Instant Pot Chili

Hearty, comforting chili made straight in the pressure cooker. Does it get any easier than this? This instant pot chili is full of incredible flavor and bone-warming ingredients for a chilly fall or winter day.

Fast chili is one of the easiest weeknight wins. For 29 more speedy ground beef recipes, see my collection of 30-minute ground beef dinners.

Why this recipe works

This recipe comes straight from our classic homemade chili made on the stovetop. We know how much people enjoy using the instant pot, as do we, so we’re providing a simple way for you to cook up a big pot of chili in the pressure cooker in under 30 minutes total!

Instant pot chili is perfect for days you want a more hands-off approach to dinner, it’s especially great after a day of sledding in the snow or for cozying up on the couch. It’s also an affordable ground beef dinner that’s easy to make!

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

BEEF – Fairly lean ground beef is best, 85-90% is what I use. I find that to be the perfect ratio. If you’d like, you can add in some ground sausage as you see fit.

SEASONING – The seasoning mix includes flour for thickening and salt for flavor enhancement. Dried minced onion and dried minced garlic are used because this is a homemade chili seasoning mix that can be kept in your pantry. Chili powder and crushed red pepper add flavor and a little heat as well as color. Granulated white sugar helps with the acidic tomatoes you will be adding. Ground cumin is a great flavor addition.

FILLING – Canned dark red kidney beans are what I use, but regular red kidneys are great too. You also need canned tomatoes, I use fire-roasted diced because I love the added flavor. Feel free to add sliced jalapenos or green peppers as well!

How to Make Instant Pot Chili

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Set the Instant Pot to saute mode. Brown the ground beef and drain the excess grease.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the spices together. Add to the ground beef and stir, cooking for 2 minutes.
3. Add the beans, tomatoes, and water. Stir and set to high pressure for 15 minutes with natural release for 5. Quick release the remaining pressure.
4. Add the chopped parsley for garnish and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Yep! Brown the ground beef in a large skillet and drain off any fat. Combine all of the seasoning ingredients in a bowl and mix them together. Add the browned meat to the slow cooker and sprinkle with the seasoning mix. Add the water, kidney beans, and canned tomatoes and give it a stir. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Stir it occasionally.

Serving Suggestions

This instant pot chili is so quick and easy, and it’s great for not just a solid meal by itself but for making chili dogs, piled onto nachos, or adding to a baked potato. We love making chili for football parties or tailgating.

Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, green onions, sour cream, tortilla chips, crispy bacon crumbles, cilantro, or noodles for a tasty chili mac. For leftovers, try our chili and cornbread stuffed peppers!

What to Serve With Chili

• Sweet Cornbread
• Garlic Cheese Rolls
• Parmesan Garlic Rolls

More Chili Recipes

• Make Your Own Homemade Chili Seasoning
• Chicken Chili with Black Beans & Corn
• Crockpot Chili
• Short Rib Chili

Looking for more ground beef ideas? See our collection of 90 best ground beef recipes here.

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