Created on September 5th, 2025 at 06:26 pm
Ultra-comforting, loaded with cheesy taco flavor!
Looking for a cozy, satisfying dinner that practically cooks itself? This Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Beef & Rice Bake is a weeknight hero! Packed with juicy ground beef, fluffy long grain white rice, and melty cheddar-mozzarella cheese, this one-pot wonder is bursting with taco flavor. It features a kick of heat from chili sauce and salsa, balanced with creamy cheese and bold taco seasoning. Perfect for busy families, gluten-free eaters, or anyone craving a hearty Tex-Mex twist without the mess. With everything made in one pot in under 40 minutes, it’s your new go-to recipe for flavor-packed comfort on the fly!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Servings: 4
📝 Ingredients List
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 oz gluten-free taco seasoning
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 2 cups Heinz chili sauce
- 1½ cups medium corn and black bean salsa
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Instant Pot (8 qt or similar model)
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater (if not using pre-shredded)
- Serving spoon or ladle
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Sauté the beef: Set Instant Pot to Sauté (Less) for 7 minutes. Add a dab of butter or margarine, then add ground beef. Crumble and stir as it cooks.
- Deglaze & season: When beef is just slightly pink, pour in water and scrape the bottom to avoid the burn warning.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle in salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and taco seasoning. Do not stir.
- Add rice: Pour rice over the mixture and gently push it down until fully submerged in the liquid. Again, don’t stir.
- Pressure cook: Seal the lid, turn the steam valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes.
- Quick release: When done, turn valve to Venting for a quick release. Carefully remove the lid.
- Mix & sauce: Stir everything well. Add chili sauce and salsa. Stir again.
- Finish heating: Set to Sauté (Less) for 3 minutes to warm the salsa and sauce.
- Cheese it up: Add shredded cheese, stir until melty and combined 🧀😋
- Serve hot and enjoy this cheesy taco hug in a bowl! 🌮🔥
💡 Pro Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight before reheating.
- Make it spicier: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy salsa if you like more heat.
- Meal prep tip: Double the recipe and portion into containers for easy weekday lunches.
📊 Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 803 | 59g | 71g | 31g | 8g | 22g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
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