Instant Pot Ground Beef and Rice

INGREDIENTS 

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 cups short-grain white rice, (or use medium or long-grain)
• 2 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1½ cups diced yellow onion
• 1½ cups diced carrots
• 1 garlic bulb, (rinse well and cut in half crosswise)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, (cut into thin slices)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin, (for a milder flavor, use 1-2 tsp)
• ¾ teaspoon ground paprika
• ¾ teaspoon ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons steak seasoning , (such as Montreal Steak seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• black pepper, (to taste)
• 2 bay leaves

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear; drain well. 
2. Press the “Sauté” function key. Heat oil then cook onion with a pinch of salt. Keep stirring for 4-5 minutes or until translucent.
3. Add the ground beef and cook for about 2 minutes. Add carrots and keep stirring for 3 minutes.
4. Add steak seasonings, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring for about 1 minute then add butter. Keep stirring until the butter is melted and the ground meat is lightly browned.Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to keep the pan clear and nothing is stuck on it to prevent burning.
5. Add the rice and spread evenly on top of the ground beef mixture. Add bay leaves then pour in the broth. Press the rice down gently to make sure it is submerged in liquid. DO NOT STIR!
6. Put the garlic halves cut-side-down. Place the lid on, sealed, and set to manual for “4 minutes” on a high setting. After the cooking cycle finished, wait for 10 minutes then carefully move the Venting Knob from the Sealing Position to Venting Position to quickly release the remaining pressure. 
7. Open the lid, remove the garlic halves and squeeze it back into the pot. Stir the rice mixture to combine ingredients. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.