Name: Easy Instant Pot Keema Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 medium onion (peeled and chopped into eights); 5 garlic cloves (peeled); 1/2 inch ginger (peeled and cut into a few pieces); 1-2 small green chili peppers (stems removed and roughly chopped); 1 small to medium tomato (quartered); 2 tbsp cilantro leaves (finely chopped); ½ tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional); 1 tsp cumin seeds; 2 tsp coriander powder; 1 tsp cumin powder; 1/2 tsp turmeric powder; 1/2 tsp red chili powder (or to taste); 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional); 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt (or to taste); ½-1 tsp garam masala; 2 tbsp whole milk yogurt; 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular); 1/4 cup neutral oil (such as avocado or grapeseed)

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If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dish that comes together quickly with minimal fuss, this Easy Instant Pot Keema Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Rich ground beef mingled with a vibrant blend of spices, garlicky onions, and a touch of creamy yogurt—cooked perfectly in the Instant Pot—gives you comfort in every bite. This recipe captures the essence of traditional keema while making it effortlessly modern and accessible any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate holds two pieces of light brown naan bread at the bottom right, with a mound of seasoned ground meat mixed with green herbs and sliced green chilies placed above it. A small wedge of lime rests on the right side of the meat. Above the plate, there is a small white bowl containing white yogurt garnished with chopped green herbs and a spoon inside it. To the left and slightly above, a smaller white plate contains red chili flakes. At the bottom left, a larger white bowl filled with more of the seasoned ground meat sits on a white marbled surface, with a spoon partially visible in it. Small bits of green herbs are scattered around the plates. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Easy Instant Pot Keema Recipe lies in its simple, approachable ingredients that combine to create complex flavors and a wonderful texture. Each element plays a crucial role, from the warmth of cumin seeds to the bright punch of fresh cilantro.

Medium onion (peeled and chopped into eights): Provides a sweet, savory base that caramelizes beautifully, enhancing depth of flavor.
Garlic cloves (5, peeled): Essential for aromatic pungency that wakes up the palate.
Ginger (1/2 inch, peeled and cut): Adds subtle warmth and zing, balancing richness.
Neutral oil (1/4 cup, such as avocado or grapeseed): Perfect for sautéing without overpowering other tastes.
Cumin seeds (1 tsp): Sizzle these first for a nutty, earthy aroma that defines this dish.
Small green chili peppers (1-2, stemmed and roughly chopped): Bring gentle heat and freshness.
Small to medium tomato (quartered): Adds acidity and a touch of sweetness to round out flavors.
Ground beef (1 lb, lean or regular): The hearty protein base that absorbs spices beautifully.
Ground coriander (2 tsp): Offers a lemony herbal note, brightening the meat.
Ground cumin (1 tsp): Enhances earthiness alongside the seeds.
Turmeric powder (1/2 tsp): Brings vibrant color and subtle warmth.
Red chili powder (1/2 tsp, or to taste): Adds a deeper, smoky heat dimension.
Red chili flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): For a bit of extra fiery kick if you like spice.
Freshly ground black pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds sharpness to balance richness.
Kosher salt (1 1/4 tsp, or to taste): Essential for enhancing and balancing all flavors.
Whole milk yogurt (2 tbsp): Stirred in at the end for creaminess and a slight tang.
Cilantro leaves (2 tbsp, finely chopped): Fresh herbaceous finish that lifts the dish.
Garam masala (½-1 tsp): The final spice blend that adds warmth and complexity.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice (½ tsp, optional): Adds brightness and a hint of acidity to balance richness.

How to Make Easy Instant Pot Keema Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Aromatics

Start by placing the onion, garlic, and ginger in your food processor and pulse until finely chopped but not pureed — this keeps the texture nice and rustic. If you prefer, chop the onion separately, then pulse the garlic and ginger together to get them perfectly minced. This fragrant base is where the magic of your keema truly begins.

