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The Best Instant Pot Chili

The Best Instant Pot Chili

The Best Instant Pot Chili is a hearty, soul-warming dish packed with rich, layered flavors, tender meat, and a perfect balance of spices and textures. Ready in under an hour, this one-pot recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and customizable to suit various dietary preferences. It combines ground meat, beans, fresh vegetables, and bold spices, all cooked quickly in an Instant Pot for a comforting meal that’s perfect year-round.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (lean)

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or black beans, drained
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth or stock

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Meat – Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a splash of oil. Cook the diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart and browning evenly with the aromatics to develop a rich flavor base.
  2. Step 2: Add Spices and Tomato Paste – Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toast the spices lightly to release their oils and enhance aromas. Mix in the tomato paste to thicken the chili and intensify the tomato flavor.
  3. Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes, Beans, and Peppers – Add canned diced tomatoes, drained beans, and chopped bell peppers directly to the pot. Pour in the beef broth or stock to create a savory cooking liquid. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  4. Step 4: Cook Under Pressure – Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld while tenderizing the meat and softening the beans and vegetables.
  5. Step 5: Quick Release and Adjust – Carefully perform a quick pressure release when cooking completes. Open the lid and stir the chili. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding extra salt or chili powder for desired flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and onions for deeper flavor.
  • Brown the meat and toast spices thoroughly to develop layers of taste.
  • Drain beans well to avoid watery chili.
  • Adjust broth quantity depending on Instant Pot model to prevent excess liquid.
  • Allow chili to rest 10 minutes after cooking to let flavors settle.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot chili, easy chili recipe, quick chili, comfort food, ground beef chili, healthy chili