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.