Step 2: Temper the Spices

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté on the More or High setting. Once you see “Hot” on the screen, add the oil followed by the cumin seeds. Listen to that delightful sizzle as the seeds pop, releasing their nutty aroma. This step intensifies the flavor and creates a beautiful foundation for the dish.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics

Add your prepared onion mixture to the Instant Pot, stirring frequently as it sautés until lightly browned, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Meanwhile, pulse your tomatoes and green chili peppers roughly in the food processor – the fresh veggies add juicy brightness and heat, perfectly complementing the rich meat.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Deglaze the pot with a splash of water to lift up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Then add the ground beef, breaking it apart as you cook until it changes color, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step ensures the meat cooks evenly and absorbs all those wonderful flavors from the sautéed onion and spices.

Step 5: Add Spices and Simmer

Mix in the tomato and chili pepper mixture along with coriander, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, red chili flakes if using, ground black pepper, and salt. Stir well, making sure to deglaze any remaining bits on the pot’s bottom. There is no need to add extra water as the tomato mixture will provide sufficient moisture for cooking.

Step 6: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Cancel the Sauté mode, close, and seal the Instant Pot lid. Set it to Pressure Cook on High for 10 minutes. After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually. This step locks in flavors and tenderizes the meat beautifully.

Step 7: Finish with Yogurt and Fresh Flavors

Switch the Instant Pot back to Sauté on High and stir in the yogurt. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the meat becomes glossy and any excess moisture evaporates, about 6 to 7 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and spices as needed before finishing with a sprinkle of garam masala, chopped cilantro, and a splash of lemon juice if you like a hint of citrus brightness.

How to Serve Easy Instant Pot Keema Recipe

A bowl filled with textured brown minced meat mixed with small bits of green herbs and mild red spices, topped lightly with fresh green cilantro pieces, sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface; scattered small green herb pieces surround the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing your keema with fresh cilantro leaves adds an instant pop of color and bright herbal notes that contrast perfectly with the spiced meat. A drizzle of creamy yogurt or a wedge of lemon on the side can also bring some coolness and acidity to each flavorful bite.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread that you can tear and scoop. If you want a lighter option, try serving it alongside a simple cucumber raita or a crisp salad of fresh tomatoes and onions to keep things fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your keema into a filling by spooning it into soft pita pockets or stuffing bell peppers for a colorful meal that’s both fun and satisfying. You can even use it as a topping for baked potatoes or swirl it into a savory puff pastry for party-perfect appetizers. The possibilities are endless when you have this flavorful keema on hand!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Easy Instant Pot Keema Recipe to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making your next meal even more delicious.

Freezing

This keema freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic meal prep option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, then freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your keema in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth will help loosen it up and prevent drying out. Microwave reheating works, too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between intervals for even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use other meats besides beef in this Easy Instant Pot Keema Recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily swap in ground lamb, turkey, or chicken. Each will bring its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preference or what you have on hand.

Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat level?

The spice level in this keema is moderate but can definitely be customized. Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder to your liking, or leave out the red chili flakes entirely for a milder dish without sacrificing flavor.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

No worries! You can finely chop the onion, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and chilies by hand. The texture might be a bit chunkier, but the flavors will still come together beautifully.

Can I make this keema vegetarian?

For a vegetarian twist, swap the ground beef for crumbled paneer, tofu, or cooked lentils. While the flavor profile changes slightly, you’ll still enjoy a delicious, hearty dish with the same wonderful spices.

Do I need to use pressure cooking or can I simmer it on the stove?

Pressure cooking speeds up the process and tenderizes the meat wonderfully, but if you prefer, you can simmer the mixture on the stovetop for 30-40 minutes until the flavors meld and the meat is fully cooked. Just keep the lid partially covered and stir occasionally.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Instant Pot Keema Recipe is a total winner in my book—comforting, flavorful, and wonderfully straightforward to make. Whether for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering, it has that perfect balance of spices and rich meatiness that invites everyone back for seconds. I truly hope you try it soon and enjoy this heartwarming dish just as much as I do!