Cooking frozen ground beef in an Instant Pot can save you time and effort, especially on busy weeknights With just a few minutes of prep, you can have perfectly cooked ground beef ready for tacos, pasta, chili, and more But how long should you cook frozen beef in the Instant Pot to make sure it’s safe to eat? Here’s a detailed guide to cooking times for frozen ground beef in an Instant Pot.
Why Cook Frozen Ground Beef in an Instant Pot?
Using an Instant Pot to cook frozen ground beef provides several advantages:
-
Speed – The high pressure environment allows meat to cook up to 70% faster than traditional stovetop or oven cooking You can have thawed, cooked ground beef in about 30 minutes or less
-
Convenience – No need to plan ahead and thaw meat in the refrigerator, You can start cooking frozen beef right from the freezer
-
Safety – Ground beef should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to kill any bacteria. The Instant Pot gets hot enough to thoroughly cook frozen beef.
-
Flavor – Cooking under pressure locks in moisture and intensifies flavor. Your Instant Pot beef will be juicy and delicious.
How Long to Cook Frozen Ground Beef in the Instant Pot
Cooking time can vary based on a few factors:
Amount of Beef
- 1 lb frozen ground beef – Cook for 25-30 minutes on Manual (High Pressure)
- 2 lbs frozen ground beef – Cook for 30-35 minutes on Manual (High Pressure)
For every additional pound of frozen beef, add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Instant Pot Size
- 3-quart Instant Pot – Reduce cook time by 5 minutes
- 6-quart Instant Pot – Use recommended cook times
- 8-quart Instant Pot – Add 5 extra minutes
Bigger pots will need slightly longer cook times.
Beef Fat Content
- Lean (90/10) – Cook for the minimum time
- Higher Fat (80/20) – Add 2-3 extra minutes
Fattier beef may take a bit longer to fully cook through.
Boneless or Bone-In
- Ground Beef – Follow recommended cook times
- Meatballs – Add 5 extra minutes
- Short Ribs – Increase cook time by 10 minutes
Pieces with bones and thicker cuts require more time.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for perfect Instant Pot frozen ground beef:
-
Place 1 cup water in the Instant Pot inner pot. This will create steam to help cook the beef.
-
Add frozen beef directly to the pot. Break up any large chunks.
-
Lock the lid and seal the pressure valve.
-
Select the Manual/Pressure Cook button and adjust cook time based on amount of beef.
-
Allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes after cooking completes. Then quick release any remaining pressure.
-
Carefully remove the lid. Check internal temperature of beef in several spots with a food thermometer. It should reach 160°F.
-
Drain excess liquid if needed. Use beef as desired in recipes.
Pro Tip: For flavorful beef, you can add spices, herbs, or sauces after releasing pressure.
Common Questions
Should I thaw the beef first?
Freezing actually helps beef retain moisture during Instant Pot cooking. Cooking from frozen is perfectly safe.
Do I need to add extra liquid?
A cup of water is enough for steam and moisture. For dishes like chili or soup, you can add more later.
What setting should I use?
The Manual or Pressure Cook button on High Pressure is the best option.
Can I brown the beef first?
Pre-browning isn’t necessary. For browned beef crumbles, use the Saute function after pressure cooking.
Is it done if it looks brown in spots?
Don’t rely only on visual cues. Always check internal temp with a meat thermometer.
Tips for Best Results
-
Trim excess fat before cooking for more even cooking.
-
Cut beef into smaller pieces so it cooks evenly.
-
Allow a 10 minute natural release for juicy beef.
-
Use a fat separator to drain off excess grease after cooking.
-
Add spices, sauces, veggies after releasing pressure.
-
Use immediately, or refrigerate within 1 hour of cooking.
Favorite Instant Pot Frozen Ground Beef Recipes
Here are some tasty recipes to try once your beef is cooked:
- Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice
- Easy Sloppy Joes
- Beef and Broccoli
- Mexican Stuffed Peppers
- Classic Chili
- Beef Stroganoff
- BBQ Meatballs
Using your Instant Pot can make quick work of frozen ground beef. Follow the timing recommendations and temperature guidelines above for perfect results every time. Let your Instant Pot do the hard work while you relax!
Draining Excess Fat
Ground beef tends to release fat as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked, you can use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb excess fat from the dish.
Pan and Heat
Choose a skillet or frying pan with a flat bottom and add a small amount of oil. Heat the pan over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering.
Once the oil is hot, add the chunks of frozen ground beef to the pan. Use a spatula to break up the beef into smaller pieces as it starts to thaw and cook. Continue stirring occasionally to stop the meat sticking and help it cook evenly.
The cooking time will vary based on the size of the meat chunks. On average, it will take about 10-15 minutes to fully cook the ground beef. Use a meat thermometer to be safe. Ground beef needs to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
As the beef cooks, you can season it with your preferred spices and herbs to enhance the flavor. Be sure to add any liquid-based seasonings like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce early in the cooking process so they have time to evaporate.