Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time (about 22 minutes on high pressure) and may need additional liquid. I recommend adding an extra 1/2 cup of broth if using brown rice to ensure it cooks properly and doesn't absorb too much of the sauce.

What if I don't have condensed tomato soup?

You can substitute 1 cup of tomato sauce mixed with 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. This will give you a similar consistency and flavor profile. Alternatively, a can of diced tomatoes (drained) mixed with 1 tablespoon of tomato paste works well too.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the milk with additional broth or a plant-based milk (unflavored), and either skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. The dish won't be as creamy but will still have great flavor.

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

This typically happens when the tomato soup settles on the bottom. Make sure you don't stir after adding the tomato soup and corn, and that you've properly deglazed the pot after browning the beef. Also ensure your rice is completely covered by liquid before pressure cooking.

Instant Pot Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Recipe

This incredible Instant Pot Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero! Ready in just over 30 minutes, this hearty one-pot meal combines savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheese in a rich tomato base. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s simple enough for busy evenings yet satisfying enough to please the whole family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Effortless: From start to finish in just over 30 minutes with minimal hands-on time—the Instant Pot does most of the work!
Family-Friendly: The combination of beef, cheese, and rice is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will devour.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in the Instant Pot, meaning fewer dishes and easy cleanup.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that stretch your food budget without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor. Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease.
Condensed Chicken Broth: Forms the savory liquid base that cooks the rice perfectly. The concentrated flavor adds depth to the dish.
Milk: Creates creaminess and richness while helping cook the rice to fluffy perfection.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the dish.
Onion and Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic flavor without the extra prep of chopping fresh ingredients—perfect for busy nights!
Long Grain White Rice: The star carbohydrate that absorbs all the delicious flavors. Make sure to use long grain for best texture.
Condensed Tomato Soup: Adds rich tomato flavor and creates a silky sauce that binds everything together.
Canned Corn: Adds sweet pops of flavor and a touch of color to brighten the dish.
Shredded Cheese Blend: The melty, gooey goodness that brings everything together. The mozzarella and cheddar combo offers perfect meltability and 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

Switch Up the Protein

Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use Italian sausage for extra flavor. Vegetarians can substitute a plant-based ground meat alternative or add extra beans instead.

Add Vegetables

Toss in some diced bell peppers, peas, or chopped spinach for added nutrition and color. Sautéing mushrooms with the beef adds wonderful earthy flavor.

Spice It Up

Add diced green chilies, a dash of hot sauce, or some taco seasoning for a Mexican-inspired version. Sprinkle in some smoked paprika or cajun seasoning for a different flavor profile.

Change the Cheese

Try pepper jack for a spicy kick, or use all cheddar for sharper flavor. A sprinkle of parmesan on top adds a nice umami touch.

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 apart 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. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir everything to combine, making sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—this prevents the dreaded “burn” notice!

Step 3: Layer the Rice

Add the long grain white rice to the pot and gently push it down until it’s completely covered by the liquid. This ensures even cooking and prevents crunchy rice.

Step 4: Add Tomato Soup and Corn

Pour the condensed tomato soup and canned corn on top. Important: do not stir these in! Leaving them on top helps prevent the thick tomato soup from settling on the bottom and triggering the burn sensor.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid and turn the steam release handle to the sealing position. Set to Pressure Cook High for 7 minutes. The pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure before the cooking timer starts.

Step 6: Quick Release

When the cooking time finishes, immediately turn the steam release handle to the venting position to perform a quick release. Stand back to avoid the hot steam!

Step 7: Add Cheese and Serve

Remove the lid and stir everything together. The mixture will look soupy at first but will thicken as you stir. Add the shredded cheese and stir until completely melted and incorporated. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Sauté: Browning the beef creates a flavor foundation that makes the whole dish taste better.
Layer Correctly: The order of ingredients matters! Keeping the tomato soup on top prevents burning, and keeping the rice under the liquid ensures it cooks properly.
Let It Rest: If you find the mixture too soupy after cooking, let it sit for 5 minutes with the lid off. The rice will continue to absorb liquid and the dish will thicken.
Deglaze Well: After browning the beef, make sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot when you add the liquids to prevent the burn notice.
Measure Rice Accurately: Too much rice will absorb too much liquid and potentially burn; too little will make the dish soupy.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This hearty one-pot meal stands beautifully on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to add freshness and balance to the rich, cheesy dish.

Garnish Options

Top individual servings with sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, fresh chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of additional cheese for extra flavor and presentation points.

Make It a Feast

For bigger appetites, serve with garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making this dish even better the next day!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date so you know when to use it by.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creaminess. Stir halfway through heating. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or use the microwave’s defrost function before heating on full power.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time (about 22 minutes on high pressure) and may need additional liquid. I recommend adding an extra 1/2 cup of broth if using brown rice to ensure it cooks properly and doesn’t absorb too much of the sauce.
What if I don’t have condensed tomato soup?

You can substitute 1 cup of tomato sauce mixed with 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. This will give you a similar consistency and flavor profile. Alternatively, a can of diced tomatoes (drained) mixed with 1 tablespoon of tomato paste works well too.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the milk with additional broth or a plant-based milk (unflavored), and either skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. The dish won’t be as creamy but will still have great flavor.
My Instant Pot gave me a burn notice. What went wrong?

This typically happens when the tomato soup settles on the bottom. Make sure you don’t stir after adding the tomato soup and corn, and that you’ve properly deglazed the pot after browning the beef. Also ensure your rice is completely covered by liquid before pressure cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice is truly a game-changer for busy nights when you need a satisfying meal without the fuss. It combines the comfort of homemade cooking with the convenience of modern kitchen technology. Give this recipe a try—I’m confident it will become a regular in your dinner rotation! The combination of savory beef, perfectly cooked rice, and gooey cheese creates a meal that’s greater than the sum of its parts.