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This Instant Pot Taco Meat recipe is the easiest way to prepare taco meat and so quick. Once you cook your taco meat this way, you’ll never go back to the way you were cooking it before.

Close-up of a spoonful of seasoned Instant Pot taco meat mixed with diced vegetables. In the background, hard shell tacos brim with colorful toppings like tomatoes and lettuce, suggesting a vibrant and appetizing meal preparation.
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Tacos are a staple in my house as my family loves Taco Tuesday Nigh.  It is a simple meal but now it is even easier. The pressure cooker makes this popular meal even faster. The entire meal comes together in minutes.

This is a great way to get dinner on the table even during busy weeknights. Also check out Leftover Taco Meat Recipes. If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can make crock pot taco meat instead or check out also our Skillet Ground Beef Tacos.

Table of Contents

Why This Recipe Works

It is one of of our favorite instant pot recipes. Anyone can make this and get dinner on the table fast.

This is a great meal to make when you are tempted to get takeout. You can literally have this ready and on the table in less time than eating out. It is cheaper too and we think tastes better.

Give it a try today. I think your family and friends will enjoy it. It definitely does not disappoint.

Ingredients

A top-down view of ingredients on a light gray surface, ideal for Instant Pot Taco Meat: a tray of raw minced beef, a bowl of chunky salsa, a small bowl of seasoning, and a measuring cup of water.
  • Ground Beef – You can use ground turkey instead of ground beef in the recipe. The ground turkey takes on the flavor from the taco seasoning. It is delicious as well. We have even used ground chicken or chuck roast to make this recipe.
  • Salsa – You can use any brand you prefer.
  • Taco Seasoning – I use Homemade Taco Seasoning and make it in bulk. Taco Seasoning is made up with chili powder, teaspoons onion powder, oregano, cumin, garlic powder and more. You can also use store bought taco seasoning packet if you prefer.
  • Water – Beef broth can also be used.

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

How to Make Taco Meat in the Instant Pot

You are not going to believe how EASY it is to make this taco meat instant pot. 

  • Step 1 – Add the ground beef and all of the ingredients in your instant pot including the water. It is just that simple.  We even like to add in salt and black pepper for an easy addition. Keep in mind you need at least 1 cup of liquid any time you use a pressure cooker. 
An overhead view of Instant Pot Taco Meat featuring raw ground beef topped with a sprinkle of spices and seasonings, set on a textured gray surface.
  • Step 2 – Then seal the instant pot and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
  • Step 3 – Once it has finished cooking, do a quick release and then use a spoon to break up the taco meat.

That’s all there is to it and this recipe will be ready to serve to all your friends and family.  Trust me, after you make taco meat in a pressure cooker, you’ll never make it on your stove top again.

Recipe Tips

  • Add Water – Keep in mind you need at least 1 cup of liquid any time you use a pressure cooker. Don’t skip the water.
  • Instant Pot Recommendation – If you need a pressure cooker, I love the  8 quart Instant pot . However, you might like the 6 quart size if you have a smaller family size.  We have the Instant Pot Brand and have been pleased with it.
A spoonful of Instant Pot taco meat with spices is held over a pot, showcasing its texture and savory appearance. The background features a blurred container with kitchen utensils, highlighting the perfect blend of convenience and flavor in this dish.

Topping Ideas

Tacos are even better served with your favorite toppings. We like to setup a taco bar so everyone can add their favorite toppings. These are some of our favorites.

I enjoy making a taco bar so that everyone can have what they like on their tacos including using flour tortillas or gluten-free corn tortillas. This taco meat is also delicious made into a taco salad, Crockpot Taco Soup Recipe or nachos.

What to Serve With Instant Pot Tacos

  • Instant Pot Spanish Rice- This is so easy and much better than any of those box mixes. Make extra to freeze for another easy side dish later.
  • Pressure Cooker Refried Beans– Save money and enjoy flavor packed refried beans with this simple recipe. This is another great recipe that you can freeze for easy dinners later.
  • Easy Arepas – I love serving the taco meat with cheese on top of easy arepas.

For more easy ideas, check out even more side dishes for tacos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Brown Meat in an Instant Pot?

One of my favorite features of the instant pot is the sauté function.  The sauté setting allows the instant pot to work just like a pot on the stove top. 
You can use this feature if you prefer to brown the meat instead of using the pressure cooker feature. I always cook instant pot taco meat on the pressure cooker option but this feature works great for recipes that do require browned ground beef.

