Description
The Best Instant Pot Chili is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful chili that combines tender beans, perfectly cooked ground meat, and bold spices. Utilizing the Instant Pot, this recipe delivers deep, melded flavors in a fraction of the usual cooking time, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or meal prep any time of year.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
Liquids and Spices
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Optional Add-ins and Variations
- Diced jalapeños or hot sauce (to taste)
- Smoked paprika or chipotle peppers in adobo (to taste)
- Additional veggies like chopped bell peppers, corn, or zucchini (as desired)
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the aromatics and meat
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a drizzle of oil. Cook the diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and brown until fully cooked with no pink remaining. This step creates a rich flavorful base for the chili.
- Step 2: Add spices and tomato paste
Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and any other preferred spices. Stir in the tomato paste to evenly coat the meat and onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the spice aroma and intensify flavor.
- Step 3: Pour in liquids and add beans
Add the diced tomatoes, broth, and drained kidney and black beans. Stir well to combine, ensuring the tomato paste is fully incorporated into the liquids for a consistent sauce.
- Step 4: Pressure cook the chili
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to manual pressure cook for 20 minutes. After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure to keep the chili moist and flavorful.
- Step 5: Final touches and serve
Open the lid and stir the chili. Adjust seasoning if necessary. For a thicker chili, switch back to sauté mode and simmer for a few minutes while stirring gently to reduce excess liquid. Serve hot with your favorite garnishes and sides.
Notes
- Use fresh spices such as chili powder, cumin, and paprika to enhance flavor intensity.
- Don’t skip the sauté step to brown meat and cook spices; it adds depth to the chili.
- Use quality canned or pre-soaked dried beans for the best texture.
- Natural pressure release is recommended to prevent splatter and retain moisture.
- Adjust spice levels gradually, adding jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg