Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically requires about 15 minutes at high pressure in the Instant Pot, and you may need to add an extra 1/4 cup of liquid to ensure it cooks properly.

My Instant Pot gave me a "burn" notice. What went wrong?

This usually happens when there's not enough liquid or when ingredients with thicker consistency (like tomato soup) sink to the bottom. Make sure you're layering as instructed and not stirring after adding the rice, soup, and corn. Also, ensure you deglazed the pot well after browning the meat.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk or additional broth, and either omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish won't be quite as creamy but will still be delicious.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Definitely! Add a diced jalapeño when browning the beef, mix in a tablespoon of taco seasoning with your other spices, or stir in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce at the end. You could also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who like extra heat.

Instant Pot Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Recipe

Name: Instant Pot Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Main Ingredients; 1 lb lean ground beef; 10.5 oz condensed chicken broth; 2 ½ cups milk; 1 ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ teaspoon pepper; 2 teaspoon onion powder; 2 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 cups long grain white rice; 10.75 oz condensed tomato soup; 8.75 oz canned corn; 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar blend; 1 dab butter or margarine (for sautéing)

This hearty Instant Pot Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just over 30 minutes. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The combination of tender rice, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese creates a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Time-Saving: From start to finish in about 30 minutes – perfect for those hectic evenings when time is tight but you still want a home-cooked meal.
Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors and cheesy goodness make this a hit with even the pickiest eaters. It’s like a deconstructed cheeseburger with rice!
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in the Instant Pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor as all the ingredients meld together perfectly.
Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients like ground beef and rice makes this an economical meal that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: Provides protein and rich flavor. Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease, but you could use whatever you have on hand.
Condensed Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid for the rice. The concentrated flavor adds depth to the dish.
Milk: Adds creaminess and helps cook the rice to perfection. Whole milk gives the richest flavor, but 2% works great too.
Rice: Long grain white rice is the star of the show. It absorbs all the wonderful flavors while cooking to tender perfection.
Seasonings (salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder): These simple spices create a balanced flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
Condensed Tomato Soup: Adds a slightly sweet tomato flavor and creamy texture. This ingredient is key for that comfort food feel!
Canned Corn: Provides sweet pops of flavor and texture contrast. The corn brightens up the dish with color and freshness.
Shredded Cheese Blend: A mix of mozzarella and cheddar gives you the perfect combination of meltability and sharp cheese flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spice It Up

Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like your meals with a kick. A teaspoon of chili powder or taco seasoning can transform this into a Tex-Mex inspired dish.

Veggie Boost

Feel free to add diced bell peppers, peas, or carrots for extra nutrition and color. You can sauté them with the ground beef for extra flavor.

Protein Swap

Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully as a lighter alternative to beef. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with plant-based crumbles or an extra cup of black beans.

Rice Options

Brown rice can be substituted, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time to about 15 minutes and possibly add a bit more liquid.

How to Make Instant Pot Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté Normal. Add a small dab of butter or margarine to prevent sticking, then add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until almost no pink remains, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in the condensed chicken broth and milk. Add the salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 3: Add Rice

Gently add the long grain rice to the pot and push it down until it’s completely covered by the liquid. This ensures even cooking and prevents uncooked grains.

Step 4: Layer Remaining Ingredients

Pour the condensed tomato soup and corn on top. Don’t stir at this point – layering helps prevent the “burn” notice on your Instant Pot.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and turn the steam release handle to the sealing position. Set to Pressure Cook High for 7 minutes. Remember that it will take a few minutes for the pot to come to pressure before the countdown begins.

Step 6: Quick Release

When the cooking time ends, immediately turn the steam release handle to the venting position to perform a quick release of pressure. Be careful of the hot steam!

Step 7: Add Cheese

Remove the lid and give everything a good stir. The mixture will look very creamy. Add the shredded cheese blend and stir until completely melted and incorporated.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Layering: Adding ingredients in the right order helps prevent the dreaded “burn” notice on your Instant Pot.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your dish slightly grainy. Shredding your own results in a smoother, creamier texture.
Let It Rest: If you have time, let the dish sit for 5 minutes after adding the cheese. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Deglaze Properly: After browning the beef, make sure to scrape up all the browned bits when adding the liquids. This prevents burning and adds flavor.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This hearty dish is practically a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Toppings Bar

Set out bowls of additional toppings like diced avocado, sliced green onions, sour cream, or fresh chopped tomatoes and let everyone customize their own bowl.

Bread Sides

Some warm garlic bread or dinner rolls make the perfect accompaniment for sopping up the delicious cheesy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they have time to meld together.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the rice might change slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this dish is in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to help revive the creaminess. Heat it gently, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically requires about 15 minutes at high pressure in the Instant Pot, and you may need to add an extra 1/4 cup of liquid to ensure it cooks properly.
My Instant Pot gave me a “burn” notice. What went wrong?

This usually happens when there’s not enough liquid or when ingredients with thicker consistency (like tomato soup) sink to the bottom. Make sure you’re layering as instructed and not stirring after adding the rice, soup, and corn. Also, ensure you deglazed the pot well after browning the meat.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk or additional broth, and either omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish won’t be quite as creamy but will still be delicious.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Definitely! Add a diced jalapeño when browning the beef, mix in a tablespoon of taco seasoning with your other spices, or stir in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce at the end. You could also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who like extra heat.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice recipe is truly weeknight dinner magic. It’s the perfect solution when you need something satisfying, crowd-pleasing, and quick. The combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with perfectly cooked rice and seasoned beef creates a comforting meal that feels like it took hours to prepare—not just 30 minutes! Give it a try the next time you’re in a dinner crunch, and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite.