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Instant Pot Rice Recipe (Beef Plov)

Making beef plov in an instant pot is so quick and easy and using brown rice is genius. This Instant Pot Rice recipe is a healthier, juicier and flavor packed version of beef plov | natashaskitchen.com

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This Instant Pot Rice recipe is a healthier, juicier and flavor packed rice pilaf called plov. It all comes together in 1 pot (the instant pot!) and you won’t believe how quick and easy this is.

Traditionally, beef plov is made with white rice, but we used a brown rice which was perfect for the instant pot because it doesn’t get mushy while the beef becomes melt-in-your mouth tender. Brown rice is also way healthier and your hungry people may not even realize it is brown rice. It works so well in this recipe!

P.S. We’ve included our Amazon affiliate links below for the tools we used to make this recipe.

Watch How to Make Instant Pot Rice Beef Plov:

My husband gave me this Instant Pot for Christmas and I am already completely smitten with it! If you own an instant pot, chances are you are obsessed with it also. Let me know about your favorite instant pot recipes in a comment below. I’m so excited to put this amazing little pot to work!

Making beef plov in an instant pot is so quick and easy and using brown rice is genius. This Instant Pot Rice recipe is a healthier, juicier and flavor packed version of beef plov.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Rice Beef Plov:

2 1/2 cups short grain brown rice (500 grams), rinsed and drained*
1 lb beef chuck or beef stew meat, cut into 3/4″ pieces
4 Tbsp olive oil
4 Tbsp butter
1 large onion, diced
3 large carrots, thickly julienned
3 cups (720 ml) very warm water
1 Tbsp salt (we used fine sea salt)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground paprika
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1 whole head garlic, unpeeled, cut in half crosswise.
1 Tbsp freshly chopped parsley to garnish – optional

*TIPS FOR SUCCESS: We used organic short grain brown rice (I buy the “Lundberg” brand bag sold in Costco). DO NOT USE quick cooking rice, parboiled or white rice – these would all need modifications in timing and water. Use a standard measuring cup or a kitchen scale to measure the rice (not the measuring cup that comes with your instant pot).

Making beef plov in an instant pot is so quick and easy and using brown rice is genius. This Instant Pot Rice recipe is a healthier, juicier and flavor packed version of beef plov.

If you don’t own an instant pot yet, you can still make beef plov on the stovetop with this recipe and check out the creative grain we used in this newer version – wildly delicious!!

⬇Print-Friendly Instant Pot Rice (Beef Plov):

Instant Pot Rice (Beef Plov)

4.86 from 293 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Making beef plov in an instant pot is so quick and easy and using brown rice is genius. This Instant Pot Rice recipe is a healthier, juicier and flavor packed version of beef plov | natashaskitchen.com
Making beef plov in an instant pot is so quick and easy and using brown rice is genius. This Instant Pot Rice recipe is a healthier, juicier and flavor packed version of beef plov.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 8 as a side dish
  • 2 1/2 cups short grain brown rice, 500 grams, rinsed and drained*
  • 1 lb beef chuck or beef stew meat, cut into 3/4" pieces**
  • 4 Tbsp olive oil
  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 large carrots, thickly julienned
  • 3 cups 720 ml very warm water
  • 1 Tbsp salt, we used fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 whole head garlic, unpeeled, cut in half crosswise.

Instructions

  • Rinse and drain rice and set aside. Set Instant pot to sauté on high heat (push sauté twice to switch to high heat) and add 4 Tbsp olive oil. Once oil is hot (but not smoking), add beef in a single layer and sauté until lightly browned (5 min), stirring occasionally.
  • Add 4 Tbsp butter and chopped onion and stir 3 minutes until softened.
  • Add julienned carrots along with all seasonings (1 Tbsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp coriander) and sauté 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
  • Spread rice evenly over the top (do not stir). Push garlic halves cut-side-down, halfway into the rice. Pour very warm (or hot) water directly over the garlic cloves so you don't disturb the rice. Use the back of a wooden spoon to poke 5-7 holes through the rice to the bottom of the pot (this helps disburse flavor).
  • Cover and cook on high pressure 30 min (I used the "Multigrain" setting). Let instant pot rest and naturally depressurize 10 min before switching to the venting position to release steam. Make sure the steam is fully released and the pressure valve has floated down before opening the pot.
  • Remove garlic and set aside. Stir rice well to combine ingredients. We squeeze the garlic cloves back into the pot because they are melt-in-your mouth delicious.

Notes

*We used organic short grain brown rice (I buy the bag sold in Costco)
**The meat will brown easier if you leave it at room temperature 30 minutes before starting to cook it.

Nutrition Per Serving

502kcal Calories60g Carbs21g Protein19g Fat6g Saturated Fat59mg Cholesterol917mg Sodium417mg Potassium3g Fiber1g Sugar4070IU Vitamin A2.7mg Vitamin C43mg Calcium2.9mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Instant Pot Rice (Beef Plov)
Amount per Serving
Calories
502
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
19
g
29
%
Saturated Fat
 
6
g
38
%
Cholesterol
 
59
mg
20
%
Sodium
 
917
mg
40
%
Potassium
 
417
mg
12
%
Carbohydrates
 
60
g
20
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
21
g
42
%
Vitamin A
 
4070
IU
81
%
Vitamin C
 
2.7
mg
3
%
Calcium
 
43
mg
4
%
Iron
 
2.9
mg
16
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Russian, Ukrainian
Keyword: Beef Plov, Instant Pot Rice
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 502
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

This instant pot plov also reheats really well on a skillet the next day so leftovers are a great thing!

Making beef plov in an instant pot is so quick and easy and using brown rice is genius. This Instant Pot Rice recipe is a healthier, juicier and flavor packed version of beef plov.

Have you gotten on the instant pot wagon? It was actually this recipe that made me fall in love with my Instant pot (ahem 2 hours instead of 15 hours? YES!!!).

What is your favorite recipe to cook in the Instant Pot? I am always looking for new ideas. Thanks in advance my friends. I always love hearing from you :).

Making beef plov in an instant pot is so quick and easy and using brown rice is genius. This Instant Pot Rice recipe is a healthier, juicier and flavor packed version of beef plov. | natashaskitchen.com

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the creator behind Natasha's Kitchen (established in 2009), and I share family-friendly, authentic recipes. I am a New York Times Best-Selling cookbook author and a trusted video personality in the culinary world. My husband, Vadim, and I run this blog together, ensuring every recipe we share is thoroughly tested and approved. Our mission is to provide you with delicious, reliable recipes you can count on. Thanks for stopping by! I am so happy you are here.

Read more posts by Natasha

4.86 from 293 votes (81 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Natalie
    March 20, 2023

    Hello! First off, I love your recipes soo much<3

    I don’t have an Instant Pot, but I do have this multi-cooker:

    https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1154038/Panasonic-Sr-Tmh10.html?page=7#manual

    Can I still make this recipe in my multi-cooker (it doesn’t have a sauté or plov setting), or should I stick with the stovetop method?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 20, 2023

      Hi Natalie! I have not tested this in a multi-cooker to advise. I assume it could work but you’d have to experiment with it.

