The Ultimate Instant Pot Chili: Quick, Hearty & Irresistibly Flavorful
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of chili, especially when the crisp air of fall or the deep chill of winter sets in. And with the magic of the Instant Pot, preparing a truly satisfying, deeply flavored chili has never been easier or faster. This Instant Pot Chili recipe brings together an incredible depth of flavor with wholesome, bone-warming ingredients, delivering the ultimate comfort food experience perfect for any cold day. Forget hours of simmering on the stovetop; our pressure cooker method ensures a rich, delicious chili is ready in a fraction of the time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, effortless entertaining, or simply when you need a comforting meal with minimal fuss.
Why This Instant Pot Chili Recipe Is a Game-Changer
This streamlined Instant Pot chili recipe is a direct and delicious adaptation of our beloved classic homemade stovetop chili, reimagined for modern convenience without compromising on taste. We understand the immense appeal of the Instant Pot – its ability to dramatically cut down cooking times and simplify complex dishes is truly remarkable. Our goal was to provide a foolproof method for achieving that same rich, slow-simmered taste and tender texture you’d expect from a traditional chili, but in a fraction of the time, and this recipe delivers on all fronts! In under 30 minutes of active cooking time (plus the time for the pot to come to pressure and release naturally), you can have a large, flavorful pot of chili ready to nourish your family.
The Instant Pot excels at developing deep, complex flavors quickly, thanks to its high-pressure cooking environment. This method not only tenderizes the meat beautifully but also infuses the spices and aromatics throughout the dish more efficiently than traditional cooking methods. This makes Instant Pot chili the perfect solution for those days when you crave a hands-off approach to dinner – imagine coming in after a long day of outdoor activities, like sledding in the snow or a brisk autumn hike, and having a warm, satisfying meal waiting for you with minimal last-minute effort. It’s also fantastic for meal prepping, ensuring you have delicious, homemade chili ready to enjoy throughout the week, saving you time and stress during busy schedules.
Essential Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Chili
Crafting the perfect Instant Pot chili starts with a careful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the robust flavor profile that makes this dish so incredibly comforting. Below, we’ll dive into the core components that make this Instant Pot chili so exceptional, ensuring you have all the necessary items to create a truly memorable meal. For precise measurements of each ingredient and detailed, step-by-step cooking instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card conveniently located at the conclusion of this article.
Ingredient Insights and Smart Substitution Suggestions
Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients and explore how you can customize this recipe to suit your dietary preferences, what you have on hand, or simply to add a unique twist to this classic comfort food.
The Meat: Ground Beef and Beyond for Hearty Chili
BEEF – We highly recommend using fairly lean ground beef, specifically in the 85-90% lean range. This particular ratio offers an excellent balance of rich, beefy flavor without an excessive amount of grease, which can make your chili oily. If you opt for ground beef with a higher fat content, ensure you thoroughly drain any excess fat after browning to prevent a greasy or less appealing final product. For an added layer of flavor and richness, consider incorporating some ground sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference) alongside or in place of a portion of the ground beef. You could also experiment with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the chili; if using poultry, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly and ensure proper seasoning. For those seeking a vegetarian or vegan option, plant-based ground meat alternatives can be used effectively, following the same browning process.
Crafting the Perfect Homemade Chili Seasoning Blend
SEASONING – Our carefully balanced homemade chili seasoning mix is designed for maximum flavor and pantry-friendliness, ensuring you always have the essentials on hand. It includes:
- All-purpose flour: This ingredient acts as a crucial thickening agent, giving the chili a desirable, hearty, and satisfying consistency without being overly thin or watery.
- Salt: An absolute essential for enhancing and bringing out all the other incredible flavors in the dish. Remember to adjust the quantity to your personal taste, especially if you are using a salted broth or pre-salted canned beans.
- Dried minced onion and dried minced garlic: These convenient dry versions are perfect for a quick, pantry-staple seasoning mix. They rehydrate beautifully within the chili, releasing foundational savory and aromatic notes. If you prefer, you can use fresh finely diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them with the ground beef in the first step.
- Chili powder: The undisputed star of any chili recipe, providing its characteristic earthy, slightly smoky, and warm flavor profile. Adjust the quantity according to your preference for intensity and heat.
