Instant Pot Taco Casserole

Easy Instant Pot taco casserole recipe is made entirely in the Instant Pot! This simple weeknight dinner turns ground beef into a flavorful dinner in less than 45 minutes.

Instant Pot taco casserole is a family favorite. This easy ground beef casserole has beans, salsa, seasonings, and cheese.

The casserole makes a delicious weeknight dinner, and the leftovers reheat well.

Ingredient notes

• Ground beef: I use 88% lean ground beef. It's lean enough that the casserole doesn't get greasy as it cooks, but it has enough fat that the meat doesn't dry out. Ground turkey or ground chicken could also be used.
• Beef broth: I like to use reduced-sodium beef broth.
• Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
• Beans: Kidney beans or pinto beans also work well. Also, feel free to add additional beans to help stretch the casserole.
• Salsa: Feel free to use whichever type of tomato-based salsa you prefer.
• Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, cheddar jack, or similar cheese blends all work well.

How to make Instant Pot taco casserole

Step 1: Press SAUTÉ. When HOT, add the ground beef.

Step 2: Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the meat is no longer pink. Drain the grease and return the meat to the inner pot.

Step 3: Add the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes.
Press cancel.

Step 4: Add the beef broth, and scrape up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Step 6: Top with beans, tomato paste, and salsa. Do not stir.

Step 7: Press manual high pressure and adjust the time to 5 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Release any remaining pressure.

Step 8: Add 1 cup of the cheese. Give everything a good stir.

Step 9: Top with remaining 1 cup of cheese. Loosely cover to let the cheese melt.

Variations

• Vegetarian: To make the casserole vegetarian, you can either use veggie broth and veggie meat crumbles, or you can use veggie broth, substitute the beef for 1-2 tablespoons of oil, and add an additional can of beans.
• Heat: The recipe has lots of flavor but no kick. If you'd like to up the heat, you can use additional chili powder and spicy salsa.
• Taco seasoning: You can substitute a packet of taco seasoning for the spices in the recipe.
• Dairy-free: To make the casserole dairy-free, simply omit the cheese or use a nondairy cheese.

Serving suggestions

I serve the casserole with tortilla chips and top it with guacamole, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, and sour cream.

How to freeze

The cooked casserole freezes really well! To freeze, cook as directed.

Let the casserole cool to room temperature. Put the casserole into a freezer-safe container. Freeze.

Storage

Store any leftover taco casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will keep for up to 4 days when properly stored in the fridge.

More Instant Pot ground beef dinner recipes!

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