Go Back
Instant Pot Beef Biryani with fluffy basmati rice, tender beef chunks, and fresh cilantro and mint garnish on a white plate.
Sonia Khan

Easy Instant Pot Beef Biryani Recipe (One-Pot & Foolproof)

Instant Pot Beef Biryani Recipe is a flavorful one-pot meal made with tender beef, fragrant basmati rice, warm spices, and herbs. It gives you the rich taste of traditional biryani in a faster and easier way, making it perfect for busy days when you still want a hearty homemade dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian, pakistani
Calories: 460
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ pounds beef cut into small cubes
  • 2 cups basmati rice rinsed and soaked for 20 minutes
  • 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 2 tomatoes chopped
  • ½ cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
  • 2 green chilies sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 to 3 green cardamom pods
  • 2 cloves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 cups water or broth
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Equipment

  • instant pot
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the oil or ghee.
  2. Add the sliced onion and cook until golden brown.
  3. Stir in the ginger garlic paste and green chilies, then cook for about 30 seconds.
  4. Add the beef and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until it changes color.
  5. Add the chopped tomatoes, yogurt, salt, black pepper, red chili powder, turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, cinnamon stick, cardamom, cloves, and bay leaf.
  6. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring well so the beef gets coated in the spices.
  7. Pour in the water or broth and mix well.
  8. Cancel sauté mode, cover the Instant Pot, and pressure cook on high for 20 minutes.
  9. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
  10. Open the lid and add the soaked and drained basmati rice.
  11. Gently stir, then add the chopped cilantro, mint, and lemon juice.
  12. Close the lid again and pressure cook on high for 6 minutes.
  13. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
  14. Fluff the biryani gently with a fork and serve warm.

Notes

  • Soaking the basmati rice helps it cook more evenly and stay fluffy.
  • Cut the beef into small even pieces so it becomes tender faster.
  • You can use broth instead of water for deeper flavor.
  • Do not stir too much after adding the rice, or it may break and turn mushy.
  • Serve with raita, salad, or pickles for a complete meal.