The Best Instant Pot Chili Recipe

Introduction

Chili is the ultimate comfort food, and when made in an Instant Pot, it becomes even more convenient, flavorful, and easy to prepare. The Best Instant Pot Chili combines the richness of seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, and a mixture of flavorful vegetables, all cooked together in the pressure cooker to create a savory, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a party, this Instant Pot chili will become your go-to recipe. Best of all, it’s quick, easy, and packed with layers of deep, bold flavors that everyone will love.

This recipe takes traditional chili ingredients and infuses them with a blend of spices that make the dish extra savory, while the Instant Pot ensures that everything cooks in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop chili. With the Instant Pot’s ability to pressure cook, this chili turns out rich, flavorful, and perfectly textured every time. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can customize it with your favorite beans, meats, and toppings, making it a perfect recipe for any palate.

Why You’ll Love The Best Instant Pot Chili

• Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot dramatically reduces the cooking time, making this chili ready in under an hour—no long simmering required. You can have a piping hot, flavorful chili in a fraction of the time, without sacrificing any taste.
• Rich, Flavorful, and Hearty: The combination of beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices cooks to perfection, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. The pressure cooking process enhances the flavors, creating a chili that tastes like it’s been simmering all day long.
• Customizable: This chili recipe is completely customizable to your taste preferences. You can adjust the spice level, swap beans, or even change up the protein. It’s a flexible recipe that can be made to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Instant Pot chili stores and reheats beautifully, making it a perfect choice for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and enjoy leftovers for several days, or freeze individual portions for a quick meal later.
• One-Pot Meal: The Instant Pot does all the hard work, so there’s no need for multiple pans or complicated steps. You sauté the ingredients, add everything into the pot, and let the pressure cooker do the rest. Cleanup is a breeze.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes (including the pressure-cooking time)
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories, depending on serving size and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 8-10g
• Sugar: 4-5g

Ingredients

For the Chili:

• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (or your choice of beans, drained and rinsed)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans (or your choice of beans, drained and rinsed)
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter version)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)

For Toppings (optional):

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Fresh cilantro (chopped)
• Jalapeño slices
• Tortilla chips
• Green onions (chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Beef and Vegetables

Start by turning on the Instant Pot and setting it to the “Sauté” mode. Add the olive oil to the inner pot and let it heat up. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.

Next, add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot. Break up the meat using a wooden spoon, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the meat is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed, especially if you’re using a fattier cut of beef.

2. Add the Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth

Once the beef is cooked, add in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir everything together to combine.

Next, add the drained beans. You can use any combination of beans you prefer—kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, or even white beans. This gives the chili both texture and a hearty base.

3. Season the Chili

Now it’s time to add the spices that will give your chili that signature flavor. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like your chili with a bit of heat, add hot sauce to taste. The spices create a well-rounded, robust flavor profile that complements the rich meat and beans.

If you want to add a touch of sweetness to balance the spices, you can include a tablespoon of brown sugar. This step is optional but adds a depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the chili.

4. Pressure Cook the Chili

Once all the ingredients are added and well-mixed, close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. The pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the countdown starts.

After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure. Open the lid when it’s safe to do so.

5. Stir and Serve

After the chili has finished cooking and the pressure has been released, give the chili a good stir. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to fit your flavor preferences.

Serve the chili hot with your favorite toppings. Common toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, jalapeño slices, and green onions. You can also serve the chili with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for extra crunch.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chili

• Brown the Meat Well: Browning the beef (or other protein) before pressure cooking helps develop deep, savory flavors. Don’t rush this step, as it adds richness to the chili.
• Use High-Quality Broth: The broth you use will significantly impact the overall flavor of the chili. Use homemade beef broth or a high-quality store-bought version for the best results.
• Adjust the Heat Level: If you like your chili spicy, feel free to increase the amount of hot sauce, chili powder, or even add chopped fresh chilies to the pot. Conversely, if you prefer a milder chili, you can omit the hot sauce or reduce the chili powder.
• Add More Vegetables: You can easily add more vegetables to the chili for added nutrition and flavor. Bell peppers, carrots, or even zucchini work well in chili. Just chop them finely and sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the meat.
• Make It Smoky: If you love smoky flavors, consider adding a few dashes of liquid smoke or using smoked paprika for a more pronounced smoky taste.
• Customize the Beans: If you have a favorite bean, feel free to mix and match. White beans, pinto beans, or garbanzo beans are all great options for this recipe.
• Thicken the Chili: If your chili is too thin, you can thicken it by stirring in a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with water. Alternatively, let the chili simmer for a few extra minutes on the sauté function to reduce and thicken it naturally.

Variations of The Best Instant Pot Chili

• Vegetarian Instant Pot Chili: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and use extra beans or vegetables like corn, bell peppers, and zucchini. You can also add meat alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or plant-based crumbles.
• Turkey Chili: For a lighter option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey. It will still be hearty and flavorful, especially when paired with beans and the right seasoning.
• Chili with Bacon: Add some crumbled bacon to your chili for an extra smoky flavor. Simply sauté the bacon with the onions and garlic at the beginning of the recipe.
• Beef and Sausage Chili: For a more complex flavor, add in some Italian sausage or chorizo along with the ground beef. The sausage adds extra spice and richness to the chili.

Storage and Shelf Life

The Best Instant Pot Chili is perfect for leftovers and meal prep:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The chili will taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld together.
• Freezing: This chili freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Side Dishes and Pairings for The Best Instant Pot Chili

• Cornbread: A classic pairing with chili, cornbread provides a slightly sweet and crumbly texture that complements the richness of the chili. Serve it warm with a pat of butter for the ultimate comfort meal.
• Rice: Serve the chili over a bed of fluffy rice for a more substantial meal. The rice will soak up the chili’s flavorful broth.
• Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the warmth and heaviness of the chili. Opt for a simple salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette.
• Tortilla Chips: Serve the chili with tortilla chips for extra crunch. You can also sprinkle cheese on top of the chips and bake them for a nacho-inspired side dish.

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Conclusion

The Best Instant Pot Chili is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal on a cold day or preparing food for a party, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience. The Instant Pot makes the process quick and hands-off, while still producing a chili that’s rich, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. With customizable ingredients, versatile toppings, and the ability to make it in advance, this chili is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s the best!