Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chili
This Instant Pot chili recipe combines ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices for a flavorful dish that’s ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy home cooks. You’ll appreciate how it simplifies meal prep with minimal chopping and quick pressure cooking. Packed with lean proteins and fiber-rich beans, this meal supports a balanced diet while delivering bold, memorable flavors that stand out from everyday recipes.
One of the best parts is its ease of preparation, allowing you to skip complex steps and focus on family time. It’s also versatile, easily adjusted for gluten-free, vegan, or low-calorie needs without losing that hearty taste. Whether you’re a busy parent or a student, this recipe fits right into your routine with results that feel special every time you serve it.
- Ease of preparation: This Instant Pot chili recipe simplifies meal prep with minimal chopping and a quick pressure cooking time, allowing you to enjoy a hearty dish in under an hour.
- Health benefits: Packed with lean proteins, fiber-rich beans, and a variety of vegetables, this chili supports a balanced diet and boosts wellness through nutrient-dense ingredients.
- Versatility: Easily adaptable to gluten-free, vegan, or low-calorie diets by swapping proteins or adjusting spices without compromising flavor.
- Distinctive flavor: A bold blend of traditional spices combined with umami-rich ingredients creates a rich, memorable taste that stands out from typical chili recipes.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chili
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Instant Pot Chili
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Instant Pot Chili: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Instant Pot Chili
- 5. Mastering Instant Pot Chili: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Instant Pot Chili: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Chili
- 8. Instant Pot Chili
Essential Ingredients for Instant Pot Chili
Creating the perfect Instant Pot chili starts with selecting the right ingredients, which blend together to deliver that comforting, hearty flavor. This recipe focuses on simple, accessible items that make cooking straightforward and enjoyable. By using precise measurements, you ensure every batch turns out just right, whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prep.
Below is a comprehensive list of all the ingredients needed for this Instant Pot chili. Each item is listed with its exact quantity to help you shop and prepare with ease. Remember, you can find more ideas for similar dishes, like our Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, which pairs well with chili for a full meal.
Main Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 900 grams (2 pounds) ground beef (preferably 90% lean)
- 1 finely diced onion
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- One 793-gram (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- Three 227-gram (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- One 425-gram (15-ounce) can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- One 425-gram (15-ounce) can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
Special Dietary Options
For those with specific dietary needs, you can swap ingredients to keep things fresh. For instance, replace ground beef with lentils for a vegan twist, or use gluten-free broth to maintain that authentic taste. These adjustments make the recipe even more flexible for home cooks exploring new flavors.
| Ingredient Type | Original | Substitution Option |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 900 grams ground beef | Lentils or plant-based crumbles |
| Beans | Kidney and pinto beans | Black beans for variety |
| Broth | Beef broth | Vegetable broth for vegan diets |
This setup ensures your Instant Pot chili is not only delicious but also tailored to your lifestyle. For more inspiration on hearty meals, check out our Taco Casserole recipe, which complements the flavors here.
How to Prepare the Perfect Instant Pot Chili: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting started with this Instant Pot chili is all about simple steps that lead to amazing results. Begin by gathering your ingredients, as outlined above, to make the process smooth and fun. Sauté the olive oil and brown the ground beef first, then add the onion and cook until it’s softened for that perfect base flavor.
Once that’s done, stir in the garlic, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, beef broth, and all the spices and beans. Seal your Instant Pot and set it to cook on the chili or high-pressure setting for 20 minutes. After cooking, release the pressure carefully and serve with toppings like shredded cheese or green onions.
- First Step: Prepare all ingredients by dicing onions, mincing garlic, and measuring spices to streamline cooking.
- Second Step: Select the ‘Sauté’ function on the Instant Pot; cook onions and garlic in a bit of oil until translucent.
- Third Step: Add ground beef or the chosen protein, browning thoroughly while breaking it apart.
- Fourth Step: Stir in chili powder, cumin, and other seasonings until fragrant.
- Fifth Step: Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and broth to the pot; mix well.
- Sixth Step: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to ‘Manual’ on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Seventh Step: Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before quick releasing remaining pressure.
- Eighth Step: Open lid carefully; adjust seasoning to taste and simmer with ‘Sauté’ if a thicker consistency is desired.
- Final Step: Serve hot with optional garnishes such as cheese, cilantro, or avocado, accommodating dietary preferences as needed.
This method keeps things quick and ensures a flavorful outcome every time. For more tips on pressure cooking, visit the Instant Pot official site to learn about their features.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Instant Pot Chili
Making Instant Pot chili your own is easy with a few smart swaps. For example, replace ground beef with lentils or textured vegetable protein to go vegan while keeping that hearty feel. You can also switch kidney beans for black or pinto beans to change up the texture without losing the dish’s charm.
Other tweaks include adding veggies like bell peppers for extra nutrients or using vegetable broth for a plant-based version. If you’re aiming for a lighter meal, try ground turkey instead of beef and cut back on oils. These changes let you enjoy Instant Pot chili in a way that fits your daily routine.
- Protein and Main Component Alternatives: Replace ground beef with lentils or textured vegetable protein for a vegan-friendly chili.
- Substitute kidney beans with black or pinto beans to vary texture and flavor.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner protein option.
- Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra nutrients and seasonal variety.
- Swap traditional broth for vegetable broth to keep the dish plant-based.
- Adjust seasoning blends to include smoked paprika, chipotle, or cocoa powder for unique flavor twists.
