Instant Pot Beef and Rice with Vegetables Recipe
This Instant Pot Beef and Rice with Vegetables recipe is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal combining tender beef chunks, aromatic spices, and nutritious brown rice. Cooked under pressure for an even, quick finish, it offers a comforting, well-balanced dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups short-grain brown rice (500 grams), rinsed and drained
- 1 pound beef chuck or beef stew meat, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 large carrots, thickly julienned
- 1 tablespoon salt (fine sea salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 whole head garlic, unpeeled, cut in half crosswise
- 3 cups (720 ml) very warm water
Instructions
- Brown beef: Set the Instant Pot to sauté on high heat. Add the olive oil and brown the beef pieces in a single layer, ensuring they develop a rich, caramelized crust for enhanced flavor.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the unsalted butter and diced onion to the pot; sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the julienned carrots along with salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and coriander; continue sautéing until the carrots soften slightly and the spices become fragrant.
- Layer rice and cook: Evenly spread the rinsed and drained short-grain brown rice over the beef and vegetables. Press the two halves of the garlic head cut-side down into the rice. Pour the very warm water gently over the garlic and rice, then poke a few holes through the rice down to the bottom of the pot to aid in even cooking. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set to cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, or alternatively, use the 'Multigrain' setting for the same duration.
- Natural release: Once cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to rest undisturbed to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. After the natural release time, carefully vent any remaining pressure manually.
- Serve: Remove the garlic halves from the pot, squeeze the softened garlic cloves back into the rice mixture for added depth of flavor, and stir everything thoroughly to combine. Serve the beef and rice hot as a wholesome meal.
Notes
- Use short-grain brown rice for best texture and absorption of flavors.
- For more tender beef, cut the chunks evenly and brown them properly before pressure cooking.
- The natural pressure release helps ensure the rice finishes cooking evenly without drying out.
- You can customize the spices according to your preference, adding chili powder or turmeric for variation.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
