How to Cook Ground Pork in the Instant Pot for Quick and Easy Meals

Ground pork is an extremely versatile protein that can be used in many quick and easy instant pot recipes With the right techniques, ingredients and seasonings, ground pork cooked in the instant pot results in meals that are tender, moist and packed with flavor in a fraction of the time of traditional cooking methods

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about cooking ground pork in the instant pot.

Benefits of Cooking Ground Pork in the Instant Pot

Using an instant pot to cook ground pork provides several advantages

Speed – The high pressure environment of the instant pot allows ground pork to cook very quickly, often in less than 30 minutes compared to over an hour with traditional braising or simmering. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavor infused – The closed environment traps steam and moisture, forcing it to be reabsorbed into the meat. This keeps ground pork extra moist and tender. Spices and seasoning also get infused directly into the meat.
Easy cleanup – With just one pot to clean up, using the instant pot for ground pork recipes cuts down on dishes. No need for multiple pans or baking dishes.
Safety – Ground meats require being cooked to a safe internal temperature to eliminate foodborne illnesses. The instant pot gets ground pork up to temperature quickly and maintains it throughout cooking.
Versatility – Ground pork can be substituted in many classic instant pot recipes that call for other ground meats like beef or turkey. The mild yet slightly sweet flavor of pork pairs well with a wide range of seasonings and ingredients.

Tips for Cooking Ground Pork in the Instant Pot

Follow these tips when cooking ground pork in your instant pot:

Select the right cut – Choose ground pork that is at least 80% lean. Too much fat can make the end result greasy. Ground pork shoulder or pork butt are good choices.
Cook in batches – For best results, cook ground pork in batches no larger than 1 pound. This allows it to brown evenly and prevents clumping. For larger recipes, brown pork in batches then combine.
Dry meat before browning – Be sure ground pork is patted dry before browning. Excess moisture will cause it to steam instead of brown.
Partially freeze – For easy crumbling, freeze ground pork for 20-30 minutes before sautéing.
Sauté before pressure cooking – Browning ground pork before pressure cooking enhances flavor. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, breaking up meat, until no pink remains.
Drain excess fat – After browning pork, drain excess fat from pot before pressure cooking or the dish may end up greasy.
Use a natural release – Allow pressure to release naturally (NPR) for at least 10 minutes before quick releasing remaining pressure. This prevents pork from being tough or dry.
Check for doneness – Pork should reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F. Check temperature with an instant read thermometer before serving.

Flavorful Instant Pot Ground Pork Recipes

The mild flavor and versatility of ground pork pairs well with a variety of ingredients and global cuisine flavors. Here are top-rated instant pot ground pork recipes to try:

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Pork

This 5-ingredient honey garlic pork recipe is sweet, savory and ready in just 20 minutes! Ground pork is browned then cooked with minced garlic, soy sauce, honey and rice for a saucy, Asian-inspired dish. Wrapping the meat and rice in lettuce gives a fresh crunch.

Cooking time: 5 minutes at high pressure, plus 5 minute natural pressure release

Instant Pot Pork Vindaloo

In this flavor-packed pork vindaloo recipe, ground pork is simmered with traditional Indian spices like cumin, coriander, cayenne, paprika and cinnamon. Diced potatoes are added to soak up the richly spiced curry sauce known as vindaloo.

Cooking time: 10 minutes at high pressure, quick pressure release

BBQ Pulled Pork

Turn ground pork into tangy, sweet pulled pork in the instant pot! Pork is cooked with barbecue sauce, spices and chicken broth until fall-apart tender. Shred the pork and serve on buns or over rice.

Cooking time: 35-40 minutes at high pressure, natural pressure release

Instant Pot Pork Banh Mi

Inspired by the Vietnamese sandwich, this tasty instant pot pork banh mi features ground pork cooked with seasonings like fish sauce, lime, ginger and garlic. The pork is stuffed into a baguette and topped with pickled vegetables, cilantro and Sriracha mayo.

Cooking time: 8 minutes at high pressure, quick pressure release

Italian Meatballs

Ground pork makes the ultimate instant pot meatballs! Pork is combined with breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan and Italian seasoning before forming into balls. Meatballs cook in a simple tomato basil sauce until perfectly tender.

Cooking time: 5 minutes at high pressure, quick pressure release

Sweet & Sour Pork

Ground pork is transformed into sweet and sour pork with chunks of onion, bell pepper and pineapple in a tangy sauce. It’s finished with a slurry to thicken the flavorful sauce. Serve over rice.

Cooking time: 4 minutes at high pressure, quick pressure release

Thai Pork Lettuce Wraps

These Thai-style lettuce wraps are made with ground pork cooked with red curry paste, coconut milk, fish sauce, lime and ginger. It’s served spooned into lettuce leaves and topped with peanuts and mint.

Cooking time: 4 minutes at high pressure, quick pressure release

Pork Tacos

Simple yet so satisfying! Ground pork is seasoned with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, oregano and cumin before pressure cooking. The shredded pork is stuffed into warm tortillas and topped with your favorite taco toppings.

