Instant Pot Taco Casserole

This Instant Pot Taco Casserole is the perfect solution if you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal. This dish combines the bold flavors of a taco with the convenience of a casserole, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, beans, rice, and your favorite taco toppings, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in no time, thanks to the Instant Pot.

Why Instant Pot Taco Casserole?

Instant Pot Taco Casserole is a fantastic choice because it offers the best of both worlds—rich taco flavors and the ease of a one-pot meal. The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, making it possible to prepare this dish in under 30 minutes. With everything cooking together in one pot, you get a deliciously layered, cheesy, and savory meal without the need for multiple pans or long oven times.

PRO TIPS for the Best Instant Pot Taco Casserole

1. Use Lean Ground Beef: For the best flavor and texture, choose lean ground beef (around 90% lean). This reduces excess grease and keeps the casserole moist and flavorful.
2. Toast Your Rice: If you’re using uncooked rice in the casserole, toast it in the Instant Pot with a bit of oil before adding liquid. This enhances the flavor and ensures it cooks evenly.
3. Layer with Cheese: Add cheese towards the end of cooking or after releasing the pressure. This keeps the cheese melty and gooey, which is perfect for a taco casserole.
4. Let it Rest: After cooking, let the casserole sit in the Instant Pot for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to portion out.

Ingredients

Olive oil

Yellow onion, diced

Green pepper, diced

Lean ground beef

Taco seasoning: go for Gluten free if that’s preferred.

SalsaCchicken broth, low-sodium: This recipe uses Gluten free

Small shell pasta (we used jovial gluten free)

Shredded cheese: I went with dairy free cheddar for this recipe.

How to cook Instant Pot Taco Casserole

Turn the Instant Pot to sauté. This recipe can be prepared in both the 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pot.

Once the display reads HOT, add the olive oil, onions, and peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned.

Turn the Instant Pot Off/Cancel and stir in taco seasoning and broth.

Pour the salsa in the center of the pot. Do not stir

Add pasta to the top, do not stir. Be sure to press the pasta down into the liquid so that they are submerged.

Place the cover on the pot in the locked and sealed position—pressure cook/manual on high for 5 minutes.

Once the time expires, perform a slow, quick release to prevent splattering. Once the valve drops, remove the lid and stir.

Top the mixture with cheese and place the lid on in the venting position for 2-3 minutes so the cheese can melt.

Stir and serve with additional toppings as desired.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm the casserole in the Instant Pot on sauté mode. For best results, add a little extra cheese before reheating to maintain the cheesy, delicious flavor.

Different Cooking Methods

The Instant Pot is preferred for this taco casserole because of its speed and efficiency. Unlike traditional stovetop or oven methods, the Instant Pot cooks everything in one pot in a fraction of the time without sacrificing flavor. The pressure cooking locks in moisture, ensuring that the rice cooks perfectly and the meat stays juicy. Additionally, the sauté function allows you to brown the meat directly in the pot, making cleanup easier.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• Taco Bowls: Serve the casserole over a bed of lettuce or tortilla chips for a taco bowl experience.
• Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, and tortilla chips so everyone can customize their own serving.
• Tortilla Wraps: Use the casserole as a filling for soft tortillas or wraps for a taco-burrito hybrid.
• Side of Cornbread: Pair with cornbread or chips for a heartier meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
   Yes, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives to ground beef. Just be mindful that leaner meats may require a little extra seasoning to boost the flavor.
2. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
   Absolutely! You can omit the meat and add extra beans, lentils, or even plant-based ground meat substitutes to make a vegetarian version.
3. What can I do if the rice is undercooked?
   If the rice is undercooked, add a bit more broth, stir the casserole, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on high pressure.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, this dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Reheat portions as needed for a quick and easy meal throughout the week.
5. What toppings go best with taco casserole?
   Popular toppings include sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, salsa, jalapeños, and tortilla chips for added crunch.

This Instant Pot Taco Casserole recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful way to enjoy taco night with minimal effort and maximum flavor!