When you’re craving comfort food that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, there’s nothing quite like the combination of ground beef and mashed potatoes. It’s a classic meal that never fails to please. And the best part? You can make it even faster and more delicious with your Instant Pot. This recipe brings together tender ground beef, savory seasonings, and creamy mashed potatoes—all cooked in one pot for a fuss-free dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.
In this article, you’ll learn how to prepare Instant Pot ground beef and mashed potatoes, including tips for making it extra flavorful and ways to customize the dish to suit your preferences. Whether you’re feeding the family or making a quick solo meal, this dish is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
Why Choose Ground Beef and Mashed Potatoes for Your Instant Pot Meal?
There are plenty of reasons why combining ground beef and mashed potatoes makes for the perfect Instant Pot meal. Here’s why you should give this recipe a try:
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Ground beef and mashed potatoes are a timeless pairing. The rich, savory flavor of the beef pairs perfectly with the creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes, making it a comforting meal you can enjoy any time.
- Quick and Easy: One of the biggest benefits of using the Instant Pot is the speed. Ground beef cooks quickly under pressure, and mashed potatoes are ready in no time. The Instant Pot helps you create a hearty meal in under 30 minutes.
- Affordable and Accessible Ingredients: Ground beef is an affordable protein that’s easy to find, while mashed potatoes are made from simple ingredients that most people already have in their pantry. Together, they make a delicious and budget-friendly meal.
- Versatile for Customization: You can easily adjust the seasoning, add vegetables, or swap out the beef for another protein. This dish is customizable to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.
Instant Pot Ground Beef and Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Now, let’s dive into how you can make a delicious Instant Pot ground beef and mashed potatoes meal in no time.
Ingredients:
For the ground beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup beef broth or water
For the mashed potatoes:
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup milk (or more, depending on your preferred consistency)
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ground Beef:
- Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add the olive oil (if using) and cook the chopped onion until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, season with salt, pepper, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
- Add the beef broth or water to the pot, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to incorporate them into the mixture.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. After the cooking time is up, do a quick release.
2. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- While the ground beef is cooking, place the chopped potatoes in the Instant Pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes by about 1 inch.
- Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once the potatoes are done, perform a quick release.
- Drain the water from the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a hand mixer, adding more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. For a little extra flavor, stir in some garlic powder or fresh herbs.
3. Combine and Serve:
- Spoon the mashed potatoes onto plates or into bowls.
- Top with the savory ground beef mixture. If you like, sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor and color.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Instant Pot Ground Beef and Mashed Potatoes
To ensure your meal turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t Skip the Quick Release: After cooking both the beef and potatoes, make sure to perform a quick release for both. This helps prevent overcooking and ensures your ground beef stays tender while the potatoes retain their texture.
- Customize the Mashed Potatoes: Feel free to add garlic, cheese, or sour cream to the mashed potatoes for extra richness. You can even use a different type of potato, such as Yukon Gold, for a creamier mash.
- Add Veggies: If you want to make the dish even more nutritious, add vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn to the ground beef mixture. You can also serve the beef and mashed potatoes alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Use Lean Ground Beef: If you’re looking for a healthier version, opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) or even swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer
Making Instant Pot ground beef and mashed potatoes is not only a quick and easy way to get a delicious meal on the table, but it also saves you time and energy by using just one pot. No need to deal with multiple pans or waiting hours for the perfect meal—your Instant Pot does all the hard work for you. It’s the kind of comfort food that you can enjoy without the hassle.
Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can switch up the seasonings, add different vegetables, or even make it a bit spicier depending on your mood. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a quick solo dinner, this Instant Pot meal will leave you satisfied and happy.
Conclusion
With this Instant Pot ground beef and mashed potatoes recipe, you’ve got a delicious, hearty meal that comes together in no time. The tender, flavorful ground beef paired with creamy mashed potatoes creates the perfect comfort food combination. It’s an easy, affordable, and versatile meal that can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your Instant Pot and give this recipe a try tonight. Your taste buds will thank you!