Cooking time: 15 minutes at high pressure, natural pressure release

Pressure Cooker Carnitas

Transform ground pork into carnitas! Pork is cooked with orange juice, lime, garlic and Mexican oregano until fork-tender and ready for shredding. The juicy carnitas pork is perfect in tacos, burritos and more.

Cooking time: 35 minutes at high pressure, natural pressure release

Instant Pot Pork Ragu

A rich, meaty pasta sauce is made by braising ground pork and pork sausage meat in tomatoes, red wine, herbs and seasonings. The hearty ragu sauce is perfect ladled over pasta or polenta.

Cooking time: 8 minutes at high pressure, quick pressure release

Helpful Tips for Adapting Recipes

Many traditional recipes can be adapted for the instant pot using ground pork. Follow these tips:

Reduce liquids slightly since there is less evaporation.
Add 5-10 minutes to any recipe’s cook time if using frozen ground pork.
Use quick release instead of natural for soups, stews or chilis to prevent overcooking vegetables.
When doubling recipes, add 5 minutes to the original cook time for every pound of pork added.
For dishes with pasta or grains, cook them separately to al dente and add to instant pot for final minutes to heat through.

Best Practices for Safely Cooking Ground Pork

Properly handling and cooking ground pork reduces the risk of foodborne illness.

Purchase fresh – Select ground pork that looks red and moist, not brown or slimy. Use within 2 days or freeze.
Store at 40°F or below – Keep ground pork refrigerated at all times and freeze for longer storage.
Thaw safely – Thaw frozen ground pork overnight in the fridge. Do not thaw at room temperature or in hot water.
Marinate in the refrigerator – When marinating ground pork, always do so in the fridge in a covered dish. Never marinate on the counter.
Cook to 160°F – Use a food thermometer to ensure ground pork reaches an internal temperature of at least 160°F.
Clean prep tools and surfaces – Use a bleach based spray to sanitize any tools, cutting boards, counters etc that touched raw pork.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours – Bacteria spreads rapidly at room temperature. Refrigerate any leftovers containing pork within 2 hours.

The Perfect Instant Pot Pork Meal

Ground pork cooked in the instant pot makes for quick and effortless meals any night of the week. For a perfect meal, pair with rice, pasta or potatoes and add a steamed or raw vegetable side. Serve with condiments like hot sauce, barbecue or ranch sauce for topping. Enjoy ground pork’s versatility in the instant pot!

Easy Ground Pork Recipe that my Kids and Husband Loves | One Pot Cooking | Last Minute Meals

FAQ

How to steam ground pork in Instant Pot?

Put a trivet over the pork, then an instant pot friendly pan or container. Put rice and water in the pan that is now over the trivet and the pork. Put the lid on the instant pot and set to high pressure for 8 minutes. Quick release the pressure and remove the trivet and pan of rice.

How long does it take to fully cook ground pork?

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Add the seasoned ground pork to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully cooked and nicely browned. Use the cooked ground pork in various dishes or enjoy it on its own!

Can you cook pork too long in instant pot?

While it is possible to overcook pulled pork in the Instant Pot, it’s very unlikely if you are using pork shoulder or butt.

How long to cook raw meat in Instant Pot?

Meat	Cooking Time (minutes)
Beef, meat ball	5 per 450 g / 1 lb
Beef, dressed	20 – 25 per 450 g / 1 lb
Beef (pot roast, steak, rump, round, chuck, blade or brisket) Small Chunks	15-20 per 450 g / 1 lb
Beef (pot roast, steak, rump, round, chuck, blade or brisket) Large Chunks	20-25 per 450 g / 1 lb

How do you cook a pork roast in an Instant Pot?

To cook a pork roast in an Instant Pot, rub the seasoning all over the pork first. Then, turn on the saute mode and add the cooking oil. Brown the pork roast on both sides in the pot, about 3 minutes each. Turn off the Instant Pot and remove the roast. Add water to the pot and whisk any browned bits from the bottom.

How do you cook ground pork in an Instant Pot?

An easy and versatile ground pork casserole packed with vegetables. Using browning setting on Instant Pot or slow cooker, brown meat, onion, and celery in olive oil. (If your device doesn’t have a browning setting, use large frying pan over medium-high heat.) Combine meat mixture, potatoes, carrots, peas, and corn in Instant Pot or slow cooker.

How to cook a pork loin in an Instant Pot?

To cook a pork loin in an Instant Pot, first, add 1 – 2 tbsp olive oil (15 – 30ml) to the inner pot and coat the bottom. Pat dry the pork loin with a paper towel, then season one side with kosher salt and black pepper. Place the pork loin in the Instant Pot, with the seasoned side facing down, and brown the first side for 4 minutes.

How do you cook pork ribs in an Instant Pot?

Add broth to Instant Pot and scrape all bits from the bottom of the pot. Add vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Place trivet in the Instant Pot and set pork, fat side up, on top of trivet. Secure lid, turn valve to seal. Set pressure cooker to “pressure cook” or “manual” (depending on model), high pressure, for 27 minutes.