6/27
From the Recipe Creator:
These tender pressure-cooker short ribs explode with flavor, and they're a quick and easy alternative to traditionally braised short ribs. Serve with egg noodles, rice or polenta. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 265 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 412mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
8/27
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this twist on traditional stew with fresh rolls or crusty bread. The roast and vegetables cook quickly and make a comforting meal. My family loves this unique pressure-cooker beef stew. —Joanne Wright, Niles, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 530 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 403mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 36g protein.
11/27
From the Recipe Creator:
Goulash always reminds me of living in Germany when my father was in the Army there. We had a German friend who didn't speak English, but she would always bring us her traditional dishes to try and this was one of my favorites. I'm sure she cooked it in the oven or on top of the stove for hours, but having a pressure cooker speeds up the time so it's ready in less than an hour. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
0.750 cup: 326 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
12/27
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted this from a slow-cooker recipe to one that takes about 2 hours start to finish, using a pressure cooker. Served over egg noodles or rice, this dish reminds me of Grandma. —Helen Nelander, Boulder Creek, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with 1/2 cup sauce: 172 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 592mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
14/27
From the Recipe Creator:
My dish is perfect on chilly nights, especially after we have been out chopping wood. The melt-in-your-mouth goodness makes it a staple in my menu rotation. —Brenda Ryan, Marshall, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup beef mixture: 248 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
15/27
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is definitely an all-year recipe. Sweet potatoes, orange zest and baking cocoa are my surprise ingredients. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with 1/2 cup vegetable mixture : 282 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 442mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
19/27
From the Recipe Creator:
I used to make this recipe a lot when my kids were growing up and I was working. It's easy to make and a family favorite. Several loaves can be made ahead and frozen for busy weeks. Thaw a loaf in the refrigerator overnight, and then it's ready to cook. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 315 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein.
20/27
From the Recipe Creator:
Because I’m always looking for ways to serve my family healthy and delicious food, I started experimenting with my go-to veggies and ground beef. I came up with this favorite that my kids actually request! —Megan Niebuhr, Yakima WA
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 316 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 566mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2.500 starch.
21/27
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs and spices give the beef an excellent flavor. I often serve this roast over noodles or with mashed potatoes, using the juices as a gravy. —Loren Martin, Big Cabin, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 272 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
22/27
From the Recipe Creator:
Pepper steak is one of my favorite dishes but I was always disappointed with beef that was too tough. This recipe solves that problem! I’ve stored leftovers in one big container and also in individual portions for quick lunches. —Julie Rhine, Zelienople, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 343 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat.
23/27
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my all-time favorite German dishes is sauerbraten, but I don't love that it normally takes five to 10 days to make. Using an electric pressure cooker, I think I've captured that same distinctive flavor in less than two hours. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 228 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 436mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
24/27
From the Recipe Creator:
Although multicookers can’t replace every tool in the kitchen, they sure are coming close. Chili con carne is a classic all-time favorite dish to prepare in them. This cooks up fast but tastes as if it simmered all day! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 248 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 687mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
25/27
From the Recipe Creator:
I love using my pressure cooker for this recipe—the dish comes together so quickly but still has that long, slow-cooked flavor. The veggies semi-melt into the sauce to give it an added savory taste and the lime gives it a pleasant finish. —Ann R Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 239 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 503mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
26/27
From the Recipe Creator:
Our beef osso buco boasts a thick, savory sauce complemented by the addition of gremolata, a chopped herb condiment made of lemon zest, garlic and parsley. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 398 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 640mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 47g protein.
27/27
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a family favorite that gets mouths watering simply with its heavenly aroma! Hearty and flavorful, it's quick comfort food. —Sally Pahler, Palisade, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 355 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 499mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Instant Pot Beef Recipes FAQ
How do you create tender beef in the Instant Pot?
To ensure you end up with juicy, fall-apart-tender beef in the Instant Pot, the two most important steps are: cooking it for the recommended time and allowing the pressure to release naturally. Tough, well-marbled cuts like chuck roast, brisket and short ribs take longer to cook than more tender cuts like tenderloin, and bone-in beef takes longer to cook than boneless. Since no two cuts of beef are the same, you may need to add a few additional minutes if the meat is still tough after cooking.
When the cooking cycle ends, always allow the pressure to release naturally rather than manually opening the steam vent. This gradual cooldown keeps the meat moist, prevents the fibers from tightening and helps the connective tissue fully break down.
What is the best kind of beef to cook in the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is best at transforming tough, inexpensive cuts of meat into tender, flavorful meals, especially cuts of beef like chuck roast, brisket, short ribs, beef shank and bottom or top round. These cuts contain a lot of collagen, which breaks down under pressure into gelatin, for deliciously tender meat and rich sauces. We generally recommend avoiding lean cuts like sirloin or tenderloin, as they can tend to become dry or overcooked in the Instant Pot.
Can you cook frozen beef in the Instant Pot?
One of the biggest benefits of the multipurpose Instant Pot is that it can safely and effectively cook frozen beef without the need to thaw it beforehand. Just remember to include at least 1 cup of a thin liquid, such as broth or water, as it’s necessary to build pressure. You’ll also want to increase the cooking time, as frozen meat typically takes 20 to 30% longer to cook than thawed.
I recommend placing frozen meat on a trivet or rack over the liquid so it steams rather than boils, preserving its texture. The only thing that’s not really feasible when cooking frozen meat is using the Instant Pot saute function to brown the beef first, so keep in mind that you might miss out on some depth of flavor.