This flexibility makes Instant Pot chili a go-to recipe for any occasion, as shared in our blog’s mission to inspire simple cooking.
Mastering Instant Pot Chili: Advanced Tips and Variations
Taking your Instant Pot chili to the next level involves a few pro techniques that enhance flavor and presentation. Start by browning the meat thoroughly on the ‘Sauté’ function to build deeper tastes through simple reactions in the pot. You can also experiment with additions like a splash of coffee for extra depth or dark chocolate to enrich the overall profile.
When it comes to serving, think about plating in rustic bowls with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for that eye-catching finish. If you’re planning ahead, prepare the chili in batches and store it for busy days ahead. For more ideas on variations, our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf offers complementary flavors that pair well.
- Pro cooking techniques: Brown meat thoroughly using the ‘Sauté’ function to develop deeper flavor through Maillard reactions.
- Flavor variations: Experiment by adding a splash of coffee or dark chocolate to enrich the chili’s complexity.
- Presentation tips: Serve in rustic bowls garnished with fresh herbs, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for visual appeal.
- Make-ahead options: Prepare chili in advance and refrigerate or freeze in portioned containers to simplify mealtime during busy days.
How to Store Instant Pot Chili: Best Practices
Proper storage keeps your Instant Pot chili tasting great for days or even months. After cooking, let it cool slightly before placing it in sealed containers. This step helps maintain the flavors and textures you worked hard to create.
For quick meals, refrigeration works well, holding the chili fresh for up to 4 days. If you’re freezing, divide it into portions for easy reheating later. Check out more storage tips on sites like Allrecipes for additional ideas.
- Refrigeration: Store chili in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Portion chili into freezer-safe bags or containers; freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw overnight in refrigerator or microwave directly; reheat on stove or Instant Pot ‘Sauté’ mode to maintain texture and flavor.
- Meal prep considerations: Use batch cooking with multiple recipes at once for convenient future meals.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Chili
How do I make chili in an Instant Pot step-by-step?
To make chili in an Instant Pot, start by sautéing ground beef and diced onions directly in the pot until the meat is browned and onions are soft. Next, add spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, followed by two types of beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything well, then seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to the Chili or Manual mode for about 20 minutes. After cooking, release pressure carefully and stir before serving. This method ensures flavorful chili with minimal hands-on time.
How long does it take to cook chili in an Instant Pot including prep?
Cooking chili in an Instant Pot takes roughly 35 to 45 minutes total. About 10-15 minutes are used for sautéing the beef and onions, followed by 20 minutes of pressure cooking. Pressure release can be done manually or naturally, which affects total time—manual release takes only a few minutes, while natural release adds about 10 more minutes. This cooking speed makes the Instant Pot a quick option for hearty chili.
How can I prevent the Instant Pot burn error when making chili?
To avoid the burn error, first sauté the meat and onions thoroughly, then add all liquid ingredients — tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth — before sealing the pot. Stir well, and let the mixture simmer briefly on Saute mode until it comes to a gentle boil. This helps prevent thick tomato residues from sticking to the bottom. Avoid thickening agents or powders before pressure cooking. These steps reduce the chance of scorching and ensure even cooking.
Can I use different meats or beans in Instant Pot chili?
Yes, Instant Pot chili is adaptable. Ground beef is traditional, but you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If using stewing beef, increase pressure cooking time to about 30 minutes. For beans, black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans work well and can be mixed to suit your taste. Just avoid overcrowding the pot to allow proper pressure cooking.
How should I store leftover Instant Pot chili and how long does it keep?
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place chili in freezer-safe containers or bags and keep for up to 2 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen and warm thoroughly on the stovetop or microwave until steaming hot. Proper storage maintains flavor and safety for later meals.
Instant Pot Chili
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Contains beef and legumes
Description
🌶️ This Instant Pot Chili recipe offers a quick way to enjoy a rich, flavorful chili made with tender beef and a blend of spices.
⏲️ Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, satisfying meal without long cooking times.
Ingredients
– 2 teaspoons olive oil
– 900 grams (2 pounds) ground beef (preferably 90% lean)
– 1 finely diced onion
– 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
– One 793-gram (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
– Three 227-gram (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
– 3/4 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
– 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
– 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
– 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– One 425-gram (15-ounce) can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
– One 425-gram (15-ounce) can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
– 900 grams ground beef
– Kidney and pinto beans
– Beef broth
Instructions
First Step: Prepare all ingredients by dicing onions, mincing garlic, and measuring spices to streamline cooking.
Second Step: Select the ‘Sauté’ function on the Instant Pot; cook onions and garlic in a bit of oil until translucent.
Third Step: Add ground beef or the chosen protein, browning thoroughly while breaking it apart.
Fourth Step: Stir in chili powder, cumin, and other seasonings until fragrant.
Fifth Step: Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and broth to the pot; mix well.
Sixth Step: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to ‘Manual’ on high pressure for 15 minutes.
Seventh Step: Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before quick releasing remaining pressure.
Eighth Step: Open lid carefully; adjust seasoning to taste and simmer with ‘Sauté’ if a thicker consistency is desired.
Final Step: Serve hot with optional garnishes such as cheese, cilantro, or avocado, accommodating dietary preferences as needed.
Notes
⏳ Use the chili or high-pressure setting on your Instant Pot for optimal cooking.
🌶️ Adjust the amount of chili powder and smoked paprika to control the heat level.
🍲 Leftovers store well and flavors deepen, making it great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Pressure Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 8 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: instant pot chili, quick chili, flavorful chili, pressure cooker chili