If you ever crave a bowl of hearty comfort packed with bold flavors and a touch of warmth, this Instant Pot Chili Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Juicy ground beef mingles with tender beans and vibrant tomatoes, seasoned perfectly with a blend of spices that create a cozy, soul-satisfying meal ready in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for friends, this chili delivers on taste, texture, and effortless cooking that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Instant Pot Chili Recipe is simple yet essential, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish truly memorable. From the savory meat to the aromatic spices and rich tomato base, every component plays a key role in achieving that perfect bowl of chili.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and building a flavorful foundation with a subtle fruity note.
- Ground beef (or turkey): Provides richness and hearty protein, with a slightly different texture depending on your choice.
- Onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth, softening to melt beautifully into the chili.
- Garlic, minced: Brings pungent warmth and enhances the savory profile of the dish.
- Bell pepper, diced: Contributes a fresh, slightly sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- Kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Offers creamy texture and classic chili flavor.
- Black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds earthiness and protein, complementing the kidney beans nicely.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): Gives juiciness, acidity, and a bright red hue.
- Tomato sauce: Thickens the chili and deepens the tomato flavor.
- Beef broth (or vegetable broth): Creates a savory liquid base and prevents the chili from drying out.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies tomato richness and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Chili powder: The star spice that brings warmth and classic chili flavor.
- Cumin: Offers earthy undertones and smoky depth.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note that makes the chili irresistible.
- Oregano: Brings herbal freshness that balances the spices.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For a gentle kick of heat if you like it spicy.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate every other ingredient.
How to Make Instant Pot Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode and adding the olive oil. This step is key to building flavor right from the beginning. Once the oil is warm, brown the ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spoon so every bite is nicely textured. If there’s excess fat, drain it for a leaner chili.
Step 2: Soften the Vegetables
Add chopped onion, garlic, and diced bell pepper to the pot. Sauté everything for 2 to 3 minutes until the veggies soften and release their natural sweetness. This combination provides the perfect aromatic base that makes your chili sing.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper if you prefer some heat. Don’t forget salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well so the spices coat the meat and vegetables evenly, creating that signature chili flavor we’re after.
Step 4: Add Tomato Goodness and Broth
Next, stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef or vegetable broth. These liquids marry all the ingredients together and create a rich, saucy consistency that defines a great chili.
Step 5: Incorporate the Beans
Drain and rinse your kidney and black beans before tossing them into the pot. Mixing the beans thoroughly ensures you get that hearty, comforting texture in every spoonful.
Step 6: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Close and secure the Instant Pot lid. Set the cooker to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for 10 minutes. When the cook time finishes, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to get rid of any remaining steam.
Step 7: Final Touches and Taste
Open the lid and give your chili a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—sometimes a little more salt or spice can make it just right. Now, your hearty Instant Pot Chili Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Instant Pot Chili Recipe
Garnishes
The garnish options truly turn a bowl of chili into a personalized feast. Top your chili with shredded cheese that melts into velvety ribbons, a dollop of sour cream for creaminess, sliced green onions for crunch and color, or creamy avocado slices to balance the spice. Each topping adds a unique layer that makes every bite a new delightful experience.
Side Dishes
While the chili is hearty on its own, pairing it with warm cornbread, crunchy tortilla chips, or a light green salad can round out your meal beautifully. These sides offer contrasting textures and flavors to complement the rich, spicy chili flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the traditional bowl! Serve this Instant Pot Chili Recipe over baked potatoes for a robust meal, stuff it into warm pita pockets for a chili sandwich, or layer it over nachos for game-day excitement. These creative presentations make the dish versatile and fun for all occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chili is even better the next day, making leftovers a real treat. Store your chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, creating an even richer taste that’s perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This Instant Pot Chili Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best quality.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your stored chili, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts until hot throughout. To restore some fresh texture, add a splash of broth or water if it becomes too thick.
FAQs
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and increase the beans or add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. Using vegetable broth keeps it fully vegetarian while maintaining rich flavor.
Is it okay to use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. It absorbs the spices and other flavors well, creating a lighter but still satisfying chili.
How spicy is this Instant Pot Chili Recipe?
The recipe strikes a nice balance—flavorful warmth without overwhelming heat. You can always tweak the cayenne pepper amount to suit your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder bowl.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Using dried beans requires extra preparation because they need to be soaked and cooked adequately beforehand. Since this recipe relies on quick cooking in an Instant Pot, canned beans are much more convenient and reliable.
Do I have to use natural pressure release?
Yes, allowing a natural pressure release for 10 minutes helps the chili finish cooking gently and thickens the sauce. It also prevents hot liquid from spurting out during quick release, which can be messy or dangerous.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Chili Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, hearty, and packed with flavor without any fuss. It’s quick enough for busy nights but impressive enough for guests, making it a staple you’ll turn to time and again. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved favorite that always hits the spot.
Print
Instant Pot Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Instant Pot Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that combines ground beef, beans, and a rich blend of spices. Perfect for a quick and comforting dinner, it uses the Instant Pot to speed up the cooking process while developing deep, robust flavors. This chili is adaptable with options for ground turkey and customizable toppings, making it a family-friendly favorite.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the olive oil. This preheats the pot and gets it ready for browning the meat.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the chili from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook briefly to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
- Add Tomato and Broth Mixture: Mix in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef or vegetable broth. Stir everything together to combine well.
- Incorporate Beans: Stir in the drained kidney beans and black beans until thoroughly combined with the tomato and meat mixture.
- Seal and Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the cooker to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode on high pressure for 10 minutes. This allows the chili to cook quickly while blending the flavors.
- Release Pressure: After the cooking cycle ends, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release to let out any remaining steam.
- Finish and Adjust Seasoning: Open the lid and stir the chili. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt or spices if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños during the sauté step.
- Leftovers store well and even taste better the next day once flavors meld further.
- Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and increase beans or add textured vegetable protein.
