This Instant Pot Chilli recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty beans, tender meat, and a medley of spices to create a robust and satisfying dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed; in just a little over an hour, you can have a steaming pot of chili that’s perfect for game day, family dinners, or meal prep for the week ahead. The Instant Pot locks in flavors while significantly reducing cooking time, making it a must-try for any chili lover.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this Instant Pot chili recipe because it marries rich flavors with ease of preparation. The pressure cooking process infuses the ingredients with a depth of flavor that rivals traditional slow-cooked recipes, but in a fraction of the time. This chili is not only delicious but also quite versatile, fitting perfectly into a variety of lifestyles, whether you’re gluten-free, low-carb, or just seeking a hearty meal. With one pot to clean, you can enjoy quality time with family or friends without the post-meal chaos.
Tips and Tricks
- Layer Your Ingredients: When adding ingredients to the Instant Pot, place the ground meat at the bottom to help it brown and prevent sticking.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sauté step! Browning the meat and onions first will develop a deeper flavor profile.
- Use Low-Sodium Broth: This helps control the saltiness of the chili, allowing you to adjust to your taste.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to elevate the flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
To make your life easier, you can prepare ingredients ahead of time. Chop your onions, garlic, and any vegetables the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The chili can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, or frozen for up to three months, making it ideal for meal prepping.

Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Chili: Substitute the ground meat with lentils, mushrooms, or a combination of your favorite beans.
- Spicy Chili: Add diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for an extra kick.
- Chili with Beer: Replace some of the broth with your favorite beer for a unique twist.
How to Serve
Serve this chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced onions, or shredded cheese for added flavor. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add creaminess, while a side of cornbread or tortilla chips makes the perfect accompaniment. For a colorful presentation, serve in rustic bowls and sprinkle with fresh herbs.

Pairing Suggestions
Pair this comforting chili with a refreshing lager or a bold red wine like Zinfandel. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a sparkling water with lime or a spiced apple cider. Serve alongside a simple garden salad or cornbread for a full meal experience.
How to Store
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. When reheating, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Equipment Needed
- Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker)
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Dietary Adaptations
- Vegan: Replace the meat with a combination of beans, lentils, and vegetables.
- Dairy-Free: Skip cheese and sour cream, or use non-dairy alternatives.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your broth and any added sauces are certified gluten-free.
Seasonal Adaptations
In winter, consider using canned tomatoes and beans for convenience, while in summer, fresh tomatoes and corn can be delicious additions to enhance freshness. You can also incorporate seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added texture.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply sauté the ingredients on the stovetop, then transfer them to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- How long does it take to cook chili in an Instant Pot?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes under pressure, plus time for the pot to come to pressure and natural release.
- Can I substitute the ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat can all work well in this chili.
Instant Pot Chilli

This Instant Pot Chilli recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty beans, tender meat, and a medley of spices to create a robust and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the "Sauté" function. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute to toast the spices.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, kidney beans, black beans, and broth. Stir well to combine.
- Close the lid, ensuring the valve is set to "Sealing." Select "Manual" or "Pressure Cook," and set the time for 30 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to "Venting" to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid, stir the chili, and taste for seasoning, adjusting if necessary. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 534Total Fat 29gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 14gCholesterol 139mgSodium 669mgCarbohydrates 24gFiber 5gSugar 9gProtein 46g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot chili recipe is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and comfort that brings people together. With its ease of preparation and ability to be customized, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it at a game day gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, you’ll find that this chili warms the heart and satisfies the soul. Happy cooking!