Instant Pot Chili

This Instant Pot chili recipe is a comforting dish perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to game day gatherings. Packed with lean ground beef and a symphony of spices, this hearty meal is both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. The Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but also infuses the chili with deep, rich flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and simple steps, this chili comes together in less than an hour.
• Hearty and Filling: Loaded with beans and beef, it’s a satisfying meal that will keep you full.
• Versatile Options: Customize your chili by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting spice levels to suit your taste.
• One-Pot Meal: Easy cleanup is guaranteed as everything cooks in one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for batch cooking; freeze leftovers for quick meals later.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Instant Pot chili, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: This multi-cooker speeds up cooking time while maximizing flavor through pressure cooking.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface ensures safe chopping of vegetables without damaging your countertops.
• Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping onions, garlic, and peppers quick and easy.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching the Instant Pot’s inner pot.

Ingredients

This Instant Pot chili recipe is made with ground beef and a rich tomato base that’s layered with spices and seasonings. It’s thick, hearty, and so flavorful.

Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion (chopped)
– 1 pound ground beef (90% lean recommended)
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– 4 tablespoons tomato paste
– 14.5 ounce can (1 ¾ cups) low sodium beef broth (or chicken broth)
– 28 ounce can fire roasted crushed tomatoes (or fire roasted diced tomatoes)
– 15 ounce can kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
– 15 ounce can black beans (rinsed and drained)

How to Make Instant Pot Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Press Sauté to turn on the sauté setting on the Instant Pot.
* Add the olive oil and heat until hot.
* Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2 minutes until it starts to soften.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot.
* Cook while stirring to crumble the meat until browned, which should take around 5 minutes.
* Drain off any excess grease as needed.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Cancel Sauté Function

Stir in minced garlic into the pot.
* Then press Cancel to turn off the sauté function.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add chopped bell pepper along with chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and broth to the pot.
* Stir well while scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Layer Tomatoes and Beans

Carefully add crushed tomatoes and kidney/black beans on top of other ingredients without stirring them in.
This helps prevent a burn warning during pressure cooking.

Step 6: Pressure Cook

Close the Instant Pot lid securely.
* Move the steam release valve to sealing position.
Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. Note that it may take some time for the pot to build pressure before cooking begins.

Step 7: Release Pressure

Once cook time ends, let pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes.
Then quickly release remaining pressure by carefully turning steam release valve to venting position using a long spoon handle. After all steam escapes and pin drops down, open lid.

Step 8: Final Touches

Stir chili thoroughly once opened. If it’s not thick enough for your liking,
use sauté function again for a few minutes to thicken it up further. Serve with your favorite toppings as desired!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chili

Serving Instant Pot chili is a delightful experience, as it pairs perfectly with various toppings and sides that enhance its rich flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully on top for extra flavor.
• Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a crunchy texture and mild onion flavor.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado provides a refreshing contrast to the chili’s heat.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings a burst of freshness and color to each bowl.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Sweet, buttery cornbread is a classic pairing that complements the chili’s richness.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips can be served on the side for dipping or topping your chili.
• Rice: Serve over white or brown rice for a heartier meal that balances the flavors.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Chili

Creating the perfect Instant Pot chili requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish comes out just right.

• Use Lean Meat: Opt for ground beef with at least 90% lean content for less grease and more flavor.
• Layer Ingredients Carefully: Add ingredients in layers without stirring too much to avoid burn warnings during cooking.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of chili powder based on your heat preference; start small and taste test.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the chili to sit for a few minutes after cooking enhances flavor as it melds together.
• Experiment with Beans: Mix different types of beans, like pinto beans or chickpeas, for varied textures and tastes.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot chili can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options that work wonderfully together.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic butter adds a savory touch that complements the spicy chili.
2. Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast to the hearty chili.
3. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the richness of the dish.
4. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes provide a filling side that pairs well with chili and toppings.
5. Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas make an excellent dipper, adding fun flavors alongside your meal.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies give a smoky element that enhances each bite of chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot chili, it’s easy to make mistakes that could affect the flavor or texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the Sauté Step – Failing to sauté the vegetables and meat first can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always start by browning your beef and softening the onions.
• Overfilling the Pot – Adding too many ingredients can cause a burn warning. Ensure you follow the recipe’s ingredient amounts and layer properly.
• Neglecting Natural Pressure Release – Rushing the pressure release can result in a soupy chili. Allow for natural release for better thickness.
• Not Using Enough Seasoning – Under-seasoning can lead to bland chili. Be generous with spices and taste as you go for optimal flavor.
• Stirring Before Cooking – Mixing beans and tomatoes before cooking can trigger the burn warning. Layer them carefully without stirring.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow chili to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Instant Pot Chili

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container for expansion.

Reheating Instant Pot Chili

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
• Microwave – Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
• Stovetop – Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Instant Pot Chili take to cook?

Instant Pot chili takes around 15 minutes of pressure cooking time, but don’t forget about prep time and natural release!

Can I customize my Instant Pot Chili?

Absolutely! You can add extra veggies, different types of beans, or adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

What can I serve with Instant Pot Chili?

Consider serving it with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for added texture and flavor!

How do I make Instant Pot Chili vegetarian?

Simply replace ground beef with lentils or additional beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot chili is not only hearty and satisfying but also versatile enough to fit any dietary preference. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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