Instant Pot Spiced Beef and Rice Pilaf

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

A hearty beef and rice pilaf cooked swiftly in the Instant Pot with warming spices and tender vegetables for a flavorful one-pot meal. This middle eastern-inspired instant pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs ground beef, long grain rice, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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: 25 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add 1 diced medium onion and 1 large diced carrot, sautéing for 4 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pound ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, and salt to taste, cooking for 30 seconds to release aromas.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 1/2 cups long grain rice and 2 1/4 cups beef broth, stirring to combine and scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Step 6: Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before quick releasing the remaining pressure.
  7. Step 7: Fluff the pilaf with a fork and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Instant Pot Spiced Beef and Rice Pilaf take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Spiced Beef and Rice Pilaf?

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 ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Instant Pot Spiced Beef and Rice Pilaf?

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 Spiced Beef and Rice Pilaf for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Instant Pot Spiced Beef and Rice Pilaf?

Middle Eastern instant pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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