If you’re a fan of Tex-Mex flavors and are on the lookout for a quick and easy dinner, look no further than taco soup cooked in an Instant Pot. This hearty soup is packed with all the delicious ingredients you would find in your favorite taco, such as ground beef, beans, corn, and spices.
Using an Instant Pot can significantly reduce the cooking time and make your life in the kitchen much easier. But how long should you cook taco soup in an Instant Pot to achieve the perfect balance of flavors? The cooking time for taco soup in an Instant Pot typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes under high pressure.
However, it is worth noting that the actual cooking time may vary depending on the specific recipe and your personal preferences. Some recipes may call for additional time for natural pressure release, while others may recommend a longer cooking time for a richer flavor. It’s always a good idea to consult the recipe you’re using for specific instructions.
Once the cooking time is up, you can use a quick release to release the pressure from the Instant Pot. This will allow you to open the pot and serve your delicious taco soup right away. Don’t forget to top it with your favorite garnishes, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices, to take your taco soup to the next level of deliciousness.
In conclusion, taco soup is a fantastic and versatile dish that can be easily cooked in an Instant Pot. With a cooking time ranging from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the recipe, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal ready in no time. So go ahead and give taco soup a try in your Instant Pot – you won’t be disappointed!
How Long to Cook Taco Soup in Instant Pot
Taco soup is a delicious and hearty dish that can be easily prepared in an Instant Pot. This popular Mexican-inspired meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for feeding a crowd. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function helps to lock in flavors and shorten the cooking time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (4.5 ounces) diced green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
Instructions:
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for a few minutes until softened.
- Turn off the sauté mode and add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced green chilies, taco seasoning, and broth to the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. Then, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Open the Instant Pot lid and give the taco soup a good stir. Serve hot and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced avocado.
This taco soup recipe in the Instant Pot takes approximately 25 minutes from start to finish, including both the cooking and pressure release times. It’s a simple and flavorful meal that the whole family will love!
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you begin cooking the taco soup in your Instant Pot, you will need to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients:
1. Ground beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a separate pan. Cook it on medium heat until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and set the cooked beef aside.
2. Onion and garlic: Peel and chop one medium-sized onion and two garlic cloves. These ingredients will help enhance the flavors of the soup.
3. Bell peppers: Choose two bell peppers of any color you prefer, such as red, green, or yellow. Remove the stem, seeds, and white membrane, then finely chop the peppers.
4. Canned beans: Open and rinse one can each of black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans. The rinsing process helps remove any excess salt or preservatives.
5. Corn: If you’re using fresh corn, remove the kernels from two ears of corn. Alternatively, you can use one can of corn kernels.
6. Diced tomatoes: Open one can of diced tomatoes, or alternatively, you can use fresh tomatoes, diced into small pieces.
7. Taco seasoning: You will need two tablespoons of taco seasoning mix to add a burst of flavor to the soup.
8. Chicken broth: Measure four cups of chicken broth. You can either use store-bought broth or make your own from bouillon cubes or chicken bones.
9. Optional toppings: Prepare some optional toppings to serve with the soup, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, diced red onions, or chopped cilantro.
Once you have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go, you can move on to the next steps in cooking your taco soup in the Instant Pot!
Setting up the Instant Pot
Before cooking taco soup in the Instant Pot, it’s important to properly set up the appliance to ensure smooth operation. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Unpack the Instant Pot
Remove the Instant Pot from its packaging and inspect it for any damages or missing parts. Make sure all the components, including the inner pot, sealing ring, and accessories, are present and in good condition.
2. Clean the Instant Pot
Wash the inner pot, lid, and accessories with warm soapy water before the first use. This will help remove any manufacturing residues or contaminants that may be present.
3. Assemble the Instant Pot
Insert the inner pot into the main housing of the Instant Pot. Ensure that it fits snugly and securely. Place the sealing ring onto the lid, making sure it is properly seated in its groove.
