Can I brown hamburger in an Instant Pot?

Using an Instant Pot to brown ground beef before making recipes like chili, spaghetti sauce, or tacos can help speed up the cooking process. While Instant Pots aren’t designed specifically for searing, it is possible to brown hamburger in an Instant Pot. Here’s what you need to know.

Can You Brown Hamburger in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can brown ground beef in an Instant Pot. However, Instant Pots don’t reach super high temperatures needed to get that nice sear on beef. So the end result may be more of lightly browned beef rather than deeply caramelized brown crust.

Browning ground beef in an Instant Pot takes about 10-15 minutes. It requires cooking in batches and frequent stirring to get even browning. If you want deeper, more caramelized brown bits, it’s better to use a skillet on the stovetop.

Tips for Browning Hamburger in an Instant Pot

Here are some tips for browning ground beef in an Instant Pot:

Use a stainless steel inner pot – the stainless steel conducts heat better than nonstick for searing.

Let the Instant Pot preheat – Heat the empty pot on Saute mode for 5 minutes before adding beef.
Use oil – Coat the bottom with oil to help prevent sticking.
Brown in batches – Cook no more than 1 pound beef at a time, stirring frequently.

Scrap up browned bits – Use a wooden spoon to breaks up lumps and incorporate fond into beef.
Drain grease – Tip pot and scoop out grease after each batch.
Add aromatics – Saute onions, garlic, etc. after beef is browned.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for browning ground beef in an Instant Pot:

Turn Instant Pot to Saute mode and let heat up 5 minutes.
Add 1 tbsp oil and let it get hot, about 1 minute.

Add 1 pound ground beef, breaking up lumps with a wooden spoon.
Cook for 5-7 minutes, frequently stirring and breaking up beef, until no pink remains.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer browned beef to a bowl.

Drain grease from pot and repeat steps with remaining beef.
After all beef is browned, drain grease again. Then add aromatics like onions, garlic, spices and cook 1-2 minutes.
Add beef and any other recipe ingredients to pot. Cancel Saute mode.

Cook recipe using manual or pressure cook setting as directed.

Pros and Cons of Browning in an Instant Pot

Here are some of the benefits as well as downsides to keep in mind when searing ground beef in an Instant Pot:

Pros:

Saves time – Browning and pressure cooking happen in one pot.

Adds flavor – Fond leftover from searing adds rich, meaty flavor.
No splatters – Contained browning minimizes stovetop mess.
Multitasks – Can saute aromatics right after beef is browned.

Cons:

No crust – Won’t get the same sear as a blazing hot skillet.
Risk of burning – Food can burn onto bottom without close monitoring.
Small batches – Need to brown beef in 1 pound portions.

Can’t see – Hard to visually monitor browning process.

Best Practices

Follow these best practices when searing ground beef in the Instant Pot for best results:

Use a trivet or steamer basket if recipe calls for liquid ingredietns – this prevents scorching.

Skip preheating if following another saute step – the pot will already be hot.
Make sure meat is in a single layer – don’t overcrowd.
Flip/stir with silicon tipped tongs – metal can scratch the pot surface.

Deglaze the pot – add a splash of wine or broth to loosen any browned bits after searing.
Work in ventilated space – searing can produce some smoke.
Go for diced meats for fuller sear – larger pieces won’t brown as evenly.

Troubleshooting

If you run into any issues browning ground beef in the Instant Pot, here are some troubleshooting tips:

Burn Message Appears

Make sure inner pot is clean – debris can cause scorching.
Don’t crowd the pot – cook meat in smaller batches.

Use a lower Saute temp after preheating – potentially less risk of burning.
Add a splash of liquid – broth, wine, or water can help regulate temp.
Skip preheating if following another saute step.

Meat is Sticking

Make sure pot is hot before adding meat.
Use a stainless steel inner pot, not nonstick.
Don’t overcrowd meat in the pot.

Cook in smaller batches.
Use a silicone spatula to gently scrape up meat.

No Fond Development

Ensure meat is in a single layer, not heaped up.

Let the pot fully preheat before adding meat.
Saute with the lid off.
Cook in smaller batches for caramelization.

Use a spatula to press meat against pot bottom.

Meat is Not Browning

Make sure pot is preheated for 5 minutes.
Saute with the lid off.

Use Saute More setting for higher heat.
Saute in smaller batches.
Press meat firmly against the pot bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you brown beef in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can brown ground beef in an Instant Pot by using the Saute function. It may not get the deep, dark sear of a skillet, but you can achieve lightly browned beef.

Should you brown meat before pressure cooking?

Browning meats before pressure cooking isn’t required, but it adds deeper flavor. Maillard reactions that occur during searing create rich, complex tastes.

Is it better to brown meat on the stove or Instant Pot?

For the best sear on meats, a hot skillet on the stovetop is ideal. But the Instant Pot works well for lightly browning in a time crunch.

Can I brown beef and onions together in Instant Pot?

Yes, you can brown ground beef and aromatic vegetables like onions together. Just be sure not to overcrowd the pot.

How long does it take to brown beef in Instant Pot?

It takes 10-15 minutes to brown 1 pound of ground beef in an Instant Pot. Cook in smaller batches and with frequent stirring for evenly browned beef.

Conclusion

While the Instant Pot doesn’t get quite as hot as the stovetop, you can still brown ground beef in batches. Be sure to preheat the pot, work in small amounts, and frequently stir for the best results. Browning in the Instant Pot saves time and cleanup while adding flavor to recipes.