Are you looking for a quick and delicious dinner option that the whole family will love? Look no further than this 15 Minute Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker Taco Mince. Packed with flavor and ready in a flash, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty filling that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or even over rice. Let’s dive into why this dish should become a staple in your kitchen!
Top Reasons to Make 15 Minute Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker Taco Mince
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of cooking time, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time.
- Versatile: Use it in tacos, burritos, nachos, or as a topping for a taco salad.
- Flavorful: The spices and fresh ingredients create a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
- One-Pot Meal: Cooking in the Instant Pot means easy cleanup with only one pot to wash.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters enjoy this dish, making it great for families.
What to Buy
- 1 onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 large fresh tomatoes (see note 1)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.6 lbs ground beef or ground lamb
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped cilantro and chopped salad onion for garnish
What’s in the Gear List
- Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker: This is essential for quick cooking.
- Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping vegetables easily.
- Measuring Spoons: To ensure you add the right amount of spices.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the ingredients in the pot.
Cooking 15 Minute Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker Taco Mince: The Process
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by finely chopping the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Dice the fresh tomatoes as well. Having everything prepped and ready to go will streamline the cooking process.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for about a minute. Once hot, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Ground Meat
Add the ground beef or lamb to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Sauté until browned, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Once the meat is browned, stir in the diced tomatoes, oregano, paprika, salt, dried basil, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix everything well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook for 5 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Open the lid and give the taco mince a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and salad onion.
Make It Your Way
- Protein Options: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Spice Level: Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Extras: Mix in black beans or corn for added texture and flavor.
Things That Go Wrong
- Burning on the Bottom: Make sure to deglaze the pot well after sautéing to prevent burning.
- Too Dry: If you find the mixture too dry, add a splash of beef broth or water before sealing the pot.
- Undercooked Meat: Ensure the meat is fully browned before sealing the pot to avoid any undercooked portions.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
This 15 Minute Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker Taco Mince is perfect for meal prep! You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freeze the taco mince in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen ground meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground meat, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Cook the meat for about 10 minutes under pressure, and ensure it is broken up before sealing the pot.
What can I serve with taco mince?
This taco mince is incredibly versatile! Serve it in taco shells, over rice, in burritos, or as a topping for nachos. It pairs well with Taco Skillet Dinner or Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole With Corn Tortillas.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the taco mince ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. This makes it a fantastic meal prep option.
How can I adjust the flavor?
If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding more spices or even a splash of lime juice before serving. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also brighten up the dish nicely!
Serve & Enjoy
Once you’ve perfected your 15 Minute Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker Taco Mince, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Whether you’re hosting a taco night or just need a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Pair it with your favorite toppings, and watch everyone come back for seconds. Happy cooking!
15 Minute Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker Taco Mince
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by finely chopping the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Dice the fresh tomatoes as well.
- Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for about a minute. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef or lamb to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Sauté until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Once the meat is browned, stir in the diced tomatoes and all spices. Mix everything well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook for 5 minutes. Perform a quick release of the pressure when done.
- Open the lid, stir the taco mince, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot, garnished with cilantro and salad onion.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze the taco mince in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken.