4. Check the Pressure Release Valve
Make sure the pressure release valve is in the “Sealing” position. This is important for building pressure inside the Instant Pot during cooking. The pressure release valve is typically found on the top of the lid.
5. Connect the Power Cord
Plug the power cord into a reliable electrical outlet. Ensure that the cord is properly connected to both the Instant Pot and the outlet for a safe and steady power supply.
6. Test the Instant Pot
Run a quick test to ensure that the Instant Pot is working properly. Close the lid and select a cooking program, such as “Soup” or “Manual.” Set the cooking time according to the taco soup recipe. The Instant Pot should start heating up and building pressure. If the Instant Pot fails to operate correctly, refer to the user manual or contact customer support for assistance.
Warranty | Service |
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1 Year Limited Warranty | Contact Customer Support |
Cooking the Taco Soup
To cook taco soup in an Instant Pot, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients for the taco soup recipe, which typically includes ground beef, onions, garlic, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, beef broth, and any additional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices.
Step 2: Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function, add some cooking oil, and allow it to heat up. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spoon or spatula.
Step 3: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot and sauté them with the beef for a couple of minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
Step 4: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef, onions, and garlic, and stir well to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Pour in the diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans, including their juices. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
Step 6: Add the beef broth to the pot, making sure it covers all the ingredients. Give it a quick stir, then lock the Instant Pot lid into place.
Step 7: Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the desired tenderness of the ingredients and the specific instructions of the taco soup recipe you are using.
Step 8: Once the pressure cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release its pressure for 5-10 minutes. Then, carefully use the quick release valve to release any remaining pressure.
Step 9: Carefully remove the Instant Pot lid and give the taco soup a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Step 10: Serve the taco soup hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro.
Enjoy your delicious homemade taco soup!
Natural Pressure Release
Natural pressure release is an important step when cooking taco soup in an Instant Pot. It is the process of allowing the pressure to come down on its own without using the quick release valve.
This method is particularly useful when cooking soups or other dishes with a high liquid content, as it helps to prevent the soup from splattering or foaming out of the pressure release valve.
To perform a natural pressure release, simply allow the Instant Pot to sit for the specified amount of time after the cooking cycle is complete. The time will vary depending on the recipe, but it is typically around 10-15 minutes.
During this time, the pressure inside the Instant Pot will gradually decrease as the temperature of the food lowers. You will know that the pressure has fully released when the float valve, located on the lid, drops down.
Once the float valve has dropped, it is safe to open the lid. However, it is always a good idea to double-check by gently turning the steam release handle to the venting position and ensuring that no steam is being released.
Natural pressure release is important because it allows the flavors of the taco soup to continue to meld together while the pressure is slowly decreasing. It also helps to prevent any potential accidents or injuries that could occur from a sudden release of steam.
Tips for Natural Pressure Release:
- Always follow the recipe’s specified natural pressure release time to ensure proper cooking.
- Be patient and resist the urge to use the quick release valve, as it may result in a mess or undercooked food.
- Keep children and pets away from the Instant Pot during the natural pressure release to avoid any accidents.
- If the float valve hasn’t dropped after the specified time, you can carefully perform a quick release by turning the steam release handle to the venting position.
By following these tips and allowing for a natural pressure release, you can ensure that your taco soup is cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot.
Q&A
How long does it take to cook taco soup in instant pot?
Taco soup can be cooked in an instant pot in about 20 minutes.
What is the recommended cooking time for taco soup in instant pot?
The recommended cooking time for taco soup in an instant pot is 20 minutes.
Can you cook taco soup in an instant pot quickly?
Yes, you can cook taco soup in an instant pot quickly. It usually takes about 20 minutes.
Is there a faster way to cook taco soup?
Cooking taco soup in an instant pot is already a fast method. It takes about 20 minutes, which is quicker than traditional stovetop cooking.
How much time does it take to cook taco soup in an instant pot?
Taco soup can be cooked in an instant pot in approximately 20 minutes.
How long does it take to cook taco soup in an Instant Pot?
It typically takes about 20 minutes to cook taco soup in an Instant Pot.