Instant Pot Chili

Want a hearty meal that you can have on the table in under 30 minutes? Then we've got just the ticket. This quick and easy Instant Pot chili recipe has all the makings of a delicious and nutritious meal, without having to spend all day simmering it to perfection.

Just set it, forget it, and get ready for some seriously good chili!

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This Instant Pot Chili recipe stands out for its unbeatable combination of speed, simplicity, and affordability. With just a few easy steps, it transforms simple ingredients into a hearty and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. Its cost-effectiveness makes it a budget-friendly option for feeding the whole family or a crowd.

Additionally, its customizable nature allows for endless variations to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether adjusting the spice level, swapping beans, or making it vegetarian-friendly, this versatile recipe ensures everyone can enjoy a bowl of comforting chili tailored to their liking without compromising on flavor or convenience.

Ingredients

Ground Beef:

Ground beef acts as the main protein in this Instant Pot chili recipe. However, stewing beef, chorizo sausage, ground pork, turkey, or chicken can all be used to create a meaty alternative to this beef Instant Pot chili. If you want to omit the meat altogether, tofu, tempeh, mushrooms, beans, and lentils can also be used to create a delicious vegetarian or vegan Instant Pot Chili.

Onions and Garlic:

Onions and garlic are used in this recipe as aromatics, creating a flavorful base for your chili. Peppers, carrots, and celery can also be used at the same stage to create a more complex flavor profile.

Seasonings:

This Instant Pot chili recipe uses several different seasonings, from paprika, which adds a sweet smokey element, to cocoa powder, which enhances the chili's savory, earthy, and slightly bitter notes. Feel free to experiment with other seasonings such as coriander, cayenne pepper, bay leaves, allspice, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, chipotle powder, and oregano for a more customized flavor experience.

Diced Tomatoes:

While this recipe uses canned diced tomatoes for ease and convenience, you can also use fresh diced tomatoes if you choose. However, fresh tomatoes may contain more liquid than their canned counterparts. If so, simply reduce the amount of broth added or allow the chili to cook for a little longer to evaporate the excess liquid.

Tomato Sauce and Beef Broth:

Tomato sauce adds richness and sweetness, while beef broth enhances the savory notes in your chili. Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth or water for vegetarian options.

Pinto Beans:

Pinto beans are commonly used in chili for their creamy texture and mild flavor, which complement the dish's robustness. Other beans, like kidney beans, black beans, or navy beans, can be used for variety.

How to Make Instant Pot Chili

Step One: 

Add the olive oil and ground beef to your Instant Pot and sautee at normal for 5 minutes, stirring frequently and breaking the ground beef into smaller bits as it browns.

Step Two: 

Once the beef is browned, stir in the onion and garlic.

Step Three: 

Season with salt, paprika, chili powder, cumin, pepper, sugar, and cocoa powder, then stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and beans.

Step Four:

Close the lid and cook at high for 20 minutes.

Step Five: 

Once the cooking time is complete, do a quick pressure release, then remove the lid.

Step Six: 

Serve with shredded cheese, and enjoy!

Tips

• If you prefer a thicker chili, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water after pressure cooking. Stir it in and let it simmer on the sauté mode until thickened.
• Enhance the presentation and flavor of your Instant Pot Chili by garnishing with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.

What to Serve With Instant Pot Chili

When serving homemade Instant Pot Chili, there are a variety of tasty side dishes that you can consider pairing it with. Classic accompaniments include freshly baked cornbread or corn muffins, which provide a delightful contrast to the hearty and flavorful chili.

A crisp and refreshing side salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado, offers a vibrant contrast to the warm and savory chili. Additionally, serving a bowl of fluffy white rice or quinoa alongside the chili provides a comforting base for soaking up the rich flavors.

FAQs

Can I make vegetarian or vegan Instant Pot Chili?

Absolutely you can make a vegan or vegetarian Instant Pot chili! You can omit the meat and use a combination of beans, lentils, sweet potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, corn, tofu, and tempeh. Adjust the seasoning and spices accordingly for flavor. For step-by-step and a video guide, check this Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili recipe.

Do I need to brown the meat before adding the other ingredients to the Instant Pot?

While it's not totally necessary, browning the meat beforehand adds flavor and texture to the chili. Using the sauté function on the Instant Pot allows you to brown the meat directly in the pot before pressure cooking.

How long can Instant Pot chili leftovers be kept fresh?

Instant Pot Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to develop. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or for longer-term storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

More Chili Recipes

Who doesn't love a hearty bowl of chili? It's a quick and easy meal that hits the spot, no matter what your dietary preferences or needs are. Check out this collection of some of our favorite chili recipes to inspire your next pot.

Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Instant Pot Chili Con Carne

Instant Pot Chili Chicken

Smoked Chili

Chili Cheese Fries