16 Pressure Cooker Ground Beef Meals for Busy Weeknights

Ground beef dinners become incredibly simple when you use your pressure cooker. These hearty meals cook faster than traditional methods while keeping all the flavors you love.

From classic comfort foods to international favorites, these recipes transform ordinary ground beef into extraordinary family dinners that everyone will request again and again.

01. Pressure Cooker Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potatoes

This hearty shepherd’s pie hides plenty of vegetables in every bite. Perfect for families who want nutritious comfort food without the fuss.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 2 cups diced sweet potatoes, 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, 1 large onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup beef broth, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 cups mashed potatoes, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Pressure Cooker Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potatoes

1. Press the sauté button on your pressure cooker and brown the ground beef for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until no pink remains. The beef should develop a nice golden color for maximum flavor.

2. Add diced onion and garlic to the beef, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavors.

3. Layer sweet potatoes and frozen vegetables over the beef mixture, then pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce on top. Don’t stir – the layering helps everything cook evenly without burning.

4. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then quick release. Top with mashed potatoes and cheese, then use the sauté function for 3-4 minutes until cheese melts and potatoes are heated through.

02. Pressure Cooker Lasagna Soup

All the flavors of traditional lasagna in a comforting soup form. This recipe transforms leftover ingredients into something completely new and delicious.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 1 medium onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 4 cups beef broth, 2 cups marinara sauce, 8 lasagna noodles (broken into pieces), 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded), ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Pressure Cooker Lasagna Soup

1. Use the sauté function to brown ground beef for 6-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. You want nice caramelization for deeper flavor in your soup base.

2. Add onion and garlic to the beef, cooking for 3 minutes until softened and aromatic. The onion should be translucent and the garlic should smell fragrant but not burned.

3. Pour in beef broth and marinara sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add broken lasagna noodles and Italian seasoning, making sure noodles are mostly submerged in liquid.

4. Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes, then quick release. Stir in ricotta cheese until melted and creamy, then top each serving with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for that authentic lasagna experience.

03. Pressure Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers

Tender bell peppers stuffed with seasoned ground beef and rice. This one-pot method makes stuffed peppers easier than ever before.

Ingredients: 6 large bell peppers (tops cut and seeds removed), 1 pound ground beef, 1 cup cooked rice, 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), 1 cup beef broth, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Pressure Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers

1. Press sauté and brown the ground beef with diced onion for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently until beef is no longer pink and onion is softened. The mixture should be well-combined and aromatic.

2. Add garlic, cooked rice, half the diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir everything together and cook for 2 more minutes to blend the flavors completely.

3. Stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture, packing it down gently but firmly. Place peppers in the pressure cooker and pour beef broth around them, not over the filling.

4. Add remaining diced tomatoes around the peppers, then pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. Quick release, then top each pepper with shredded cheese and let it melt from the residual heat.

04. Pressure Cooker Beef and Tomato Pasta Sauce

Rich, thick pasta sauce that develops incredible depth of flavor in minutes. No more stirring over the stove for hours to get restaurant-quality results.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 1 large onion (diced), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz), 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz), 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 cup red wine, 2 teaspoons dried basil, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 bay leaf, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Pressure Cooker Beef and Tomato Pasta Sauce

1. Brown the ground beef using the sauté function for 6-8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. You want good caramelization for the richest flavor in your finished sauce.

2. Add diced onion and cook for 4 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until the paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant.

3. Pour in red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, and bay leaf, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.

4. Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes before quick releasing remaining pressure. Remove bay leaf and simmer on sauté mode for 5-10 minutes if you prefer a thicker consistency.

05. Pressure Cooker Mexican Beef and Rice

One-pot Mexican-inspired dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Kids and adults both love this flavorful combination of beef, rice, and spices.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 1½ cups long-grain white rice, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), 2 cups beef broth, 1 bell pepper (diced), 1 small onion (diced), 1 cup corn kernels, 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Pressure Cooker Mexican Beef and Rice

1. Use the sauté function to brown ground beef for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. The beef should be completely cooked through with no pink remaining for food safety.

2. Add diced onion and bell pepper to the beef, cooking for 3-4 minutes until vegetables start to soften. Stir in taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute until fragrant and well-distributed.

3. Add rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, and corn kernels. Stir gently to combine, making sure rice is mostly submerged in liquid for even cooking throughout.

4. Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure. Fluff with a fork and top with shredded cheese, letting it melt from the heat.

06. Pressure Cooker Traditional Cabbage Rolls

Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around savory beef and rice filling. This pressure cooker version captures all the comfort of grandma’s recipe in much less time.