      Reply

  • Lori
    March 4, 2023

    Like a few others have noted, mine came out super greasy. I used a pack of stew meat that was slightly marbled and was close to 1.5 lbs. I didn’t drain off the excess fat. Big mistake! With the added butter, it ended up being super greasy. I also used long grain brown rice, but didn’t change the cook time, as some have advised. Also a mistake! The rice was slightly overcooked and mushy. Now that I’m aware of this, I’ll definitely give this recipe another shot. The flavor is wonderful and the meat was nice and tender. The garlic was a great touch. So, beware of make any changes to the recipe as written! DRAIN the meat and cook long grain rice for LESS time!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      March 8, 2023

      HI Lori, I’m glad you’re going to give it another shot. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

  • Bill Porter
    January 14, 2023

    I made this recipe on 01-12-2023 and it was outstanding. I used 2.7 lbs beef versus the 1 lb. for a main dish meal.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 14, 2023

      Hi Bill! Glad you loved the recipe. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  • Meagan
    November 26, 2022

    I have made this 4 times now, always great even if I change the quantities or ingredients a little depending on what I have.
    We have had a refugee from Ukraine with us for three months, and before their arrival I looked up recipes for them to make them feel at home, and I found your site. This and the buckwheat recipes were a huge success from day 1. When I opened the lid of the pot after my first batch he smelled it and said something into google translate. When he showed me it said « home ». Thanks for the recipes 🙂

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 26, 2022

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Meagan! How kind of you to take people in & make them food from their home country! Blessings to you!

      Reply

  • Tanya
    November 10, 2022

    Will it make a difference if I use long grain brown rice instead of short grain? Thank you.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 10, 2022

      Hi Tanya! I haven’t tested this with long-grain brown rice so keep in mind if you are substituting- long grain requires a little less water and also may cook slightly faster than short grain.

      Reply

  • KimT
    October 28, 2022

    My husband would like me to make this using ground beef. Will that work?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 28, 2022

      I think it could work with some adjustments, Kim. But you’d have to experiment with it.

      Reply

  • Ned
    September 30, 2022

    This recipe was super easy and soooo GOOD! All I had was long grain brown rice so I followed another reviewers comment to double the recipe (because we love leftovers) and use a 1:1 ratio of rice to water (5 cups rice and 5 cups water), doubled seasonings, forgot to double the carrots so I added frozen peas mixed in after pressure cooking. I also just used baby carrots chopped into rounds. I used stew meat that was still very wet from being thawed in water so I made sure to drain all the water after I browned the meat so as not to mess with rice to water ratio. I wonder if I can make an “Asian” version of this by just changing the seasonings???

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 1, 2022

      Hi Ned, I have not tried making this recipe with seasonings that will make it a more Asian dish. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.

      Reply

  • Maria
    September 28, 2022

    I finally got an instant pot and this was the first recipe I tried! My instant pot sauté option wasn’t consistent with the heat so my meat didn’t get a good sear. Overall I trusted the process and the result was delicious! Followed step by step. Next time I think i’ll sear the meat in a skillet. My picky husband and kids approved of this recipe! It’s delicious and oh so healthy! Will keep this on rotation for dinners at my house, thank you Natasha!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 29, 2022

      Thanks for sharing, Maria! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe.

      Reply

  • Alena
    September 26, 2022

    Made this a few times already. But I’m having a large company over this weekend can I double this recipe or should I make 2 different portions separately ?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 26, 2022

      Hi Alena, I haven’t doubled this personally, but I would keep the time the same if doubling. One of my readers doubled it and reported the following: “I did do 2 lb of beef and doubled all seasonings. I also did 5cups of rice and 5 cups of water. Fit to a T in the 6QT. Came out perfectly fine.” I hope that helps!

      Reply

  • Jeff
    September 9, 2022

    I made it vegan, 1.5x spices, saute onions & red pepper to start, add cooked beans for meat, and keep carrots chunky. i’ve made it as the recipe says and no matter what so far always delish – I love that it’s so easy, tasty. Thanks for the recipe(s)!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 9, 2022

      That’s great! You’re very welcome. 🙂

      Reply

  • Hannah-Valeria
    July 30, 2022

    Hi! I this recipe with chicken, and it was delicious. I might add of the spices to the recipe, but apart from that, it reminded me of chicken plov that my mom made when I was a child in Kyiv. Thank you very much for the recipe. I couldn’t believe that it came out so well from the pressure cooker. She used to make it in kazan for hours.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 30, 2022

      That’s great! So glad it was delicious. Thank you for the review, Hannah!

