Transform your weeknight meals with the **Quick and Easy Instant Pot Beef Chili**, a pressure cooker recipe that stands out for its incredible flavor and unmatched convenience. If you’re looking for a homemade chili that’s both hearty and ready in a flash, your search ends here! This robust chili, crafted with savory ground beef and your choice of beans – whether classic kidney, versatile black, or a custom blend – is designed for maximum taste with minimum effort. It’s the ideal solution for busy weeknight dinners and a fantastic freezer-friendly option, ensuring you always have a comforting meal close at hand.
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This post was originally published in August 2018 and has been extensively updated to provide more value and detail to our readers.
While many associate chili with the crisp days of fall and winter, I find myself craving this comforting dish all year long. There’s something inherently satisfying about a rich, flavorful chili, and when it comes to speed and depth of flavor, nothing beats this Instant Pot version. Its versatility makes it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire, adaptable for any season or occasion. For those who enjoy exploring different chili profiles, you might also love our Instant Pot White Chicken Chili or our Keto Low Carb Chili.
Chili isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s one of those deeply comforting dishes, brimming with layers of rich flavor that warm you from the inside out. What I particularly love about this recipe is its incredible potential for meal prepping. Whipping up a large batch at the start of the week means you’ll have delicious leftovers ready for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week, saving you time and stress during busy days.
And here’s a little secret every chili enthusiast knows: chili almost always tastes even better the second day! As it rests, the flavors meld and deepen, creating an even more satisfying culinary experience. This makes it an ideal candidate for cooking ahead, allowing the dish to reach its full flavor potential.
For many, chili holds a special place in their culinary journey. It was one of the first substantial meals I learned to prepare as a child. I vividly recall peering into the simmering pot on the stove, captivated by the rich aroma and the anticipation of that first spoonful. The Instant Pot streamlines this beloved tradition, delivering that same nostalgic flavor and comfort in a fraction of the time, making it accessible even on the busiest of days.
Understanding the Instant Pot “Burn” Message
The dreaded “Burn” message on your Instant Pot can be unsettling, but it’s usually an easily solvable issue. This alert typically indicates that there isn’t enough liquid in the pot, or that food has stuck to the bottom, causing localized overheating. Fortunately, with this Instant Pot Beef Chili recipe, I’ve never encountered the burn signal, thanks to the balanced liquid-to-solid ratio. However, should you ever see this message with any Instant Pot recipe, the immediate solution is to add more liquid, such as beef broth or water, and stir well to loosen any stuck bits before resuming pressure cooking. Ensuring a thin layer of liquid at the bottom after sautéing can also help prevent this issue.
Expert Instant Pot Chili Recipe Tips
- **Cooking Time Efficiency:** This Instant Pot Beef Chili truly lives up to its “quick and easy” promise. The chili pressure cooks for just 18 minutes. Including the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure (approximately 10 minutes) and a quick release, you can expect to have a piping hot, delicious meal ready in less than 40 minutes from start to finish.
- **The Power of Seasoning:** A truly great chili hinges on its seasoning. While pre-made chili packets offer a convenient shortcut, I highly recommend crafting your own blend of spices for a more nuanced and customizable flavor profile. Experiment with chili powder, cumin, oregano, a touch of cayenne, and even a hint of cocoa powder for added depth.
- **Cooking Frozen Ground Beef:** If you’re starting with frozen ground beef, you can cook it separately in the Instant Pot before incorporating it into the chili. Refer to your Instant Pot manual for specific guidance on cooking times and methods for frozen meats to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to consume.
- **Flavor Boost with Broth and Bouillon:** To achieve an exceptionally rich and savory flavor, I swear by a combination of high-quality beef broth and Better Than Bouillon beef base. This duo creates a depth of umami that elevates the chili to new heights. If you prefer, you can certainly omit the Better Than Bouillon, but I encourage you to try it for that extra layer of deliciousness.
- **Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep:** This chili is incredibly freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prepping. I portion out cooled chili into airtight containers for easy storage. To defrost, simply transfer the container to the refrigerator overnight. While you can thaw it in the microwave, I find that a slow thaw preserves the chili’s texture and flavor best.
Reheating Chili in Your Instant Pot
Reheating leftovers in the Instant Pot is a breeze, preserving the chili’s moistness and flavor. For best results, I recommend using the “Saute” mode on a low setting. Add your desired portion of chili to the inner pot, and stir occasionally until it’s warmed through to your liking. This method gently reheats the chili without drying it out, ensuring it tastes as good as it did on day one.
Once your chili is ready, the real fun begins: loading it up with your favorite toppings! Growing up, crackers were our go-to, and they’re still a fantastic, simple addition. But don’t be afraid to get creative and explore a world of flavors and textures.
For those who prefer a chili with a fiery kick, incorporate chopped jalapeños into the pot before the pressure cooking phase. The heat from the jalapeños will infuse throughout the chili, creating a wonderful spice. You can also boost the heat by adding extra red cayenne pepper to taste, either during cooking or as a garnish. Remember, the beauty of homemade chili is being able to customize it to your exact preferences.
