Instant Pot Madras Lentils with Ground Beef–lentils, red beans and spices simmered in a creamy tomato sauce. Serve like a chili or over rice.
Get the SLOW COOKER recipe here
Instant Pot Madras Lentils with Ground Beef
When I was at Costco the other day I saw a package of something called Madras Lentils. They looked so good but I didn’t purchase them. Instead I thought to myself, “I bet I can make those from scratch in the Instant Pot.”
I researched a little online and came up with this Instant Pot madras lentils with ground beef recipe. Pretty sure original madras lentils are supposed to be vegetarian but I’m also pretty sure my family would revolt if there wasn’t just a little meat involved.
I love the addition of a little bit of half and half. It makes these lentils just a little creamy. The flavor isn’t too spicy. But if you’re worried you could leave out the jalapeno. You can also cool it down with a dollop of sour cream.
The leftovers are even better than the first day. The flavors get even more married. Try these lentils soon. I think you’ll really enjoy!
More recipes that you’ll love…
Instant Pot Lentil Lemon Chicken Soup
Instant Pot Southwest Shredded Chicken Bowls
Instant Pot Brown Rice Pilaf with Chicken Sausage
Instant Pot Mexican Stuffed Peppers
What Pressure Cooker Did You Use?
To make Instant Pot Madras Lentils with Ground Beef I used my 6 quart Instant Pot Duo 60 7 in 1*. I love this Instant Pot because it has the yogurt making function which I use almost weekly. It has two pressure settings (high and low), and there are also little slots in the handles so that you can rest the lid there instead of putting it down on your counter-top.
Instant Pot Madras Lentils with Ground Beef
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Lentils, red beans and spices simmered in a creamy tomato sauce. Serve like a chili or over rice.Â
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 jalapeno, minced (seeds and pith removed)
- 1 Tbsp garlic
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- â…› tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 (14.5 oz) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup uncooked brown lentils
- 1 (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- ½ cup half and half
- Toppings: grated cheese and diced green onions
Instructions
- Turn your Instant Pot to the saute setting. When the display says HOT add in the ground beef and break it up. Add in the onion and jalapeno. Brown the beef for about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
- Add in the broth and deglaze the pot. Then add in the paprika, cumin, coriander, ginger, sugar, salt, pepper, beans and lentils. Stir. Then dump the tomato sauce, tomato paste on top. Don’t stir.
- Cover and secure the lid. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set the manual/pressure cook button to 10 minutes on high pressure. When the time is up perform a quick release by moving the valve to venting. Remove the lid.
- Stir in the vinegar and the half and half. Salt and pepper to taste.Â
- Serve plain, like a chili, or on top of rice with grated cheddar and diced green onions.Â
Notes
I used my 6 quart Instant Pot Duo 60 7 in 1*.
- Category: Beef
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Indian
*Karen Petersen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Can I use red lentils? Bought a big bag at Costco (what was I thinking?!?!) & trying to find ways to use it up. Thanks.
Red lentils cook a lot quicker than green/brown lentils. I would only use a 3 minute cooking time for red lentils.
My hubby is a vegetarian, and this looks like it could be great alternative to purchased versions. Any difference in settings if I leave out the hamburger?
You might not need as much seasonings since the salt and other seasonings are used to season the meat. I would half the seasonings and then add in more later if it needs it!
We love it! Quick and easy in the Instant Pot. Glad to see directions for slow cooker too.
I have omitted the jalapeno & used 1 – 15 oz can of tomato sauce with spices as given. Flavorful spicy, but not hot. I IP for 15 min on high pressure. So much better than Tasty Bite, more protein and less expensive.
★★★★★
I agree Donna!
I finally made this and it was excellent! I substituted coconut milk for the sugar and half & half, and used diced tomatoes w/green chilis for the tomato sauce. Served with rice. My hubby came up with the brilliant idea to use the leftovers for nachos! It was simple to reheat, sprinkled a little shredded cheese on top, served with corn chips! So good! This recipe is a keeper!! Thank you!!
★★★★★
I love the idea of corn chips! Yay!
This was good. Since I live in a high altitude state, cooked it for 11 minutes and let it sit for 5 minutes before releasing the pressure. It had a few chewy lentils, but it was still good. May cut the smoked paprika and cumin down to 1 1/2 tsp. next time.
★★★★★
I’m glad it worked out for you at high altitude. That can get tricky!
Very good. Could be served as chili but I served over rice. Will make again. Yum
We liked it over rice too!
An you make it in a crock pot?
here is the slow cooker version:https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/slow-cooker-madras-lentils-with-ground-beef/
I will try it. I got the Costco version and was not impressed. I am sure this is much better.
Oh really? I’m glad I didn’t buy it!
I am going to make this! I bought it at Costco. So good but not enough for everyone. Sounds so yummy.
Oh good! I hope you like it. I ate the leftovers for lunch and it was tasty!