- Crushed red pepper: This adds a subtle, pleasant kick of heat and a vibrant touch of color to the chili. If you prefer more spice, feel free to increase the amount or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For those who are sensitive to heat, you can reduce or completely omit it.
- Granulated white sugar: A small amount of sugar works wonders to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes, creating a more rounded, harmonious, and less sharp flavor profile. Rest assured, it won’t make your chili taste sweet!
- Ground cumin: A crucial spice that lends a warm, earthy, and slightly peppery aroma, significantly elevating the overall complexity and depth of the chili.
Having a homemade chili seasoning mix pre-made and ready in your pantry makes this recipe even quicker and more convenient to prepare!
The Heart of the Chili: Flavorful Beans and Rich Tomatoes
FILLING – The hearty backbone of our chili is built upon two essential components that provide both substance and incredible flavor:
- Canned dark red kidney beans: We opt for dark red kidney beans because of their robust flavor, firm texture, and ability to hold up well during pressure cooking, creating a satisfying chew. However, regular red kidney beans work just as well. It’s always a good practice to thoroughly rinse and drain canned beans before adding them to your chili; this removes excess sodium and can improve digestibility. You can also experiment with other types of beans like black beans, pinto beans, or a delightful mix of several for varied textures and flavors.
- Canned diced tomatoes: For an extra layer of smoky and complex flavor that truly elevates the chili, we highly recommend using fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Their unique char adds an unparalleled depth to the dish. However, if fire-roasted aren’t available, regular diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or even a mix of diced and crushed tomatoes can be used successfully. Just ensure they are undrained to provide enough essential liquid for the Instant Pot to come to pressure properly and cook the ingredients evenly.
For an extra layer of freshness, texture, and a customizable touch of heat, feel free to incorporate sliced fresh jalapeños (remember to remove the seeds for less heat) or finely diced green bell peppers during the initial sautéing stage with the beef and onions. Sweet corn, either fresh from the cob or frozen, can also be a delightful and colorful addition to your chili.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Instant Pot Chili Like a Pro
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe with ease and confidence. For your convenience, you can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions, located at the bottom of this post.
- Brown the Beef for Flavor Foundation: Begin by setting your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Once the pot displays “Hot,” add the ground beef and break it apart with a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. This crucial step is essential for developing deep, savory flavors. Carefully drain any excess grease from the pot to prevent a watery or oily chili and ensure a cleaner, richer taste.
- Infuse with Homemade Seasoning: While the beef is browning, or immediately after draining the grease, combine all the dry spices (all-purpose flour, dried minced onion, chili powder, salt, crushed red pepper, dried minced garlic, granulated sugar, and ground cumin) in a separate small bowl and whisk them together thoroughly until well blended. Add this homemade seasoning mix directly to the browned ground beef in the Instant Pot. Stir well to coat the meat evenly, ensuring every piece is seasoned. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring continuously. This brief cooking time allows the spices to toast, intensifying their flavors and removing any raw flour taste, which contributes to the chili’s overall depth.
- Pressure Cook to Perfection: Now, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients. Pour in the rinsed and drained dark red kidney beans, the undrained diced tomatoes (fire-roasted are highly recommended for that extra depth), and the water. Give everything a good, gentle stir, making sure to scrape up any bits of food that might be stuck to the bottom of the pot. This critical step helps prevent the dreaded “burn” notice from appearing during pressure cooking. Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensure the venting knob is sealed (set to the “Sealing” position), and set the cooker to high pressure for 15 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow a natural pressure release (NPR) for 5 minutes. This natural release helps tenderize the ingredients further and allows the pressure to drop gradually, preventing the chili from erupting. After 5 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining pressure before safely opening the lid.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the Instant Pot lid, stirring the chili once more to combine all the delicious ingredients. If desired, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herbaceous garnish and an appealing visual touch. Serve your hot and hearty Instant Pot Chili immediately with your favorite toppings, and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying meal!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Chili
Absolutely! This versatile recipe adapts beautifully to a slow cooker, perfect for those days when you prefer to set it and forget it. Here’s how: First, brown your ground beef in a large skillet on the stovetop and thoroughly drain off any accumulated fat. In a separate bowl, combine all the dry seasoning ingredients and mix them thoroughly until well blended. Transfer the browned meat to your slow cooker insert. Sprinkle the prepared seasoning mix evenly over the meat, then add the water, rinsed and drained kidney beans, and canned tomatoes. Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors. Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally, if possible, to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor distribution. The longer, slower cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and robust chili, ideal for coming home to a delicious meal.
If your chili turns out too thin after pressure cooking, don’t worry, it’s an easy fix! Switch the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode (if it’s not already on it) and let the chili simmer gently with the lid off for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow some of the liquid to evaporate, thickening the chili to your desired consistency. The flour in the seasoning mix should provide a good base for thickening, but if you need more, you can make a simple slurry: whisk together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water until smooth, then stir it into the simmering chili until it thickens. If, on the other hand, your chili is too thick for your liking, simply stir in a bit more water or beef broth, adding a quarter cup at a time, until it reaches your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Yes, absolutely! Chili is one of those fantastic dishes that often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. You can prepare it completely according to the instructions, allow it to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer-term storage, chili freezes beautifully! To freeze, first allow the chili to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe bags (laying them flat for easy stacking) or rigid freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3-4 months for best quality. To reheat from frozen, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Alternatively, you can reheat it directly from frozen on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or even in the Instant Pot on “Sauté” mode until it is thoroughly heated through, adding a little liquid if necessary.
The “burn” notice usually indicates that there’s something stuck to the bottom of the pot, preventing even heating and causing scorching. To prevent this, it’s crucial to ensure you scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot thoroughly after browning the beef and adding the spices. Use a wooden spoon or a silicone spatula to deglaze the pot, ensuring no browned bits are left sticking to the surface. Additionally, avoid stirring the thick ingredients like tomatoes and beans into the liquid too much once the water has been added; you want the thinner liquid (water or broth) to be at the very bottom, as viscous ingredients like tomatoes or flour (from your seasoning) can easily scorch. If you do get a burn notice, immediately turn off the Instant Pot, unplug it, and allow it to cool naturally for a few minutes. Carefully remove the lid and check the bottom of the pot. If food is scorched, transfer the chili to another pot, clean the Instant Pot liner thoroughly, and then continue cooking if possible, or adjust liquid amounts as needed. Often, simply scraping the bottom and adding a little more liquid resolves the issue.
Creative Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Instant Pot Chili
While this Instant Pot chili is a fantastic and satisfying stand-alone meal, its incredible versatility makes it perfect for a myriad of creative and comforting dishes. It’s so quick and easy to make, you’ll find yourself relying on it for much more than just a simple bowl. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy this hearty chili:
- Classic Chili Bowls: Serve hot and steaming with your absolute favorite toppings (see our comprehensive topping suggestions below!) for a traditional, soul-warming experience.
- Ultimate Chili Dogs: Spoon generous amounts of this flavorful chili onto grilled or steamed hot dogs nestled in soft buns for an iconic, satisfying, and universally loved meal. Our oven chili dogs recipe is always a hit!
- Loaded Nachos & Chili Cheese Fries: Pile it high onto crispy tortilla chips or golden french fries, then load up with shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate comfort food indulgence, perfect for game nights.
- Hearty Baked Potatoes: Transform a simple baked potato into a hearty and complete meal by topping it with a generous scoop of warm chili. Add cheese, sour cream, and chives for extra deliciousness.
- Comforting Chili Mac: Mix with cooked elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta shape for a delicious chili mac – a truly family-friendly favorite that’s both cheesy and satisfying.
- Savory Stuffed Peppers: Use this flavorful chili as a savory filling for bell peppers, perhaps even mixing it with cornbread for our amazing chili and cornbread stuffed peppers.
- Football Parties & Tailgating: Chili is an absolute must-have for game days! Its easy transportability and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering, from backyard barbecues to stadium tailgates.
Elevate Your Chili with Irresistible Toppings
A truly exceptional bowl of chili isn’t complete without a generous array of delicious toppings. Offer a variety to let everyone customize their bowl to their heart’s content, adding personal touches to every spoonful:
- Shredded Cheese: Classic options include sharp cheddar, mild Monterey Jack, or a flavorful Mexican blend.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a cool, creamy contrast that balances the chili’s heat and richness.
- Fresh Green Onions or Chives: Adds a crisp, fresh, and mildly oniony bite.
- Fresh Cilantro: A burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens the entire dish.
- Crunchy Elements: Crumbled tortilla chips, corn chips, Fritos, or even oyster crackers for a satisfying textural contrast.
