Easy Instant Pot Chili Recipe (Pressure Cooker Chili) (2024)

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Instant Pot Chili is so easy and quick to make! This pressure cooker chili with canned beans warms up any occasion, from Game Day parties to family meals. Cooking chili at high pressure makes it so flavorful and is the quickest way to get dinner on the table!

We love cooking soups and chilis in the Pressure Cooker! The cooking time is a lot shorter but the flavor is a lot more intense and deeper in my opinion. A few of our favorites areInstant Pot Chicken Chili,Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Vegetables, andInstant Pot Carrot Soup Recipe.

Easy Instant Pot Chili Recipe (Pressure Cooker Chili) (1)

Instant pot chili with canned beans and ground beef is so easy and fast to make!Making it in an electric pressure cooker instead of on the stove saves you time and keeps your kitchen clean. Every time Imade chili on the stove our whole kitchen was covered with red sprinkles.

Ok, this could totally be my fault because cooking always ends in a bit of a mess when I’m in charge but making chili in my Instant Pot saves me so much time cleaning. For me, it’s definitely worth the investment. Cooking chili in the Pressure Cooker also deepens the flavor and makes chili taste even more amazing, similar to cooking low and slow for hours.If you are a fan of comforting dinners with a lot of flavour that don’t take a lot of effort you need to make this recipe!

This chili recipe uses individual spices instead of chili mix and develops delicious deep flavors while cooking at high pressure. It’s so delicious that I don’t think we’ll ever go back to our normal stovetop chili!

Easy Instant Pot Chili Recipe (Pressure Cooker Chili) (2)

Tips and Tricks for Making the BEST Instant Pot Chili

  • Adding a little bit of cocoa powder is one of the secrets for making a great, flavorful chili. The chili won’t taste like hot chocolate but the cocoa really enhances the meat flavor.
  • I also always add sweet corn to my chili, this might not be traditional but I love the texture itadds. The cornaddsa little bit of sweetness and by adding it after the cooking time is over it’s slightly crisp and not soft like the beans. But it’s totally optional! You could add another 14 oz can of beans if you don’t want to add the corn.
  • Reduce or increase the amount of chili powder depending on your taste!
  • Instead of beef broth, you can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth.
  • Instead of chopped tomatoes, you can also use crushed tomatoes.
  • IMPORTANT: North American Chili powder is very different from what you can buy in Europe. The European kind is a lot more spicey so you have to reduce the amount to about 2 tsp.
  • Layering the tomatoes on top will help to not get the burn error. The newer Instant Pot models tend to get this error more often.
  • My favorite toppings for Chili are Sour Cream, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Cilantro and sometimes avocado slices.
  • For abig crowd, I like to set up a topping bar so everyone can top their chili with their favorite toppings. Perfect for game day parties!

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A pressure cooker was something I always wanted but the stove top ones are quite intimidating. The Instant Pot is so much easier to handle! When I first got it I was overwhelmed by all the buttons and didn’t know what I should do with it. But after trying a few recipes I feel quite confident and love cooking with it. It’s great for basics like cooking rice or potatoes. Making mashed potatoes is super easy and quick. But I also made pulled pork in it and it was the most tender and juicy pulled pork we’ve ever eaten. My husband couldn’t get enough!

This Instant Pot Chili is no exception! It’s so good and flavorful! I usually serve this chili with a dollop of sour cream and some shredded cheese on top! MyCheesy Pumpkin Dinner Rollsor some cornbread also make a great side.

One thing I always had problems with were the kidney beans in my normal chili. Even so, I always use canned beans instead of dried beans it seemed like they weren’t cooked long enough and my belly started to rumble after eating chili. But cooking them at high pressure works like magic! I don’t have problems anymore. YAY!

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Tools used for making this Instant Pot Chili

Cocoa Powder:This is my go-to unsweetened cocoa powder that I use for all my baking and cooking! Their chocolate chips are also great.
Instant Pot:This is the model I use and love. The size is perfect for a family of 4.
Ground Meat Chopper: This tool makes separating ground meat so easy!

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4.85 from 32 votes

Instant Pot Chili Recipe

By: Julia Foerster

A delicious Instant Pot Chili that is so easy to make! Watch the VIDEO below to see how easy it is to make!

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 cup beef broth, or chicken broth
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 14 oz cans black beans, or red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 2 14 oz cans crushed tomatoes, or strained tomatoes (tomato passata)
  • 2 cups corn, frozen or canned (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Cups - Metric

Instructions

  • Press saute button (adjust to less if your Instant Pot runs hot). When the Instant Pot is hot add oil and diced onions. Saute onions for about 3-4 minutes until lightlybrowned. Add minced garlic and saute for 30 more seconds.

  • Add ground beef, chili powder, ground cumin, and oregano. Break up the meat into small pieces and saute until browned, about 4 minutes.

  • In a small bowl combine beef broth, tomato paste, and unsweetened cocoa powder until dissolved. Pour mixture into the Instant Pot to deglaze the pot. Use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot.