This Instant Pot Beef Chili is more than just a quick meal; it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re entering a chili cook-off, tailgating before the big game, hosting a Super Bowl party, or simply enjoying a cozy family dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Its rich flavor and ease of preparation make it a standout dish that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
More Comforting Instant Pot Soup Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and flavor that the Instant Pot brings to chili, you’ll be thrilled to discover its potential for an array of other comforting soup recipes. The pressure cooker excels at developing deep flavors in a fraction of the time, making it an indispensable tool for hearty meals. Explore these other fantastic Instant Pot soup recipes:
- Autumn Squash Soup
- Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup
- Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
- Chicken Lasagna Soup
- Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
- Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Instant Pot Black Bean Soup
- Instant Pot Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
- Instant Pot Shrimp and Grits
- Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
Explore More Delicious Chili Recipes
Chili is a culinary canvas, offering endless possibilities for flavor and texture. If you’re a true chili aficionado, expand your repertoire beyond this beef classic with these diverse and equally delicious chili recipes:
- Keto Low Carb Chili
- Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
- Pumpkin Chicken Chili
- Sweet Potato Beef Chili
- Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
- Creamy Seafood Chili
- Chili Cheese Fries
- Buffalo Chicken Chili
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Chili Mac
For a comprehensive collection of dishes, click here for a complete listing of Instant Pot Recipes and Southern Soul Food Recipes. Additionally, discover The Best Healthy Chili Recipes and learn how to perfect your own Homemade Chili Seasoning.
Quick and Easy Instant Pot Beef Chili
Brandi Crawford
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Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 pound ground beef I used lean beef for a healthier option, but any ground beef works.
- 2 16 oz can kidney beans rinsed and drained thoroughly. Feel free to use black beans or pinto beans instead.
- ½ chopped red pepper adds a touch of sweetness and color.
- 1 cup beef broth essential for liquid and base flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Beef Flavor for an extra layer of rich, concentrated beef flavor. Optional but highly recommended.
- 1 16oz can petite diced tomatoes for a chunky tomato texture.
- 1 8oz can tomato sauce to thicken and provide a smooth tomato base.
Spices
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 tablespoons sugar optional, helps balance acidity. I used a zero-calorie sweetener like Swerve for a healthier alternative.
- salt and pepper to taste It’s best to add salt and pepper after the chili has cooked, as the beef broth and Better Than Bouillon already contribute significant sodium. This allows you to adjust the seasoning perfectly without over-salting.
- 1 tablespoon red cayenne pepper Adjust the amount to suit your personal preference for spice level – add more or less for a milder or hotter chili.
Topping Ideas
- shredded cheddar cheese
- sliced avocado
- sour cream
- jalapenos For extra heat, you can also add diced jalapenos directly into the chili during the cooking process.
- fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- crispy tortilla strips or crushed corn chips for added crunch.
Instructions
- Begin by placing your Instant Pot on the ‘Saute’ function. Once hot, add the olive oil, then introduce the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 2 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and soft, releasing their aromatic flavors.
- Next, add the ground beef to the pot, along with your chosen blend of spices. Use a large spoon or spatula to effectively break down the beef into small, uniform pieces. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring regularly, until the beef is no longer pink and has browned nicely. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the Better Than Bouillon (if using), chopped red peppers, rinsed beans, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring everything is well combined and any browned bits from the bottom of the pot are scraped up. This deglazing action adds even more flavor to your chili.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the sealing ring is properly in place and the vent is set to ‘Sealing.’ Cook on ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ mode at high pressure for 18 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time begins.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete and the Instant Pot indicates it has finished, perform a quick release of the steam. Carefully turn the vent to the ‘Venting’ position and allow all the pressure to escape before opening the lid.
- Carefully remove the chili from the pot. Ladle generous portions into bowls and get creative with your favorite toppings! Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, homemade goodness.
Recipe Video
A cooking demonstration video for this recipe can be found on our YouTube channel for visual guidance.
Notes
Instant Pot Chili Recipe Tips
- **Efficient Cooking:** This chili is pressure cooked for a swift 18 minutes. Including the roughly 10 minutes it takes for your Instant Pot to reach pressure, you’re looking at a total prep-to-serve time of under 40 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- **Custom Seasoning:** While convenient, pre-seasoned chili packets might lack the depth of flavor you desire. I highly recommend making your own spice blend to truly control and enhance the taste of your chili.
- **Frozen Meat Handling:** If you plan to use frozen ground beef, cook it separately in the Instant Pot first, then drain any excess fat before adding it to the chili ingredients. Always consult your Instant Pot manual for safe cooking guidelines for frozen meats.
- **Flavor Foundation:** The combination of quality beef broth and a tablespoon of Better Than Bouillon beef base provides an unparalleled depth of flavor. If you don’t have Better Than Bouillon, simply use an extra cup of beef broth, though the bouillon does add a unique richness.
- **Freezing for Future Meals:** This chili freezes exceptionally well. Store cooled portions in airtight containers. For best results when thawing, transfer the container to the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing in the microwave to maintain the best texture.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.