In a small Mixing Bowl, combine all the spice blend ingredients — 2 tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 4 cloves garlic minced, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp dried oregano, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper adjust, 1 ½ tsp kosher salt plus more, and ½ tsp black pepper freshly ground. Stir together and set aside. Having the spices pre-mixed makes the cooking process smooth and ensures even seasoning.

Sort beans and discard any shriveled ones, stones, or debris. Rinse thoroughly in a Colander under cold running water. No soaking needed — pressure cooking works straight from dry. Use roughly 1 lb dried beans to 3–4 cups water or broth. Have aromatics and salt ready; salt can go in at the start.

Add rinsed beans, measured liquid, salt, and aromatics to the inner Pot. Submerge beans fully. Lock the lid and set the steam release valve to Sealing. Select Pressure Cook (or Manual) on High Pressure. Cook times by bean type: black beans ~25 min; larger beans like white kidney or red beans ~35–40 min. When unsure, start low and check after release. Allow 10–15 min for the pot to come to pressure. When the cycle ends, press Cancel and natural release for 20–30 min — do not open the valve immediately. Pressure is fully released when the float valve drops and the lid unlocks. Short on time? Natural release for at least 10 min, then carefully switch to Venting. Open the lid and bite-test a bean — it should be tender with no hard spots. If still firm, seal and pressure cook on High for an additional 10–20 min, then natural release again. Very old beans or hard water can cause stubbornness.

Add the minced 4 cloves garlic minced and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Do not let it burn.

Add the 2 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended to the pot. Break it up with a Wooden Spoon and cook over medium-high heat until fully browned with no pink remaining, about 7–8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat, leaving about 1 tbsp in the pot for flavor.

Sort beans and discard any shriveled ones, stones, or debris. Rinse thoroughly in a Colander under cold running water. No soaking needed — pressure cooking works straight from dry. Use roughly 1 lb dried beans to 3–4 cups water or broth. Have aromatics and salt ready; salt can go in at the start.

Add rinsed beans, measured liquid, salt, and aromatics to the inner Pot. Submerge beans fully. Lock the lid and set the steam release valve to Sealing. Select Pressure Cook (or Manual) on High Pressure. Cook times by bean type: black beans ~25 min; larger beans like white kidney or red beans ~35–40 min. When unsure, start low and check after release. Allow 10–15 min for the pot to come to pressure. When the cycle ends, press Cancel and natural release for 20–30 min — do not open the valve immediately. Pressure is fully released when the float valve drops and the lid unlocks. Short on time? Natural release for at least 10 min, then carefully switch to Venting. Open the lid and bite-test a bean — it should be tender with no hard spots. If still firm, seal and pressure cook on High for an additional 10–20 min, then natural release again. Very old beans or hard water can cause stubbornness.

Pour in the entire spice blend and stir to coat the meat and vegetables. Toast the spices for about 1 minute while stirring — this blooms the spices and dramatically improves depth of flavor.

Sort beans and discard any shriveled ones, stones, or debris. Rinse thoroughly in a Colander under cold running water. No soaking needed — pressure cooking works straight from dry. Use roughly 1 lb dried beans to 3–4 cups water or broth. Have aromatics and salt ready; salt can go in at the start.

Add rinsed beans, measured liquid, salt, and aromatics to the inner Pot. Submerge beans fully. Lock the lid and set the steam release valve to Sealing. Select Pressure Cook (or Manual) on High Pressure. Cook times by bean type: black beans ~25 min; larger beans like white kidney or red beans ~35–40 min. When unsure, start low and check after release. Allow 10–15 min for the pot to come to pressure. When the cycle ends, press Cancel and natural release for 20–30 min — do not open the valve immediately. Pressure is fully released when the float valve drops and the lid unlocks. Short on time? Natural release for at least 10 min, then carefully switch to Venting. Open the lid and bite-test a bean — it should be tender with no hard spots. If still firm, seal and pressure cook on High for an additional 10–20 min, then natural release again. Very old beans or hard water can cause stubbornness.