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Instant Pot Spanish Rice

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Instant Pot Spanish Rice

This Instant Pot Spanish Rice is hearty, flavorful, comforting, and packed with rich homemade flavor in every bite. Made with ground beef, stewed tomatoes, peppers, onions, seasonings, and tender rice, this easy family dinner recipe comes together much faster in the Instant Pot while still tasting like it simmered all day.

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This classic recipe has the perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy flavors that make it a comforting family favorite everyone loves. Serve it with garlic bread, tortilla chips, salad, or your favorite side dishes for an easy homemade dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy Instant Pot dinner
  • Hearty comfort food recipe
  • Family-friendly meal
  • Packed with flavor
  • Great for leftovers
  • Faster than stovetop simmering
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Jennie’s Thoughts

This Spanish Rice recipe has been a family favorite for years and always feels like true comfort food to me. It’s one of those old fashioned homemade dinners that fills the whole kitchen with the best smell while it cooks.

I love making it in the Instant Pot because it gives all those rich slow-simmered flavors in a fraction of the time. The combination of the stewed tomatoes, ground beef, peppers, seasonings, and rice creates such a cozy hearty dinner that always feels satisfying.

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One thing I really recommend is using the stewed tomatoes exactly as written because they add so much flavor to the dish. The little bit of sweetness from the brown sugar combined with the savory tomato mixture makes this recipe completely delicious.

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Here’s What You Need

  • 2 pounds ground chuck
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large sweet onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cans stewed tomatoes
  • 1 cup Heinz ketchup
  • 1 small can tomato paste (6 ounces)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 small can tomato sauce (6 to 8 ounces)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon basil
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • Garlic salt, to taste
  • Seasoned salt, to taste
  • Seasoned pepper, to taste
  • 2 packages Success Rice

How To Make Instant Pot Spanish Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Turn the Instant Pot to the SAUTE setting.

Add the butter and allow it to melt.

Add the chopped onion and diced green pepper.

Cook until softened and lightly caramelized.

Remove the vegetables from the Instant Pot and set aside.

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Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground chuck to the Instant Pot.

Cook until fully browned and no pink remains.

Turn off the SAUTE setting.

Carefully remove excess grease using paper towels or drain if needed.

Return the cooked beef to the Instant Pot.

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Step 3: Add the Ingredients

Add the sautéed onions and peppers back into the Instant Pot.

Season with garlic salt, seasoned salt, and seasoned pepper.

Pour the liquid from the stewed tomatoes into the Instant Pot first.

Using a knife, chop the tomatoes directly in the can into smaller pieces, then add them to the Instant Pot.

Add the ketchup, tomato paste, water, tomato sauce, chili powder, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and brown sugar.

Stir everything together well.

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Step 4: Pressure Cook

Place the lid onto the Instant Pot and lock it into place.

Set the valve to sealing.

Cook on MANUAL HIGH PRESSURE for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Rice

While the meat mixture cooks, prepare the Success Rice according to package directions on the stovetop.

Drain the rice well and set aside.

Step 6: Release the Pressure

Once the Instant Pot finishes cooking, allow a 5-minute natural release.

Carefully perform a quick release for the remaining pressure.

Open the lid once the float valve drops.

Step 7: Add the Rice

Stir the meat mixture well.

Add the cooked rice and gently fold it into the Spanish rice mixture until combined.

Do not overmix or the rice may become too thick.

Serve warm.

Tips For The Best Spanish Rice

  • Use stewed tomatoes for the best flavor
  • Do not overmix after adding the rice
  • Brown the beef well for richer flavor
  • Allow a few minutes of natural release before opening
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before serving

What To Serve With Spanish Rice

  • Garlic bread
  • Tortilla chips
  • Green beans
  • Side salad
  • Cornbread
  • Mexican-style toppings
  • Sour cream and cheese
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Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular rice?

Yes, but Success Rice helps keep the texture light and fluffy in this recipe.

Why use stewed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes?

Stewed tomatoes contain additional vegetables and seasonings that give this recipe much richer flavor.

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Can I freeze Spanish Rice?

Yes. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

This Instant Pot Spanish Rice is hearty, comforting, flavorful, and packed with rich homemade flavor. The combination of seasoned ground beef, peppers, stewed tomatoes, and tender rice creates the perfect cozy family dinner recipe that feels both nostalgic and satisfying. Using the Instant Pot makes this classic comfort food recipe much easier while still delivering incredible slow-cooked flavor.

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