INSTANT POT BURRITO PERFECTION

Tired of the same old weeknight dinner routine? Craving something bursting with flavor but short on time? Well, get ready to revolutionize your meal prep because we’re diving headfirst into the world of Easy Instant Pot Burrito Bowls! Imagine perfectly cooked rice, tender protein, and all your favorite burrito fixings, ready in a fraction of the time. Get ready to say goodbye to takeout and hello to a customizable, delicious, and satisfying meal that will become a family favorite!

Gathering Your Fiesta Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your burrito bowl masterpiece. Don’t be afraid to customize – that’s the beauty of this recipe!

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Protein (Choose Your Adventure!):

• 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

For the Seasoning (Get That Flavor!):

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

For the Toppings (The Best Part!):

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• Salsa
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Guacamole or avocado slices
• Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Pickled jalapeños (optional)
• Cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges

Step-by-Step to Burrito Bowl Bliss

Let’s get this party started! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious burrito bowl in no time.

Cooking the Rice:

1. Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth (or water), olive oil, and salt to the Instant Pot.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
4. Cook on High Pressure for 3 minutes.
5. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork.

Preparing the Protein:

If using ground beef:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine.
3. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the beef is heated through and the seasoning is evenly distributed.

If using chicken breast:

1. Add the chicken breast pieces, taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder to the Instant Pot.
2. Add ½ cup of chicken broth or water.
3. Stir to combine.
4. Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
5. Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.
6. Allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
7. Shred the chicken with two forks.

If using beans:

1. Simply heat the rinsed and drained beans in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
2. Alternatively, you can add the beans to the Instant Pot after the rice is cooked and set to saute for a few minutes to warm them.

Assembling Your Bowl:

1. Spoon a generous amount of rice into a bowl.
2. Top with your choice of protein (ground beef, chicken, or beans).
3. Add your favorite toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, corn, jalapeños, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
4. Enjoy!

Mastering the Instant Pot Rice Game

Getting perfectly cooked rice in the Instant Pot is key to a great burrito bowl. The 3-minute high-pressure cook time with a natural pressure release works like a charm for long-grain white rice. If you’re using brown rice, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time significantly (usually around 22-25 minutes). Make sure you rinse your rice before cooking – this helps remove excess starch and prevents it from becoming gummy. Trust me, this simple step makes a huge difference!

Spice It Up (or Tone It Down!)

One of the best things about making Easy Instant Pot Burrito Bowls is how easily you can customize the flavor. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the protein while it’s cooking. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder or use a mild taco seasoning. You can also adjust the amount of salsa you add to your bowl. Remember, it’s your burrito bowl, so make it exactly the way you like it!

Make-Ahead Magic: Meal Prep Like a Pro

These burrito bowls are perfect for meal prepping! You can cook the rice and protein ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the rice and protein and assemble your bowls with fresh toppings. This is a fantastic way to save time during the week and ensure you always have a healthy and delicious meal ready to go. Consider prepping all your veggies in advance too – chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese etc. stored separately makes bowl assembly super quick!

Creative Protein Power-Ups

While ground beef, chicken, and beans are classic burrito bowl protein choices, don’t be afraid to get creative! Shredded pork, shrimp, or even tofu are all fantastic options. Leftover rotisserie chicken works great in these bowls too. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try using SPICY SAUSAGE RICE BOWL sausage mixture as your protein base for a real flavor explosion!

The Toppings Bar: Your Canvas of Flavor

The toppings are where you can really let your personality shine. Don’t limit yourself to the basics! Consider adding roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or bell peppers for a boost of nutrients and flavor. Sliced radishes, crumbled queso fresco, and pickled onions are also delicious additions. And don’t forget the sauces! A drizzle of cilantro-lime dressing or a dollop of chipotle mayo can take your burrito bowl to the next level. If you are a big taco fan, you can even compare them to the TACO RICE BOWL recipe.

Elevate Your Bowl with Delicious Sides

While the Easy Instant Pot Burrito Bowls are a complete meal on their own, adding a side can make it even more satisfying. Some great options include a simple side salad, tortilla chips with guacamole, or a cup of black bean soup. For a heartier meal, consider serving your burrito bowls with a side of SOUTHWEST SKILLET.

Beyond the Bowl: Repurposing Your Leftovers

Have leftover rice and protein? Don’t let it go to waste! You can use it to make tacos, quesadillas, or even a quick and easy burrito. Simply wrap the leftover ingredients in a tortilla with some cheese and salsa, and you have a delicious and satisfying meal. You could even use the rice and chicken to make something like BANG BANG CHICKEN BOWLS!!

Can I make this as a large batch meal?

Absolutely! That’s one of the benefits of the Instant Pot! Simply double the rice ingredients, and it will still cook in the same amount of time. You may need to cook the protein separately based on how much your specific Instant Pot can hold. This works particularly well for the bean options. You could even make a variation of INSTANT POT JAMBALAYA in a very large batch using the same method.

Final Thoughts: Your Burrito Bowl Adventure Awaits

So there you have it! Easy Instant Pot Burrito Bowls are a quick, customizable, and delicious way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. With a little planning and a few simple ingredients, you can create a burrito bowl masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion. Get creative with your toppings, experiment with different flavor combinations, and most importantly, have fun! Happy cooking!

Instant Pot Burrito Bowls

Amelia Chen-Morrison

These Instant Pot Burrito Bowls are a customizable and quick weeknight meal. They feature perfectly cooked rice, your choice of protein, and all your favorite burrito toppings, ready in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. This recipe is perfect for meal prepping and can be easily adapted to suit any dietary preferences.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Skillet (for ground beef option)
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Fork
• Bowls

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained OR 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces OR 1 15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained OR 1 (15-ounce
• 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade blend: 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend
• Sals a
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Guacamole or avocado slices
• Corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
• Pickled jalapeños optional
• Cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges

Instructions

 

• **Cooking the Rice:** Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth (or water), olive oil, and salt to the Instant Pot.
• Stir to combine.
• Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
• Cook on High Pressure for 3 minutes.
• Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
• Fluff the rice with a fork.
• **Preparing the Protein (Ground Beef):** Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
• Add the taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine.
• Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the beef is heated through and the seasoning is evenly distributed.
• **Preparing the Protein (Chicken Breast):** Add the chicken breast pieces, taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder to the Instant Pot.
• Add ½ cup of chicken broth or water.
• Stir to combine.
• Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
• Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.
• Allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
• Shred the chicken with two forks.
• **Preparing the Protein (Beans):** Simply heat the rinsed and drained beans in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can add the beans to the Instant Pot after the rice is cooked and set to saute for a few minutes to warm them.
• **Assembling Your Bowl:** Spoon a generous amount of rice into a bowl.
• Top with your choice of protein (ground beef, chicken, or beans).
• Add your favorite toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, corn, jalapeños, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
• Enjoy!

Notes

For optimal rice texture, always rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch. To prevent sticking, ensure the Instant Pot is clean before adding ingredients. If using brown rice, increase the cooking time to 22-25 minutes. You can customize the protein and toppings to your liking. To store leftovers, keep rice, protein and toppings separate to maintain freshness. Reheat rice and protein before combining with fresh toppings. For a vegetarian option, use a combination of black beans, pinto beans, and sauteed vegetables. Spice it up by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the protein while cooking. You can also add roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or bell peppers for a boost of nutrients and flavor.