When time is tight and comfort food cravings hit hard, this Ultimate One-Pot Instant Pot Cheesy Beef & Rice saves the day. It’s hearty, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, all made in one pot with minimal cleanup. Tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheddar come together into a cozy dinner the whole family will happily devour.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something filling, fast, and full of flavor. Thanks to the Instant Pot, everything cooks together quickly, creating a rich, cheesy dish that tastes like you spent way more time in the kitchen than you actually did.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot convenience: Fewer dishes and easy cleanup
- Quick weeknight meal: Dinner on the table fast
- Family-friendly flavors: Cheesy, comforting, and filling
- Budget-friendly: Simple pantry staples go a long way
- Customizable: Easy to adjust spice level or add veggies
- Great leftovers: Reheats and freezes beautifully
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First, set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks. Brown until fully cooked, then drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Spices
Next, stir in the onion, chili powder, cumin, salt, and garlic. Cook briefly until fragrant, stirring constantly so nothing sticks.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
Then, pour in the chicken stock. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step helps prevent burn warnings.
Step 4: Layer the Rice and Tomatoes
After that, evenly sprinkle the rinsed rice over the beef mixture. Do not stir. Gently pour the diced tomatoes with green chilies over the rice, again without stirring. Proper layering ensures evenly cooked rice.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure. Let it cook until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 6: Release Pressure
Once cooking finishes, allow a short natural pressure release. Then carefully vent any remaining pressure and open the lid.
Step 7: Stir in the Cheese
Next, add most of the shredded cheese to the pot. Stir gently until melted and evenly combined, creating a creamy, cheesy texture.
Step 8: Serve
Finally, spoon the cheesy beef and rice into bowls. Top with extra cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.
Tips for Best Results
- Rinse the rice well: This prevents gummy texture
- Don’t stir before pressure cooking: Layering is key
- Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts smoother
- Adjust spice to taste: Mild or spicy—your choice
- Add liquid when reheating: Keeps leftovers creamy
FAQs
Why shouldn’t I stir the rice before pressure cooking?
Stirring can cause rice to stick to the bottom and trigger burn warnings.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but it requires a longer cook time and full natural pressure release.
Does this Instant Pot cheesy beef and rice freeze well?
Yes, it freezes well for quick future meals.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely. Corn, peas, or bell peppers work great.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
