If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together faster than you’d expect, this Instant Pot Chili Recipe is an absolute game changer. It’s packed with rich spices, tender ground meat, smoky chipotle peppers, and hearty beans that come together in one pot for an incredibly satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or looking for crowd-pleasing comfort food, this chili hits all the right notes with incredible depth and minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot Chili Recipe relies on simple, yet essential ingredients that build layers of flavor, color, and texture. Each item plays a key role—from the browned meat adding richness, to the fragrant spices providing a warm kick, and the beans bringing heartiness and bite.
- Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the onions and meat, adding a subtle fruitiness and helping develop flavor.
- Large onion (diced): Adds a savory sweetness when cooked down, forming the flavorful base of the chili.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses a bold, aromatic punch that complements the spices beautifully.
- Ground beef (90% lean): Or ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option; provides the meaty, hearty texture that makes chili so comforting.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
- Chili powder: The star spice that delivers the classic chili heat and complexity.
- Oregano: Adds an herbal note that balances heat with earthiness.
- Cumin: Brings a smoky, warm depth that’s quintessential to chili.
- Paprika: Adds a vibrant color and subtle sweetness with a mild smoky undertone.
- Cinnamon: A surprising twist that adds warmth and complexity to the spice blend.
- Diced tomatoes (drained): Provide acidity and freshness, brightening the overall flavor.
- Diced green chilies: Introduce a gentle heat and vegetal sweetness.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Give the chili its smoky, spicy kick with a touch of tanginess.
- Tomato paste: Thickens the chili while intensifying the tomato flavor.
- Beef broth: Adds richness and helps meld all the flavors together as it simmers.
- Coffee: A secret ingredient that deepens the flavor and adds subtle bitterness to balance the spice.
- Kidney beans (drained): Classic chili beans that bring hearty texture and protein; pinto beans work wonderfully here too.
How to Make Instant Pot Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Meat
Start by heating olive oil in your Instant Pot on the Sauté setting. Toss in the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and just beginning to soften. Next, add the garlic and ground beef. Keep stirring and breaking the meat apart for 4 to 5 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. This step builds the flavor foundation and ensures your meat is perfectly tender.
Step 2: Mix in the Spices
Now it’s time to bring in those amazing spices: salt, pepper, chili powder, oregano, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. Adding them at this point lets their aromas bloom and infuses the meat with rich, deep flavor. Stir everything thoroughly to coat the meat evenly with the spice blend.
Step 3: Add the Tomato and Liquid Ingredients
Next up, pour in the diced tomatoes, diced green chilies, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, and coffee. This combination adds brightness, smoky heat, and a perfect balance of acidity and richness. Mix everything to meld the flavors.
Step 4: Stir in the Beans
Add the drained kidney beans last and stir gently to combine. The beans will soak up some of those beautiful spices and add substance to your chili, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
Step 5: Pressure Cook and Finish
Seal the Instant Pot with its lid and lock it in place. Set the pressure cook function for 25 minutes, letting the ingredients come together into a luscious, well-blended chili. Once done, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10 minutes. If you find the chili is a bit too liquidy for your liking, simply drain excess liquid to reach the consistency you prefer.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Dish out your piping hot chili, add your favorite garnishes, and dig in. This Instant Pot Chili Recipe is comfort food at its best, perfect for cozy nights or feeding a hungry crowd.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Adding toppings transforms this chili into a personalized feast. Think shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for more heat. A squeeze of lime brightens the deep flavors, and crunchy tortilla chips add a delightful texture contrast.
Side Dishes
Serve your chili alongside fluffy cornbread, a crisp green salad, or a warm baked potato. These sides either complement the rich flavors or add variety in texture and temperature, making the meal truly satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn this comforting chili into a chili cheese dip for game day, or spoon it over nachos for a fun twist? Layer it in baked potatoes or even stuff into soft tortillas as a hearty filling. The possibilities are endless with this versatile Instant Pot Chili Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover chili to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This allows the flavors to deepen even more, often tasting better the next day.
Freezing
Instant Pot Chili Recipe freezes beautifully. Store portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some headspace if using containers to allow expansion during freezing.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly. Add a splash of broth if the chili has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground meat and add extra beans, lentils, or even chopped mushrooms for a satisfying plant-based version of this Instant Pot Chili Recipe.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
No worries! You can make this chili on the stovetop in a large pot by simmering gently for about 1 to 2 hours. The flavors might take longer to develop, but it’s just as delicious.
Can I use canned beans straight from the can?
Yes, just be sure to drain and rinse the beans well to reduce sodium and improve texture before adding them to the chili.
What does the coffee add to the chili?
Coffee adds a subtle depth and slight bitterness that balances out the spiciness and acidity, making the chili richer and more complex in flavor.
Is it okay to adjust the spice levels?
Definitely! This recipe is very flexible — add more chipotle peppers or chili powder if you like it hotter, or reduce them to keep it milder. It’s all about making the chili your own.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Chili Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to comfort meals whenever I want something filling, flavorful, and fuss-free. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl that you can prepare with minimal effort but maximum deliciousness. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your kitchen as well!
Print
Instant Pot Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Instant Pot chili recipe that combines ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices for a satisfying meal. This chili is cooked quickly under pressure, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully without hours of simmering.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 8 cloves garlic
- 2 lbs. ground beef (90% lean, or substitute ground chicken or turkey)
Spices
- 3 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 3 tsp oregano
- 2 tbsp cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 3 tsp cinnamon
Tomato and Liquids
- 30 oz. diced tomatoes, drained
- 14 oz. diced green chilies
- 7 oz. chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 6 oz. tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup coffee
Beans
- 30 oz. kidney beans, drained (pinto beans may also be used)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Turn on the Instant Pot using the Sauté function and heat the olive oil until shimmering.
- Sauté onions: Add the diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add garlic and meat: Stir in the garlic cloves and ground beef. Continue stirring and sauté for 4-5 minutes, breaking up the meat to ensure even cooking.
- Add spices: Sprinkle in salt, pepper, chili powder, oregano, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. Stir well to combine all the spices evenly with the meat mixture.
- Add liquids and tomato products: Pour in the drained diced tomatoes, diced green chilies, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, and coffee. Mix thoroughly to incorporate everything.
- Stir in beans: Add the drained kidney beans and stir so everything is evenly distributed.
- Pressure cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, lock it, and set to pressure cook mode for 25 minutes.
- Natural pressure release: Allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10 minutes to let the chili settle.
- Adjust consistency: If there is excess liquid, carefully drain some off to reach your desired chili thickness.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a leaner version.
- If you prefer a spicier chili, add more chipotle peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Using coffee adds depth and richness but can be omitted or substituted with additional beef broth if desired.
- For vegetarian or vegan options, replace meat with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.
- Be sure to drain canned beans and tomatoes to avoid excess liquid in the final dish.
