Instant Pot Tacos

Instant Pot Tacos are a quick and flavorful way to enjoy taco night. This versatile recipe works with beef, chicken, or pork, producing tender, seasoned meat in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

For the Meat:

• 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef, chicken thighs, or pork shoulder (cut into chunks if using pork)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) tomato sauce or salsa
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken or beef broth

For Serving:

• Small tortillas (flour or corn)
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • Set the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Heat the olive oil and add the onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
   • Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Brown the Meat:
   • Add the ground beef, chicken, or pork to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces if needed. (If using pork shoulder, just sear the chunks on all sides.)
3. Add Seasonings and Liquid:
   • Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   • Add the tomato sauce (or salsa) and broth, mixing well to combine.
4. Pressure Cook:
   • Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for:
     • 7 minutes (ground beef or chicken thighs)
     • 25 minutes (pork shoulder)
   • Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release.
5. Shred or Break Apart the Meat:
   • If using chicken or pork, shred the meat with two forks. Stir the shredded meat back into the sauce to soak up the flavors.
6. Assemble Tacos:
   • Warm the tortillas and fill them with the seasoned meat. Top with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, and sour cream.
7. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of freshness.

Tips

• Spice Level: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Make Ahead: The cooked meat can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Alternative Toppings: Try pickled onions, roasted corn, or black beans for variety.

Enjoy your flavorful and easy Instant Pot Tacos! 🌮🎉