Instant Pot Beef Burritos: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than Instant Pot Beef Burritos! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a flavorful and filling burrito without all the fuss.

The Instant Pot makes cooking the beef incredibly tender and flavorful in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. You can customize the fillings to your liking, making this a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you prefer mild or spicy, cheesy or veggie-packed, these burritos are sure to be a hit.

## Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Beef Burrito Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, making this a perfect weeknight meal.
* **Flavorful and Tender Beef:** The pressure cooking process ensures that the beef is incredibly tender and infused with delicious flavors.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adjust the fillings to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
* **Versatile:** Great for meal prepping, potlucks, or a quick and satisfying dinner.
* **Minimal Cleanup:** One-pot cooking means fewer dishes to wash!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:

* **For the Beef:**
* 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 cup beef broth
* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 tablespoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* **For the Burritos:**
* 8-10 large flour tortillas
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
* Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Instant Pot (6-quart or larger)
* Large skillet (optional, for searing the beef)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board and knife
* Mixing bowl
* Tongs or slotted spoon

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make delicious Instant Pot Beef Burritos:

### Step 1: Sear the Beef (Optional)

While searing the beef is optional, it adds a richer flavor and helps to lock in the juices. If you choose to sear, follow these steps:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
3. Working in batches, sear the beef on all sides until browned. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, as this will prevent the beef from browning properly.
4. Remove the seared beef from the skillet and set aside.

### Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. If you seared the beef in the skillet, deglaze the skillet with a little beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Pour this into the Instant Pot.
2. If you didn’t sear the beef, add the olive oil to the Instant Pot and turn it to the sauté function.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic, chopped bell peppers (green and red), and cook for another 2 minutes, until fragrant.
5. Turn off the sauté function.

### Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Instant Pot

1. Add the seared beef (or unseared beef) to the Instant Pot.
2. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), black beans (rinsed and drained), and corn (drained).
3. Pour in the beef broth.
4. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir everything together to ensure that the beef is coated in the spices and the vegetables are evenly distributed.

### Step 4: Pressure Cook the Beef

1. Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to the sealing position.
2. Select the manual or pressure cook setting and set the cooking time to 35 minutes at high pressure.
3. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally pressure release for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to the venting position. Be cautious of the hot steam.
4. Once all the pressure is released, carefully open the Instant Pot lid.

### Step 5: Shred the Beef

1. Use two forks to shred the beef directly in the Instant Pot. The beef should be very tender and easy to shred.
2. Stir the shredded beef into the sauce and vegetables to combine everything thoroughly.

### Step 6: Assemble the Burritos

1. Warm the flour tortillas in a microwave, oven, or dry skillet to make them more pliable and easier to roll.
2. Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface.
3. Spoon about 1 cup of the beef mixture onto the center of the tortilla.
4. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese) over the beef mixture.
5. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then fold the bottom up and over the filling, and roll tightly to create a burrito.
6. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.

### Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the burritos immediately with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, and shredded lettuce.
2. Enjoy your delicious and easy Instant Pot Beef Burritos!

## Tips and Variations

* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the Instant Pot for a spicier kick. You can also use a spicier chili powder.
* **Add Rice:** Stir in cooked rice (white or brown) to the beef mixture for a heartier burrito.
* **Use Different Beans:** Substitute pinto beans or kidney beans for black beans, or use a combination of beans.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Incorporate other vegetables like diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach into the Instant Pot.
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based ground beef for a vegetarian option. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Freeze for Later:** Assemble the burritos, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then microwave or bake until heated through.
* **Broil for a Crispy Exterior:** After assembling the burritos, place them on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes per side until the tortillas are lightly browned and crispy.
* **Low-Carb Option:** Serve the beef mixture in a bowl with your favorite toppings instead of using tortillas for a low-carb meal.
* **Cream Cheese Addition:** Add a few ounces of cream cheese to the beef mixture after shredding for an extra creamy and decadent burrito.
* **Lime Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the beef mixture after shredding adds a brightness and acidity that complements the other flavors.

## Serving Suggestions

These Instant Pot Beef Burritos are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to complete your meal:

* **Mexican Rice:** Serve with a side of classic Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice.
* **Refried Beans:** A side of refried beans provides a creamy and comforting accompaniment.
* **Guacamole and Chips:** Offer a bowl of homemade guacamole and tortilla chips for dipping.
* **Salsa:** Provide a variety of salsas, such as mild, medium, and hot, to cater to different spice preferences.
* **Mexican Street Corn Salad:** A refreshing Mexican street corn salad (elote) adds a sweet and savory element to the meal.
* **Simple Salad:** A light and refreshing salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing balances out the richness of the burritos.
* **Sour Cream and Pico de Gallo:** Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a side of fresh pico de gallo for added flavor and texture.
* **Queso Dip:** Offer a warm queso dip with tortilla chips for a cheesy appetizer.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* Calories: 500-700 per burrito
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 50-70 grams
* Fiber: 5-10 grams

## Printable Recipe Card

**Recipe Name:** Instant Pot Beef Burritos

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes

**Cook Time:** 35 minutes (pressure cooking) + 15 minutes (natural pressure release)

**Total Time:** Approximately 1 hour 5 minutes

**Servings:** 8-10 burritos

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Beef:**
* 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 cup beef broth
* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 tablespoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* **For the Burritos:**
* 8-10 large flour tortillas
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
* Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce

**Instructions:**

1. **(Optional) Sear the Beef:** Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides until browned. Set aside.
2. **Sauté Vegetables:** If searing in skillet, deglaze pan and add to Instant Pot. Otherwise, add olive oil to Instant Pot (sauté function). Add onion, cook until softened. Add garlic and bell peppers, cook until fragrant. Turn off sauté function.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** Add beef (seared or unseared) to Instant Pot. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and beef broth. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. **Pressure Cook:** Secure lid, set valve to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 35 minutes. Natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
5. **Shred Beef:** Open Instant Pot, shred beef with two forks. Stir shredded beef into the sauce and vegetables.
6. **Assemble Burritos:** Warm tortillas. Place tortilla flat, spoon about 1 cup beef mixture in center. Sprinkle with cheese. Fold in sides, then fold bottom up and over, roll tightly.
7. **Serve:** Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

**Notes:**

* Adjust spice levels to your preference.
* Add rice or other vegetables as desired.
* Burritos can be frozen for later. Wrap tightly and thaw before reheating.

## Conclusion

These Instant Pot Beef Burritos are a game-changer for busy weeknights. With minimal effort, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that your whole family will love. The tender beef, combined with the delicious blend of spices and customizable fillings, makes this recipe a guaranteed winner. So, fire up your Instant Pot and get ready to enjoy a fantastic burrito feast!