A 35-Minute Italian Dream in Your Instant Pot!
Craving a hearty, comforting Italian meal but short on time? Say hello to your new weeknight hero! This Instant Pot Italian Beef Skillet brings together savory ground beef, a rich tomato and herb sauce, and a glorious blanket of melted mozzarella cheese, all in just 35 minutes. It’s a one-pot wonder that delivers huge flavor with minimal cleanup. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp. Olive Oil / 15 ml
• ½ medium Onion, diced
• 1 lb Ground Beef / 450g
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1 tsp Dried Basil
• 1 can 14 oz / 400g Diced Tomatoes, undrained
• ½ cup Tomato Puree / 120 ml
• 1 medium Carrot, sliced thinly
• ½ cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese / 50g
Instructions
1. Directions1. Set your Instant Pot to the SAUTE function. Once hot, add the olive oil.2. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until it begins to soften.3. Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if desired.4. Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato puree, sliced carrot, dried basil, and dried oregano. Scrape the bottom of the pot to ensure no bits are stuck.5. Secure the lid, set the steam release valve to ‘Sealing,’ and select the ‘Meat/Stew’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ function. Cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes.6. Once the timer finishes, carefully perform a quick pressure release by moving the valve to ‘Venting.’7. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until it’s melted and creamy. Set the pot to SAUTE and simmer for 3-5 more minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.8. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious one-pot meal!
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving:
• Calories: 330
• Total Fat: 17g
• Net Carbs: 6g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 1.2g
Pro Tips
• After browning the beef, use a splash of broth or water to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds immense flavor and helps prevent the ‘Burn’ notice.
• For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other dried herbs.
• Serve this versatile beef mixture over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal, or with traditional pasta or crusty bread for a heartier dish.
• Feel free to add more vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onions for extra nutrients and flavor.
FAQ
Q: What can I serve with this Italian beef skillet
A: For a low-carb meal, serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. For a heartier dish, it’s excellent with traditional pasta, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the rich tomato sauce.
Q: Can I use a different kind of meat
A: Yes, this recipe is very flexible. You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor. Just be sure to cook it through during the sauté step.
Q: How do I prevent the Instant Pot burn notice
A: The most important step is to deglaze the pot after browning the beef. Use the liquid from the undrained tomatoes or a splash of water to scrape all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot before you start pressure cooking. This prevents sticking and burning.
Q: Can I add more vegetables to this recipe
A: Absolutely. Feel free to add vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the onions at the beginning of the recipe for extra nutrients and flavor.