      Reply

  • JORDAN ROBERT EISENMAN
    July 28, 2022

    Natasha I have found using more meat had made this a main dish. If anyone lives near a Winco they have the short grain brown rice in the bulk food section for an fyi!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 28, 2022

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Jordan!

      Reply

  • Jcs
    May 29, 2022

    I make this fairly regularly with a few modifications as a one pot main dish. I reduce the rice to 2 cups, water to 2 2/3 cups, and oil and butter to 3 Tbsp each. Then I throw in some frozen peas after the pressure is released to help cool it quickly and add some color. It’s always well received by the family. Thanks for all the great recipes!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 29, 2022

      You’re welcome and thank you for sharing the modifications that you are doing too. That’s helpful!

      Reply

  • Crystal
    April 30, 2022

    Hi Natasha!
    Just discovered you and your hilarious inspiring cooking videos!
    I made your chicken plov last week and now I want to try this beef plov!

    Would long grain basmati brown rice work in this recipe?

    Thank you,
    Crystal

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 30, 2022

      Hi Crystal! Thank you for following. I have not tested this to advise how to alter the recipe (cooking time, liquid, etc…) I always recommend trying a recipe the way it is written for the first time without making substitutions and then adjusting from there in the future.

      Reply

  • Valentina Zubareva
    April 27, 2022

    Made it as per the recipe, but skipped the butter. Used a “Plov” spice mix from the Eastern European grocery store and about 1.25 lbs of meat (might even add a little more next time for a higher meat to rice ratio). Overall tasted great!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 28, 2022

      Hi Valentine, great to hear that you enjoyed the result! Thank you for the review.

      Reply

  • Michele
    April 24, 2022

    Is it ok to use white rice? Due to a medical condition I’m unable to eat brown rice as I’m on a low fiber diet.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 24, 2022

      Hi Michele, I always recommend trying a recipe the way it is written for the first time without making substitutions. I think white rice will work but the timing will be different so you would have to do an experiment on that.

      Reply

  • Shana Fruchter
    April 17, 2022

    Amazing recipe ! I’ve made this following your exact instructions multiple times ! Never fails and so delicious . Question- if I make it with lamb stew instead of beef, would it be the same timing in instant pot ??

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 17, 2022

      Hello Shana, good to hear that you always love this recipe! I haven’t really tested that yet to advise but others shared that they used lamb and it went well. If you would like to do an experiment, please share with us how it goes.

      Reply

  • Jordan Eisenman
    March 27, 2022

    Natasha how would white meat chicken breast work? Have you tried it? I just try to stay off the red meat somewhat!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 27, 2022

      Hi Jordan, I imagine that will work too. I saw someone else commented that they tried chicken thighs and it was great.

      Reply

      • Jordan Eisenman
        March 28, 2022

        It came out awesome! I so wish you would make more instapot recipes! I love interpreting your artwork into yummy food!

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          March 28, 2022

          Hi Jordan! So glad you enjoyed this recipe. We are working on more instant pot recipes in the future but be sure to check out the ones we have currently. There is quite a selection of instant pot recipes.

          Reply

  • Stacey Musiyenko
    March 15, 2022

    I am wanting to make this for dinner and went to Freddys to see if they have the short grain brown rice. The only short grain brown rice they had was sprouted. Is this the same? Would it change the cooking time if I used sprouted short grain brown rice?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 16, 2022

      Hi Stacey, I don’t have any experience using sprouted rice in this recipe, so I can’t make any recommendations. If you experiment, I’d love to know how it turned out!

      Reply

  • Angela Frear
    March 12, 2022

    Made it with chicken thighs. Almost as good as our Turkmani cousin’s!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 12, 2022

      Excellent. Thank you for sharing. I’m happy you enjoyed this recipe.

      Reply

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