Can You Cook Frozen Meat in the Instant Pot?

If you forgot to thaw your ground beef for this recipe, don’t worry.  The instant pot is great at taking frozen food to a wonderfully cooked dinner in no time at all.
You can put the frozen ground beef directly into the pressure cooker.  If you are using frozen meat, you will need to increase the pressure cooking time to 20 minutes.
This will allow extra time for the meat to thaw and cook for this recipe.
Thanks to this fast and easy way to cook frozen meat, there really isn’t any excuse not to make this. I love that I can literally grab the meat from the freezer and still have a fast dinner.

Storage and Freezer Tips

  • Storing – Store leftover taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The leftovers will last about 4-5 days.
  • Freezer – We like to double this taco meat recipe so I can easily freeze in individual portion for a quick meal or to meal prep for the week. Store in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. See How to Freeze Ground beef AFTER you brown it for more tips.
  • Reheating – Reheat the leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
A bowl of Instant Pot taco meat sits in front of the cooker. Three hard-shell tacos filled with this savory ground beef, crisp lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes are in the background, alongside fresh parsley on a light-colored surface.

More Instant Pot Taco Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make this Easy Instant Pot Taco Meat Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

Review Pin Print
A bowl of cooked ground beef with a spoon inside sits on a table, showcasing delicious Instant Pot taco meat. In the background, hard shell tacos are filled with beef, shredded cheese, lettuce, and diced tomatoes. An Instant Pot is partially visible on the side.

Instant Pot Taco Meat

4.99 from 53 votes
You must try making ground beef tacos in an instant pot. It is quick and easy to make pressure cooker taco meat that doesn’t require browning first.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Cuisine Mexican
Course Main Course
Calories 222
Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Place the ground beef (raw) in the Instant pot.
  • Pour the salsa on top and sprinkle with the taco seasoning.
  • Pour the water around the beef.
  • Add the lid and set the valve to sealing.
  • Set the pressure for 15 minutes.
  • Do a quick release to release the pressure. Then use a spoon to break up the taco meat.
  • If the mixture is too watery, switch the instant pot to the sauté setting and cook off the excess liquid.
  • Serve in your favorite type of tortillas with taco toppings and enjoy!

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

You can use frozen ground beef as well.  If you use frozen ground beef, set the pressure to 20 minutes with a quick release.  

Nutrition Facts

Calories 222kcal, Carbohydrates 4g, Protein 33g, Fat 8g, Saturated Fat 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 3g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 94mg, Sodium 508mg, Potassium 647mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 2g, Vitamin A 325IU, Vitamin C 1mg, Calcium 28mg, Iron 4mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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4.99 from 53 votes (51 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Carrie Barnard says:

    so sorry! 15 minutes will work. I’ll update that now.

  2. Tom says:

    Your blog says to pressure cook for 25 minutes. The recipe says to pressure cook for 15 or 20 if frozen. WHICH IS IT?

  3. Carrie Barnard says:

    There is a printable recipe at the bottom of the post. Thank you!

  4. Larry says:

    There is no printable reciepe

  5. Rhonda says:

    5 stars
    Great recipe! Love the results and the time I save!

  6. Kathy says:

    5 stars
    So easy and tasty. Love not having to brown the meat.

  7. Carrie says:

    I would switch it over to the sauté setting and cook off the additional liquid. Thanks!

  8. Rachael says:

    I used this recipe it mine came out really soupy what can I do get the water of it? Let it cook more on the pressure cooking setting or sauté it?

  9. Carrie says:

    Yes, as long as your instant pot is bigger and the ingredients doesn’t exceed the fill line. I would start by increasing the cook time to 35 minutes and then check it and cook it additionally if needed. Thanks!

  10. Pam says:

    Can this be doubled in an instant pot? If so, any idea how long to process?

  11. Teresa says:

    This was amazing. I have made a similar taco meat on the stove but this was so much easier.
    I also had to cook down the liquid but it was so good. I will do it this way from now on.

  12. Carrie says:

    I’m not sure why on this. Mine is usually not soupy. I would have just cooked it off like you did in the sauté feature. I do that all the time if it’s not the consistency that I would prefer. Thank you!

  13. Toni says:

    Smells and tastes delicious! This came out more like taco soup than taco meat. I substituted ground turkey for ground beef. I don’t think that would cause the soup effect though. I set the UP to saute and reduced the liquid down. Just wondering how juicy it should be.