• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

  • New? Start Here
  • Contact

Sweet Peas and Saffron

meal prep recipes for busy people

  • All Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Sides
      • Salad
      • Soups & Stews
      • Drinks
    • Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Instant Pot
      • Slow Cooker
      • Grill
      • One Pot Meals
    • Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten Free
      • Low Carb
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Nut Free
    • Protein
      • Beans
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Lentils
      • Seafood
      • Pork
    • Recipe Index
  • Air Fryer
  • Instant Pot
  • Shop
    • Shop Meal Plans
    • Shop Favorites
  • Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

    Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Home Method Instant Pot
5
/5
14 minutes minutes

Instant Pot Frozen Ground Beef

Dairy Free Dairy-Free Gluten Free Gluten Free Nut Free Nut Free Freezer Friendly Freezer Meal Prep Meal Prep
Jump to Recipe
By: Annie2 Comments
Posted: 1/11/22 Updated: 1/11/22

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Step by step directions showing how to cook juicy and tender Instant Pot frozen ground beef. The ultimate weeknight meal secret for cooking frozen ground beef in 20 minutes flat! No thawing needed.

Thanks to the Instant Pot, cooking frozen ground beef is not only safe but also fast and efficient. From Instant Pot whole chicken and Instant Pot pulled pork - the pressure cooker really is a lifesaver for getting the protein portion of your meal cooked and on the table in a flash!

collage image with instant pot frozen ground beef tutorial
Jump to... show
1 Reasons you'll Love this Recipe
2 Recipe Video
3 Ingredient notes
4 Step by step directions
5 Two Flavor Variations
6 Use It Up
7 FAQ
8 Storage
9 More Instant Pot Recipes
10 Instant Pot Frozen Ground Beef

While other Instant Pot frozen ground beef recipes may disappoint (resulting in tough, chewy beef) this method cooks frozen ground beef to perfection!

Our secret method involves cooking the ground beef *partly* through, then finishing it up using the 'sautee' function. The result is tender, juicy, and delicious ground beef - cooked from frozen in 20 minute flat.

Best of all, you can use this Instant Pot frozen ground beef in many different recipes, and we've included two ways to flavor your ground beef so that you can get a little variety in your dinner routine!

Reasons you'll Love this Recipe

  • you'll go from frozen ground beef to dinner on the table in just 20 minutes
  • this method ensures the beef does not end up tough
  • you can flavor the ground beef in two different ways
  • it's the ultimate time-saver and easy weeknight meal

Recipe Video

Watch the video below to see how to cook this Instant Pot frozen ground beef! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel.

Ingredient notes

  • Beef - 1 lb. We have not tested this recipe with larger quantities. You can use fatty cuts of beef as the fat will drip into the water below and is discarded.
  • Water - you'll need 1 cup for a 6 quart Instant Pot and 1.5 cups for the 8 quart model

Step by step directions

overhead shot of frozen ground beef instant pot 

Pressure Cook

Add 1 cup of water to the insert of an Instant Pot (use 1.5 cups if you have an 8 quart). Add the trivet, and the block of frozen ground beef (removed from the package) on top of the trivet. Put the lid on the Instant Pot, set the valve to 'sealing', and pressure cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.

Note - This cook time worked great for 1 ½ to 2 inch thick slabs of ground beef; if your block is thicker, you may need to alter the cook time.

Instant Pot

This is the Instant Pot that we own and love!

Shop Now
quick pressure release

Release Pressure

When the timer beeps, immediately release the pressure (quick pressure release). Using oven mitts, carefully remove the trivet + ground beef from the Instant Pot and place on a clean plate. Carefully dump out the water from the insert and return to the Instant Pot.

quick pressure release

Quick Pressure Release

Carefully transition the steam release handle to the 'venting position', taking care to ensure your hands, face, and kitchen cupboards are clear from the steam. Read more about when to use a quick pressure release:

Instant Pot 101
showing cooking frozen ground beef in the instant pot

Sautée

Select 'sautee' and add the ground beef plus any seasonings back to the pot. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula until beef is cooked through and sauce is absorbed.


