Simply Delicious Instant Pot Chili (One-Pot Wonder in 30 Mins!)
I have a theory that chili tastes even better when it’s made with minimal effort.
Don’t get me wrong — I love a slow-simmered pot of chili bubbling away on the stove. I mean, they win chili cook-offs for a reason!
But I don’t always have hours to wait when my craving hits or when I want a warm, hearty meal that everyone will eat for dinner.
So when I want all the deep, bold flavors of a classic chili but in a fraction of the time, I make this Instant Pot Chili!
It’s thick, hearty, and simply satisfying. The beef is tender, the beans soak up all the flavor, and the tomato-based broth has just the right balance of heat and depth.
If you ask me, this is the best meal to satisfy your comfort food cravings fast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal hands-on time
- Flavor-packed: Smoky, spicy, and deeply satisfying
- Crowd-pleasing: Delicious and easy to double
- Customizable: The protein, spices, and toppings are all adjustable
- Great for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (alternatives include canola or avocado oil)
- 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef (can be substituted with ground turkey or ground pork)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz.) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz.) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prep & Cook Time
| Preparation Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 40 minutes |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the beef. Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté'” function. Add olive oil, then brown the ground beef and break it up with a spatula as it cooks.
- Add the aromatics, peppers, and tomato paste. Stir for around 2 minutes.
- Add beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, seasonings, and broth. Stir everything together to combine well.
- Pressure cook for 20 minutes. Cancel “Sauté”, secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and pressure cook on high for 20 minutes.
- Let pressure release naturally for 20 minutes, then do a quick release for remaining pressure.
- Serve and enjoy with your favorite toppings like sour cream, tortilla chips, and shredded cheese!
Expert Tips for the Best Chili
- Feel free to mix beans! For example, you can add black beans to this recipe for variety in texture and flavor.
- Try fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for the perfect finishing touch.
- Choose 80% to 90% lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
- Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes They add a subtle smokiness and deeper flavor compared to regular diced tomatoes, making your chili taste even richer.
- Make this chili ahead of time if you’re feeding a crowd. Chili always tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 360 | 25g | 35g | 14g |
FAQs About Instant Pot Chili
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the meat with extra beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu.
You may need to adjust the cooking time (depending on your choice of veggies, your pressure cooking time may range from 4 to 8 minutes instead of 20 minutes).
How can I adjust the spice level?
For a milder chili, reduce the chili powder. For more heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Store leftover chili in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe in a 6-quart Instant Pot. But if yours is smaller, you may have to make yours in batches. This is because your Instant Pot shouldn’t be more than two-thirds full to allow room for pressure buildup.
This Bold and Hearty Instant Pot Chili is a Must-Try!
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a crowd, this Instant Pot chili delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. So make a batch, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy a comforting, satisfying meal with every spoonful!
