not stir. Push the garlic halves cut-side-down into the rice. Pour the very warm (or hot) water directly over the garlic cloves. Use the back of a wooden spoon to poke a few holes through the rice to the bottom of the pot. This helps to distribute the flavors and ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Cover the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Natural Pressure Release

Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, do a quick release to release any remaining pressure.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the garlic and set aside. Stir the rice well to combine all the ingredients. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and back into the pot. Serve hot.

Tips and Tricks

• Room Temperature Beef: Allowing the beef to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking will help it brown more evenly.
• Don’t Stir the Rice: Don’t stir the rice after adding it to the pot. This will help it cook evenly and prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Garlic: Roasting the garlic in the Instant Pot mellows out its flavor and adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.

How to Serve

This Instant Pot Beef and Rice is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to this hearty dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts would also be delicious alongside this dish.
• Yogurt Sauce: A dollop of plain yogurt or a cucumber yogurt sauce adds a cool and tangy element.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• Storing: Store leftover beef and rice in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the dish on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can use other types of rice, such as long-grain white rice or brown rice. However, short-grain brown rice is ideal for this recipe because it cooks up fluffy and absorbs the flavors of the dish well.

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef, such as stew meat or even ground beef. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a chicken and rice dish.

Can I make this dish without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this dish on the stovetop. Just brown the beef in a large pot or Dutch oven, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the beef is tender.

There you have it! A delicious and easy recipe for Instant Pot Beef and Rice. I hope you enjoy it!

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