Two Flavor Variations

overhead shot of cooked ground beef on a blue plate

Taco Seasoning

  1. When returning the ground beef to the Instant Pot to sautée (step 3), add the taco seasoning and ⅔ cup of water.
  2. Cook until beef is cooked through and sauce has thickened slightly (2-3 minutes).

Korean Beef

  1. When returning the ground beef to the Instant Pot to sautée (step 3), add garlic, ginger, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes and black pepper.
  2. Cook until beef is cooked through (2-3 minutes).
  3. Stir in carrots if desired and enjoy over rice or served in lettuce wraps.

Note - see recipe card for exact ingredients and measurements!


Use It Up

  • In tacos
  • As part of a taco salad
  • In chili
  • In these taco stuffed sweet potatoes
  • With these sesame ginger beef zucchini noodles
  • In these lettuce wraps (swap for ground turkey)
  • In this healthier taco casserole
  • In this Instant Pot thick and beefy chili

FAQ

Does this method work for ground turkey or ground chicken? 

It works fabulously for ground turkey. We have not tested with ground chicken, but it should work as well!

Can I double the recipe? 

Yes, however you'll want to release the pressure to flip halfway through, otherwise the exterior of the beef will end up tough while the interior is still frozen. Cook for 5 minutes, release the pressure, then flip so the frozen bits of the beef are on the outside and put the pot back on for another 3 minutes.

Can you cook frozen ground beef in the slow cooker?

No. Because the slow cooker cooks slow, slow cooker manufacturers cannot guarantee that the internal temp of frozen food reaches a high enough temperature to prevent food borne illnesses.

Translation? It is not recommended as it puts food in the danger zone temperature for growth of the bad bacteria. The Instant Pot cooks through quickly and we can ensure our meat is cooked to the proper temperature to kill off the bad bacteria.

Storage

  • Fridge - Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze - Let cool completely. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat- In a frying pan or in the microwave until steaming hot
beef and broccoli served over rice in blue bowl

More Instant Pot Recipes

  • Instant Pot beef & broccoli
  • Instant Pot taco soup
  • Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
  • Instant Pot Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps
  • Instant Pot Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
  • Perfect, Fluffy Instant Pot Quinoa

Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!

overhead shot of of frozen ground beef in the instant pot

Instant Pot Frozen Ground Beef

5 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 1 minute min
Cook Time: 8 minutes mins
pot coming to pressure: 5 minutes mins
Total Time: 14 minutes mins
Print Rate
Step by step directions showing how to cook juicy and tender Instant Pot frozen ground beef. The ultimate weeknight meal secret for cooking frozen ground beef in 20 minutes flat! No thawing needed.
4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef frozen; *see note 3
  • 1 cup water

Taco Meat

  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • ⅔ cup water

Korean Beef

  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger finely grated
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 carrot shredded; optional

Instructions 

To Cook Frozen Ground Beef

  • Pressure cook - Add 1 cup of water to the insert of an Instant Pot (use 1.5 cups if you have an 8 quart). Add the trivet, and the block of frozen ground beef (removed from the package) on top of the trivet. Put the lid on the Instant Pot, set the valve to 'sealing', and pressure cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. *see note 1
    overhead shot of of frozen ground beef in the instant pot
  • Release Pressure - When the timer beeps, immediately release the pressure (quick pressure release; see note 2). Carefully remove the trivet + ground beef from the Instant Pot and place on a clean plate. Carefully dump out the water from the insert and return to the Instant Pot.
    quick pressure release
  • Sautée - Select 'sautee' and add the ground beef plus any seasonings back to the pot. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until beef is cooked through and sauce is absorbed.

Taco meat

  • Season - When returning the ground beef to the Instant Pot to sautée (step 3), add the taco seasoning and ⅔ cup of water.
  • Sautée - Cook until beef is cooked through and sauce has thickened slightly (2-3 minutes).

Korean beef

  • Season - When returning the ground beef to the Instant Pot to sautée (step 3), add all ingredients except for the carrots (garlic, ginger, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes and black pepper)
  • Sautée - Cook until beef is cooked through (2-3 minutes).
  • Add carrots - Stir in carrots if desired and enjoy over rice or served in lettuce wraps.

