
Kitchen notes · a little help before you start
Instant Pot Taco Meat (fresh + frozen)
Instant Pot Taco Meat (fresh + frozen) is made with taco seasoning and lean ground beef.
- Prep
- 2 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 17 min
- Original yield
- Serves 4
- Ingredients
- 4 listed
Make it part of your week
Recipe categories & planning details
- Meal type
- Dinner
- Primary protein
- Beef
- Cuisine
- Mexican
- Preparation & total time
- Prep: 15 minutes or less · Total: 30 minutes or less
A few quick notes
1. Follow the pressure release
Complete the pressure-release sequence before opening the cooker.
2. Keep the simmering stage
Follow the simmering heat, timing and finish checks that are given.
Get to know the ingredients
lean ground beef (see note 1)
In the method: Place the ground beef into the stainless steel inner pot of a 6 or 8 quart Instant Pot.
taco seasoning (see note 2)
In the method: Add taco seasoning and water, and simmer for 1-2 more minutes, until sauce is thickened.
water (for frozen ground beef only)
In the method: Place the ground beef into the stainless steel inner pot of a 6 or 8 quart Instant Pot.
Let’s make it
Choose your servings, then check things off as you go.
Original recipe: Serves 4. Original quantities shown.
Check ingredients as you prepare them. These checks stay on this page.
Ingredient note
Source: 1 lb lean ground beef (see note 1)Ingredient note
Source: 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (see note 2)Ingredient note
Source: 2/3 cup waterIngredient note
Source: 1 cup water (for frozen ground beef only)
How to make it
0 of 14 steps completeMake room for Instant Pot Taco Meat (fresh + frozen)
Review ingredients in your pantry before anything is added. Meal plans use your household size; grocery-only additions use the servings selected above.
The last little job
Finish as directed
Using oven mitts, remove the inner pot from the Instant Pot to avoid it over-cooking.
A few questions you might have
What should I prepare first?
Set out the pot, instant pot, and oven. Start with this step: Place the ground beef into the stainless steel inner pot of a 6 or 8 quart Instant Pot.
Which preparation step should I plan for?
Complete the pressure-release sequence before opening the cooker.
What check should I look for as it cooks?
Add taco seasoning and water, and simmer for 1-2 more minutes, until sauce is thickened.
How do I plan the ingredient amounts?
This version serves 4. Use the ingredient amounts listed for that yield. If you change the number of portions, check equipment and the full method as well as the shopping quantities.
Additional recipe notes
1- ground beef may be swapped for ground turkey 2- depending on the brand of taco meat, you may need 2- 4 tablespoons; use the amount of seasoning and water specified on the package. Doubling the recipe Fresh - You may double the recipe using fresh beef. Frozen - You will need to rotate the beef when cooking it from frozen as it will overcook on the outside and still be frozen on the inside: cook for 2 minutes release the pressure pry the 2 slabs of beef apart, placing the frozen parts on the outside and the thawed parts on the inside pressure cook for 3 more minutes Storage Cooked taco meat may be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an air tight container. It can be cooled completely, portioned out into freezer bags or meal prep containers, and frozen for up to 3 months. *nutritional information is for ¼ pound of beef; roughly ½ cup of taco meat.
Storage & reheating safety
For cooked, perishable leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), using shallow containers for prompt cooling. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat hot leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Follow any shorter package limit.
These are general safety limits, not a tested storage or freezing recommendation for this particular dish. USDA leftovers guidance · Safe cooking temperatures
Recipe source: sweetpeasandsaffron.com. Ingredient names and quantities may be adapted for the pantry.
Preparation notes follow the recipe shown here.