Ingredients: 1 large head cabbage, 1 pound ground beef, 1 cup cooked rice, 1 small onion (finely diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 egg, 2 cups tomato sauce, 1 cup beef broth, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Pressure Cooker Traditional Cabbage Rolls

1. Remove 12 large outer leaves from cabbage and blanch in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until pliable. Remove thick stems with a knife, making the leaves easier to roll without tearing.

2. Mix ground beef, cooked rice, diced onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large bowl. Combine thoroughly with your hands until the mixture holds together well when squeezed.

3. Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling on each cabbage leaf, then roll tightly by folding in sides and rolling from stem end to tip. Secure with toothpicks if needed to prevent unrolling.

4. Arrange rolls seam-side down in the pressure cooker. Combine tomato sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and lemon juice, then pour over rolls. Pressure cook on high for 20 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes.

07. Pressure Cooker Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Classic comfort food featuring seasoned beef patties in rich mushroom gravy. The pressure cooker creates incredibly tender steaks with deep, savory flavors throughout.

Ingredients: 1½ pounds ground beef, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 packet onion soup mix, 2 cups sliced mushrooms, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 cups beef broth, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons red wine, 1 large onion (sliced), salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Pressure Cooker Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

1. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and half the onion soup mix in a bowl. Mix gently with your hands, then shape into 6 oval patties about ¾-inch thick for even cooking.

2. Use the sauté function to brown patties for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking through completely – they’ll finish in the pressure cooker. Remove and set aside.

3. Add butter, sliced onions, and mushrooms to the pot, cooking for 4-5 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and onions become translucent and slightly caramelized.

4. Whisk cornstarch with red wine until smooth, then add beef broth and remaining onion soup mix. Pour into pot and return patties to the liquid. Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, then quick release.

5. Remove patties and use sauté mode to thicken gravy for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until it coats the back of a spoon. Pour gravy over patties before serving.

08. Pressure Cooker Outlaw Chili with Beans

Hearty, spicy chili loaded with ground beef and beans. This robust recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort using your pressure cooker.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 1 can kidney beans (15 oz, drained), 1 can black beans (15 oz, drained), 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), 1 large onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, 2 cups beef broth, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Pressure Cooker Outlaw Chili with Beans

1. Brown the ground beef using sauté mode for 6-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. You want good browning for the deepest, richest flavor in your finished chili.

2. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until onion softens and becomes translucent. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add diced tomatoes with juices, drained beans, and beef broth to the pot. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.

4. Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes before quick releasing remaining pressure. Taste and adjust seasonings, then simmer on sauté mode for 5 minutes if you prefer thicker consistency.

09. Pressure Cooker Hamburger Soup

Thick, hearty soup packed with ground beef and vegetables. This satisfying meal-in-a-bowl freezes beautifully and reheats perfectly for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 3 medium potatoes (diced), 2 carrots (sliced), 2 celery stalks (diced), 1 large onion (diced), 4 cups beef broth, 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), 1 cup frozen corn, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Pressure Cooker Hamburger Soup

1. Brown ground beef using the sauté function for 5-6 minutes, breaking it into bite-sized pieces as it cooks. The beef should be completely cooked through with no pink remaining.

2. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the beef, cooking for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. The onion should become translucent and aromatic during this time.

3. Stir in diced potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes with juices, frozen corn, thyme, and bay leaf. Make sure potatoes are mostly submerged in liquid for even cooking throughout.

4. Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes, then quick release. Remove bay leaf and let soup rest for 5 minutes to thicken naturally. The soup will continue thickening as it cools.

10. Pressure Cooker Layered Lasagna

Real lasagna made right in your pressure cooker using a springform pan. All the cheesy, saucy layers you love without heating up the oven.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 6 lasagna noodles, 2 cups ricotta cheese, 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded), ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 2 cups marinara sauce, 1 egg, 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 cup water, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Pressure Cooker Layered Lasagna

1. Brown ground beef with diced onion and garlic using sauté mode for 6-7 minutes until beef is cooked through and onion is softened. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. Mix ricotta cheese with egg and half the Parmesan cheese in a bowl. This mixture will provide creamy texture between the layers of your finished lasagna.

3. Break lasagna noodles to fit your 6-inch springform pan. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese, repeating until all ingredients are used, ending with cheese on top.

4. Cover pan tightly with foil and place on trivet in pressure cooker with 1 cup water. Pressure cook on high for 25 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes.

