If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and downright comforting meal to whip up with ease, this Instant Pot Beef Plov with Rice and Vegetables Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Combining tender chunks of beef, perfectly cooked brown rice, and vibrant vegetables all seasoned with warm spices, this dish offers a symphony of textures and savory notes that come together beautifully thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of rich, homestyle flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet crucial, each ingredient in this Instant Pot Beef Plov with Rice and Vegetables Recipe is chosen to build layers of flavor, color, and texture. Together, they create a balanced dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
- Short grain brown rice: Provides a nutty flavor and chewy texture that holds up well during pressure cooking.
- Beef chuck or stew meat: Adds hearty richness and tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat pieces.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and infusing the beef with a subtle fruitiness.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the dish a velvety finish and helps soften the onions beautifully.
- Large onion: Offers sweetness and depth as it caramelizes gently in the pot.
- Carrots (thickly julienned): Bring a bright color and a natural sweetness that balances the beef.
- Very warm water: Helps cook the rice evenly while absorbing all those spice-infused flavors.
- Sea salt: Enhances every ingredient, ensuring the plov is perfectly seasoned.
- Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and complexity.
- Ground cumin, paprika, coriander: These fragrant spices bring warmth and character to the dish.
- Whole head garlic (unpeeled): Infuses subtle, mellow garlic richness throughout the rice and beef as it cooks.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Plov with Rice and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by rinsing and draining the rice, then set it aside so it’s ready to go. Turn your Instant Pot to sauté on high heat and pour in the olive oil. Once it shimmers (but isn’t smoking), add your beef pieces in a single layer. Give them a good stir occasionally as they brown over about 5 minutes. This searing step locks in juices and develops those deep, savory flavors that make plov so irresistible.
Step 2: Soften the Onions
Add the butter and chopped onions to the pot with the beef. Sauté gently for about 3 minutes, stirring to ensure the onions soften and become translucent without burning. This creates the perfect sweet base for the rest of your dish, enhancing the beef’s richness.
Step 3: Add Carrots and Spices
Next, toss in the julienned carrots alongside your carefully measured salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and coriander. Sauté everything together for another 5 minutes. This step allows the carrots to soften and the spices to bloom, filling your kitchen with those cozy, enticing aromas you’ll crave forever.
Step 4: Layer the Rice and Garlic
Spread the rice evenly over the beef and vegetables, but don’t stir it in; this layering helps cook the grains properly without them turning mushy. Nestle the halved head of garlic cut-side down into the rice, then carefully pour the very warm water over the garlic, ensuring you don’t disturb the rice layer. Use the back of a wooden spoon to poke several holes down through the rice into the beef below, which helps the flavors seep through evenly during cooking.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Seal the lid and set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, or use the Multigrain setting if available. After cooking finishes, let the pot rest and naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before carefully switching the valve to vent to release any remaining steam. Make sure all pressure has released before opening the lid for safety and the best results.
Step 6: Finish and Combine
Remove the garlic halves and set them aside. Stir the rice gently to combine all the components. Don’t toss the garlic cloves just yet—squeeze their soft, roasted insides back into the plov for an extra burst of mellow garlic flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Plov with Rice and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro sprinkled on top add a bright, refreshing contrast to the rich beef and spices. A squeeze of lemon juice offers a zesty touch that really livens up the flavors. You might also enjoy a dollop of plain yogurt on the side to add creaminess and coolness.
Side Dishes
This beef plov stands well on its own but pairs beautifully with simple salads—think crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed lightly with vinegar and olive oil—or roasted vegetables. A crusty bread can also be a great way to soak up any lingering juices on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Instant Pot Beef Plov with Rice and Vegetables Recipe in individual bowls layered with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. For a family-style approach, mound the rice in a large serving dish, topping it with the garlic and beef, then garnish with herbs and lemon wedges for an inviting centerpiece everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover beef plov in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more, making leftovers just as delightful as freshly made.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Cool it completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing much of its taste or texture.
Reheating
Reheat the plov gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, making sure the beef remains tender and the rice fluffy.
FAQs
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap brown rice for white rice, but keep in mind cooking times will be shorter. You’ll want to reduce the pressure cooking time to avoid mushy rice, usually around 10-12 minutes.
What cut of beef is best for this Instant Pot Beef Plov with Rice and Vegetables Recipe?
Chuck or stew beef is ideal because it becomes tender during cooking and adds rich flavor. Avoid lean cuts as they might dry out under pressure cooking.
Do I have to peel the garlic before adding it?
For this recipe, keep the garlic unpeeled and halved. It infuses subtle aroma into the dish during cooking and becomes soft enough to mash into the plov afterwards, adding wonderful garlic taste without overpowering.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the beef and sauté extra vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas to keep the same hearty texture and add protein.
Is it necessary to let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure?
Yes, the natural pressure release helps finish cooking the rice and beef gently, preventing tough meat and ensuring perfectly fluffy rice. The 10 minutes of resting is key for great texture.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Beef Plov with Rice and Vegetables Recipe is a wonderful introduction to cooking with the Instant Pot, offering rich flavors and a comforting texture all made effortlessly. Whether you’re new to plov or a longtime fan, it’s bound to become a staple in your meal rotation. Dive in, savor every bite, and enjoy the warm, hearty magic of this beloved dish!