  • Add beans and stir until everything is combined. Then add tomatoes on top but don't stir. Layering the ingredients prevents getting the burnerror.

  • Cover and cook for 10 minutes at high pressure. Natural release for 10 minutes and thenquick release the remaining pressure. Remove the lid and stir until everything is combined.

  • If you want to add corn: Press the Saute button and addthe sweet corn. Let simmer for a few more minutes until the corn is cooked through.

  • Seasonto taste with salt and black pepper and serve topped with sour cream and cheese.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 667mg | Potassium: 810mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1530IU | Vitamin C: 8.5mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 5.3mg

Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

Recipe originally published January 2017. Updated with recipe video and improved instructions.

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Categorized as:
Instant Pot, Main Dishes

About Julia Foerster

Hi, I'm Julia! Born in Germany, I call Canada now my home and love to share my favorite dishes with you! Here you'll find hundreds of recipes, all made from scratch, with lots of tips and detailed step-by-step instructions.

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Easy Instant Pot Chili Recipe (Pressure Cooker Chili) (2024)

FAQs

How does the chili setting on Instant Pot work? ›

What Is the Instant Pot Chili/Bean Setting? The bean/chili setting on the Instant Pot cooks at high pressure and can be set to "more," which is 30 minutes, or "less," which will cook for 25 minutes. You may choose the bean/chili setting and do a quick release after 15 minutes.

How do you thicken chili in an Instant Pot? ›

How to Thicken Instant Pot Chili
  1. Thicken with Cornstarch (2 minutes): Make a slurry by combining equal parts water and cornstarch. When the cook cycle is done, and the pressure has been released, turn the IP on to saute and bring to a boil. ...
  2. Thicken by Simmering (20 minutes): If time allows, I prefer this method.
Feb 26, 2024

Is chili better on stove or Instant Pot? ›

Our testers really liked the stovetop method because of its consistency. Being on the stove allowed for it to really thicken and for the spices and flavors to meld together well.

Does chili get better the longer it cooks? ›

Chili is most commonly prepared at a low temperature and for an extended period of time (low and slow), which develops a deeper, spiced aroma. But, the longer cook time can often result in a flat flavor.

Why does Instapot say burn food? ›

The Instant Pot's burn message simply means that your Instant Pot has detected that its inner pot has gotten too hot. There may be a slight amount of burned food at the bottom of your pot, but not enough to ruin whatever you're cooking.

Should chili be thick or soupy? ›

Ideally, chili should simmer low and slow. This allows some of the liquid to evaporate and results in a thicker consistency and deeper, more complex flavor as the aromatics and spices release their superpowers.

What spice gives chili its flavor? ›

Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves.

How do you make chili more flavorful? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

What color onion goes in chili? ›

Yellow Onions: These are the most versatile and widely available type of onion, and are a good choice for chili con carne. They have a slightly sweet, sharp, and tangy flavor that adds depth and complexity to the dish.

Is it better to slow cook chili on high or low? ›

The Best Way to Cook Chili:

The low and slow cooking process melds the flavors of the chili seasoning into every bite and the beef becomes so tender, juicy, and irresistible. You can slow cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.

Are Instapots better than air fryers? ›

Cooking times: Instant Pots can often prepare food more quickly than air fryers. Food choices: Although both small kitchen appliances can prepare a wide range of foods, Instant Pots offer more recipe options. Ease of use: Air fryers are good for beginners, while Instant Pots have a learning curve.

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

17 Best Tips To Know That Will Elevate Your Next Batch Of Chili
  • Stir in cocoa powder. ...
  • Brown your meat. ...
  • Up the umami with soy sauce. ...
  • Mix in balsamic vinegar. ...
  • Bring the campfire indoors with liquid smoke. ...
  • Select your beans carefully. ...
  • Stir in masa harina for thicker chili. ...
  • Pucker up for pickling liquids.
Jan 8, 2023

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

What is the best meat for chili? ›

Ground beef is an immensely versatile, excellent addition to any chili and happens to be one of the quickest to cook and least expensive options of them all. That means you could cook a large amount of chili to feed your entire family for less.

How do you thicken up watery chili? ›

Use All-Purpose Flour or Cornstarch

"Transfer some warm liquid [from the chili] to a separate bowl. Whisk in the flour or cornstarch, then slowly stir it back in the pot," advises Wofford. Bring the mixture back to a boil, which will "activate" the ingredient, instantly thickening the dish.

How do you fix chili that's too watery? ›

Usually, 1 to 2 tablespoons of cornmeal are all you will need to get a nice, thick texture. Let the chili simmer for an additional 10 minutes or so, stirring frequently until you've reached your desired thickness.

How do you fix chili that is too soupy? ›

Add cornstarch or all-purpose flour: Cornstarch and all-purpose flour are common thickening agents that you might already have on hand in your pantry. Adding flour directly into the chili will create lumps. Instead, make a slurry by mixing one tablespoon of cold water with one tablespoon of cornstarch.

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