Instant Pot Carne Asada with Charred Bell Peppers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy, tender shredded beef infused with smoky spices and served with charred bell peppers for a flavorful Whole30-approved dinner. This mexican-inspired instant pot (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 90 minutes pairs beef flank steak, olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 400 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat 2 tbsp olive oil until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Rub 2 lbs beef flank steak with 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Sear the steak in the hot oil for 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
  3. Step 3: Pour 1/4 cup fresh lime juice over the steak. Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, then allow natural release for 15 minutes.
  4. Step 4: While the beef cooks, preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Toss 1 large red bell pepper and 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips, with a pinch of salt and grill for 3-4 minutes per side until charred and tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove beef from the Instant Pot and shred with two forks. Serve shredded carne asada topped with the grilled bell peppers.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Instant Pot Carne Asada with Charred Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Instant Pot Carne Asada with Charred Bell Peppers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef flank steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Instant Pot Carne Asada with Charred Bell Peppers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Instant Pot Carne Asada with Charred Bell Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Instant Pot Carne Asada with Charred Bell Peppers whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes