Instant Pot Keto Indian Spiced Ground Beef Kheema
A fragrant Indian ground beef dish cooked with aromatic whole spices like cinnamon and cardamom, enhanced with garam masala and warming spices. This pressure cooker version delivers authentic flavors in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. The recipe easily adapts for keto diets by omitting peas and onions, while maintaining the rich, complex taste that makes kheema a beloved comfort food across Indian households.
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen peasfresh peas1:1seasonal
use fresh when available
- 1 cup onionsshallots1:1milder
sweeter flavor profile
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 4 pieces cinnamon sticks
- 4 pods cardamom
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon cayenne
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ cup water
- ghee or oil
Instructions
- 1
Set frozen peas out to thaw if using
- 2
Turn Instant Pot to Saute on high
- 3
When display reads HOT, add ghee or oil
- 4
Add cinnamon sticks and cardamom when ghee is hot and shimmering, let sizzle for 10 seconds
- 5
Add onions, garlic and ginger, cook for 3-5 minutes
- 6
Add ground beef and saute to break up clumps, about 3-4 minutes
- 7
Add spices and water, close Instant Pot
- 8
Cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes
- 9
Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes
- 10
Release remaining pressure
- 11
Mix in peas if using, let heat through and serve
Tips
Toast whole spices like cinnamon and cardamom in hot oil first to release maximum flavor before adding other ingredients.
Break up ground beef thoroughly during sauteing to ensure even cooking and better spice distribution throughout the dish.
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 3 days in airtight container
Can be made 1 day ahead, reheat gently
Serve hot over cauliflower rice or with naan bread
Common Mistakes
Add spices after browning meat to prevent burning and bitter flavors
Use natural pressure release to keep meat tender and prevent overcooking
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
sweeter flavor profile
FAQ
Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
Yes, brown ingredients in a heavy pot, add liquid, simmer covered for 20-30 minutes until beef is tender and flavors meld.
What if I don't have garam masala?
Mix equal parts ground cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper with a pinch of cloves and nutmeg as a substitute.
How long will this keep in the freezer?
Freeze up to 3 months in portions, thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently on stovetop.