Instant Pot Chili Recipe

5 from 1 vote

This easy recipe for Instant Pot chili uses ground beef or turkey, canned or dry beans, and comes together with minimal hands-on time.

Prep Time10

Cook Time40

Soaking Beans1

Total Time1 50

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Instant Pot Chili, Instant Pot Chili Recipe

Servings: servings

Calories: 533kcal

Place beans in a bowl, cover with 2-3 inches of water, and soak overnight.
Add soaked beans and water to the Instant Pot insert.
Place the insert inside the Instant Pot, seal the lid, and set the pressure cook function for 25 minutes.
When the pressure cook time is finished, allow the beans to naturally release for 10 minutes before opening the release valve all the way. (If you choose not to soak your beans, cook them for 35 minutes with a 15-minute natural release.)
Drain and rinse the beans and set aside.

Using the sauté function on the Instant Pot, heat olive oil.
Sauté the onions until translucent.
Add the ground beef and cook until it is crumbled and browned.
Add garlic, broth, salsa, stewed tomatoes, cooked beans, salt, chili powder, cumin, powdered garlic, powdered onion, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
Add the lid, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then do an instant release.
Add pepper and additional salt to taste.

Instant Pot Chili Variations:

Variation	Protein/Bean Base	Key Tips
Beef Chili	85/15 ground beef + beans	Use bone broth for depth. Brown beef first to lock in juices.
Turkey Chili	93% lean ground turkey + beans	Soak the turkey in hot sauce before cooking. Add a dash of beef broth for meaty notes.
Wild Game Chili	Venison (generally 90%-95% lean) + beans	To reduce the gamey flavor, soak ground venison in buttermilk overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Vegetarian Chili	Use a variety of beans such as kidney, pinto, and black beans + mushrooms	Simmer with vegetable broth. Stir in soy sauce for umami richness.

Suggested Toppings:

Creamy Contrasts - A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of Greek yogurt cools the heat and adds tang. You can also try drizzling Mexican crema for a lighter touch.
Crunchy Textures - Crushed corn chips or fried tortilla strips add a nice crunch. For a more unique twist, bake cornbread into croutons for a buttery, savory treat.
Fresh Finishes - Chopped green onions and cilantro add brightness. Avocado or radishes cut through the richness. Lime wedges let you add a zing to each bite.