- Crispy Bacon Crumbles: For an extra layer of smoky, savory deliciousness that takes chili to the next level.
- Sliced Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled, for those who crave an extra spicy kick.
- Diced Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy, rich, and a wonderful counterpoint to the chili’s robust flavors.
- A Dash of Hot Sauce: For serious spice lovers who want to further customize their heat level.
What to Serve Alongside Your Hearty Instant Pot Chili
Complete your chili feast with these delicious side dishes that perfectly complement its rich flavors and hearty texture. From classic bread accompaniments to lighter, refreshing options, these sides will make your meal truly unforgettable.
- Sweet Cornbread: A timeless and essential pairing, perfect for soaking up every last drop of flavorful chili.
- Gooey Garlic Cheese Rolls: Incredibly cheesy, aromatic with garlic, and wonderfully satisfying – a definite crowd-pleaser.
- Parmesan Garlic Rolls: A savory bread option with a delightful hint of Parmesan, always a welcome addition to any chili meal.
- Crisp Green Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette dressing can offer a refreshing and palate-cleansing contrast to the rich chili.
- Creamy Coleslaw: The cool, creamy, and tangy crunch of coleslaw cuts through the richness of the chili beautifully, providing a delightful balance.
Explore More Delicious Chili Recipes
If you loved this Instant Pot Chili, be sure to explore our other fantastic chili creations and related recipes:
- Chili and Cornbread Stuffed Peppers: A creative and satisfying way to use leftover chili, or to present a complete meal.
- Chili Mac: The ultimate comfort food fusion, combining hearty chili with cheesy macaroni.
- Make Your Own Homemade Chili Seasoning: For those who love to customize their spice blends and have a fresh mix on hand.
- Chicken Chili with Black Beans & Corn: A lighter, yet equally flavorful alternative to traditional beef chili.
- Instant Pot Chili: Our original recipe post, offering more inspiration.
- Crockpot Chili: For when you prefer the slow-cooker method and longer, gentle simmering.
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Instant Pot Chili
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
Homemade Chili Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp all purpose flour
- ¼ cup onion minced
- 3 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper
- ½ tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp ground cumin
For the Chili
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 15 oz dark red kidney beans canned, rinsed and drained
- 14 oz diced tomatoes canned, undrained – fire roasted recommended for best flavor
- ¾ cup water
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley chopped, optional, for garnish
Things You’ll Need
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Instant Pot
Before You Begin
- For the best chili texture and flavor, we recommend using fairly lean ground beef (85-90% lean) to minimize excess grease. However, you can confidently substitute with other ground meats like turkey or chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option. Feel free to add ground sausage alongside your beef for an extra layer of richness and a spicy kick if desired.
- While we prefer dark red kidney beans for their robust flavor and ability to hold their shape, regular kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans are also excellent choices and can be used interchangeably or mixed. Always remember to thoroughly rinse and drain canned beans before adding them to your chili to reduce sodium and improve taste.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes are highly recommended for this recipe as they impart a wonderfully smoky depth that elevates the entire dish. However, if fire-roasted aren’t available, any good quality diced or crushed tomatoes will work beautifully. It’s important to keep them undrained to ensure there’s sufficient liquid for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.
- To enhance your chili with additional fresh elements and a customizable level of heat, consider adding ingredients like sliced fresh jalapeños (deseeded for less heat), finely diced green bell peppers, or even sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen) during the initial sautéing stage. These additions contribute to both flavor and texture.
Instructions
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Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Once hot, add the ground beef and brown it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once no pink remains, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot to ensure a rich, non-oily chili.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, minced onion, chili powder, salt, crushed red pepper, minced garlic, sugar, and ground cumin until well combined. Add this entire spice mixture to the browned ground beef in the Instant Pot and stir well to evenly coat the meat. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and deepen their flavors.
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Add the rinsed and drained dark red kidney beans, the undrained diced tomatoes (fire-roasted are recommended), and the water to the Instant Pot. Stir gently, making sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon or spatula. This crucial step prevents a “burn” notice. Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensure the venting knob is in the sealed position, and set to high pressure for 15 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release (NPR) for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
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Open the lid, stir the chili well, and if desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright finish. Serve hot with your favorite toppings and enjoy this quick and hearty Instant Pot Chili!
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.