5. Remove foil carefully and let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before removing from pan. This resting time allows the layers to set properly for clean slices.

11. Pressure Cooker Beef Goulash

Classic American goulash with tender pasta and savory beef sauce. This one-pot comfort food dinner comes together in just 40 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 2 cups elbow macaroni, 1 large onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz), 2 cups beef broth, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Pressure Cooker Beef Goulash

1. Brown ground beef using sauté mode for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks until no pink remains. The beef should develop nice browning for maximum flavor development.

2. Add diced onion and garlic to the beef, cooking for 3-4 minutes until onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir in paprika and Italian seasoning, cooking for 1 minute more.

3. Add elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir gently to combine, making sure pasta is mostly covered with liquid for even cooking.

4. Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes, then quick release. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, then let stand for 5 minutes to thicken before serving.

12. Pressure Cooker Classic Meatloaf

Tender, flavorful meatloaf made with simple pantry ingredients. The pressure cooker keeps it incredibly moist while cutting cooking time in half.

Ingredients: 1½ pounds ground beef, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1 small onion (finely diced), ½ cup milk, ¼ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Pressure Cooker Classic Meatloaf

1. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, milk, 2 tablespoons ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.

2. Shape mixture into a loaf that will fit in your pressure cooker, about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. Place on a piece of foil and shape edges up slightly to catch juices.

3. Mix remaining ketchup with brown sugar and spread over top of meatloaf for a sweet glaze. This will caramelize during cooking and add great flavor to the finished dish.

4. Place trivet in pressure cooker with 1 cup water. Lower meatloaf on foil into pot and pressure cook on high for 25 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes before removing carefully.

13. Pressure Cooker Hamburger Mac and Cheese

Creamy macaroni and cheese loaded with seasoned ground beef. This family-friendly dinner combines two comfort food favorites into one satisfying dish.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 2 cups elbow macaroni, 1 packet taco seasoning, 2 cups beef broth, 1 cup milk, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup cream cheese, 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon chili powder, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Pressure Cooker Hamburger Mac and Cheese

1. Brown ground beef using sauté mode for 5-6 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. The beef should be completely cooked through with good browning for flavor.

2. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking for 3 minutes until softened and aromatic. Stir in taco seasoning and chili powder, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant and well-distributed.

3. Add elbow macaroni and beef broth to the pot, stirring to combine. Make sure pasta is mostly submerged in liquid for even cooking throughout the pressure cooking process.

4. Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes, then quick release. Stir in milk, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, creating a rich cheese sauce that coats everything.

14. Pressure Cooker Beef Burrito Bowls

All your favorite burrito flavors in an easy bowl format. Serve over rice or enjoy as-is for a complete, satisfying meal everyone will love.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 1 cup long-grain white rice, 1 can black beans (15 oz, drained), 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), 2 cups beef broth, 1 bell pepper (diced), 1 small onion (diced), 1 cup corn kernels, 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Pressure Cooker Beef Burrito Bowls

1. Use sauté mode to brown ground beef for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks until no pink remains. You want good caramelization for the best flavor in your finished bowls.

2. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until vegetables start to soften. Stir in taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute until fragrant and evenly distributed.

3. Layer rice, black beans, diced tomatoes with juices, corn, and beef broth over the beef mixture. Don’t stir – layering prevents burning while ensuring even cooking throughout.

4. Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes before quick releasing remaining pressure. Fluff with a fork and top with shredded cheese before serving in bowls.

15. Pressure Cooker Sweet and Tangy Sloppy Joes

Classic sloppy joes with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The pressure cooker intensifies the sauce while keeping the beef incredibly tender.

Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef, 1 large onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), ¾ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, ½ cup beef broth, 6 hamburger buns, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Pressure Cooker Sweet and Tangy Sloppy Joes

1. Brown ground beef using sauté mode for 5-6 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving just enough to keep the meat moist.

2. Add diced onion and garlic to the beef, cooking for 3-4 minutes until onion becomes translucent and fragrant. The onion should be softened but still have some texture remaining.

3. Stir in ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and beef broth. Mix everything together until well combined and sauce coats the beef evenly.

4. Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes, then quick release. Use sauté mode for 3-5 minutes to thicken sauce if needed, stirring frequently until it reaches your desired consistency for serving on buns.

Final Thoughts

These pressure cooker ground beef recipes prove that quick doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Each dish delivers the comfort and satisfaction of slow-cooked meals in a fraction of the time.

From classic favorites to creative twists, these recipes will become your go-to solutions for feeding hungry families on busy weeknights with minimal cleanup required.