Tips:

  1. We have used both a 6 quart Instant Pot and an 8 quart Instant Pot for this recipe, either works! The trivet used in these photos comes with the Instant Pot and keeps the beef out of the water.
  2. For a quick pressure release: carefully transition the steam release handle to the 'venting position', taking care to ensure your hands, face, and kitchen cupboards are clear from the steam.
  3. This recipe also works with ground turkey (same cook times)
Storage
  • Fridge - Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze - Let cool completely. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Video

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/4 batch taco meat, Calories: 290kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 19g, Fat: 23g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Cholesterol: 81mg, Sodium: 182mg, Potassium: 306mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 117IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 20mg, Iron: 2mg
Author: Annie Holmes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Shop This Post

6 Quart Instant Pot
8 Quart Instant Pot
Tall Trivet
Did You Make This?Don't forget to leave a review below, and tag us on Instagram using @SweetPeasAndSaffron or #sweetpeasandsaffron
Tag Me On Instagram Rate Recipe
  • Share
  • Flipboard
  • Email

You May Also Like...

  • two asian ground turkey lettuce wraps on gray plate
    Instant Pot Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps (From FROZEN!)
  • Close up shot of instant pot taco meat on a wooden spoon
    Instant Pot Taco Meat (Fresh, Frozen)
  • beef and broccoli served over rice in blue bowl
    Instant Pot Beef & Broccoli
  • collage image that says '31 instant pot meal prep recipes'
    31 Healthy Instant Pot Recipes For Meal Prep
a hand pouring honey lemon vinaigrette onto a kale barley salad with feta and avocado
Previous Post
Kale Barley Salad with Feta and a Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
overhead shot of snickerdoodle almond butter granola bars sliced in a row
Next Post
Snickerdoodle Almond Butter Granola Bars

Reader Interactions

5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below.

Recipe Rating




  1. Andrea Jennyc says

    Posted on 9/6/20 at Posted on 9/6/20

    5 stars
    I use this method for cooking frozen ground beef or turkey very often (almost once a week) and it works so well! I also make the Korean turkey bowls and taco meat out of the ground meat pretty often too! I usually always cook 2 lbs of ground beef, using the exact same instructions as you listed and it works really well!

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 9/13/20 at Posted on 9/13/20

      Hi Andrea! I'm so happy to hear you love this method, and really appreciate you sharing that it works with 2 lbs of meat, that's so helpful! I really appreciate you taking time out of your day to come back and leave a review 🙂

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

photo of annie meal prepping ingredients

Hi, I'm Annie

Meal prep took me from feeling constantly stressed out about meals to cool, collected and in control. I want to share this amazing and transformational habit with you, so you can feel in control, too! Read more ...

Meal Prep

Instant Pot

Air Fryer

Freezer Meals

Slow Cooker

Breakfast

Popular

overhead shot of sweet potatoes lined up with text showing number of minutes to cook each

PERFECT Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

overhead shot of 7 easy stir fry sauces on gray background

7 Easy Stir Fry Sauce Recipes

overhead shot of a variety of seven easy rice recipes with text description

7 Easy Rice Recipes (Stove Top & Rice Cooker)

5 minute asian salad dressing in a mason jar on gray background

5 Minute Asian Salad Dressing

Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Reader Faves

overhead shot of blue mason jar filled with crispy chickpeas

ULTRA Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas

a stack of fluffy protein pancakes with blueberries on top and syrup being drizzled over them

Perfect Fluffy Protein Pancakes (no banana!)

ingredients to make greek seasoning blend with labels on white background

Easy Greek Seasoning Blend

collage image that says 25 popular meal prep ideas

25 Most Popular Lunch Meal Prep Ideas

As seen on:

Wondering where to start?

Get my Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Join My Free Meal Prep Challenge!
  • Browse Recipes
    • Dinner
    • Lunch
    • Breakfast
    • Snacks
    • Drinks
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Freezer
  • Meal Prep 101
    • Shop Meal Plans
    • Meal Prep Basics
    • Meal Prep Challenge
    • Quick Start Guide
Back to Top

Privacy Policy

Disclaimers

Contact

Accessibility

Causes

About

© 2025 Sweet Peas and Saffron
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled Logo by Wooden Spoons

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.