Instant Pot Chili with Ground Beef and Beans Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and packed full of flavor, you have to try this Instant Pot Chili with Ground Beef and Beans Recipe. It’s an absolute game-changer, bringing together tender ground beef, hearty beans, and rich tomatoes with a smoky and spicy kick, all cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time it usually takes. Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, this chili tastes like it’s been simmering all day, making it the ultimate go-to dish for busy weeknights or whenever you need a bowl of soul-satisfying warmth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Instant Pot Chili with Ground Beef and Beans Recipe plays a vital role in crafting the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and vibrant color. From the fresh veggies that add sweetness and crunch to the spices that bring smoky heat, these simple yet essential ingredients combine to make something truly memorable.

• Olive oil: For sautéing the beef and veggies, adding a subtle richness and preventing sticking.
• Ground beef (or ground turkey): The hearty protein base that makes this chili filling and flavorful.
• Onion, diced: Adds a natural sweetness and depth to the chili’s base.
• Green bell pepper, diced: Brings a fresh, slightly crisp texture and balances the spices.
• Garlic, minced: Infuses the chili with its signature aromatic punch.
• Chili powder: The star spice that builds the chili’s bold, warm flavor.
• Ground cumin: Adds earthy undertones and a hint of smokiness.
• Smoked paprika: Boosts the smoky depth without overpowering the other spices.
• Dried oregano: Introduces a subtle herbal note for balance.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who want a little extra heat and excitement.
• Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): Create the rich, saucy base that binds all the flavors together.
• Diced tomatoes with green chiles (15 oz can): Adds texture and a mild chili kick.
• Kidney beans, rinsed and drained (15 oz can): Adds hearty bites and a creamy texture.
• Black beans, rinsed and drained (15 oz can): Balances flavor while boosting the fiber and protein content.
• Beef broth: Amplifies the meaty flavor and creates the perfect consistency.
• Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds thickness.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
• Toppings (shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro): Optional finishing touches that bring richness, freshness, and color to your bowl.

How to Make Instant Pot Chili with Ground Beef and Beans Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the Sauté function and heating the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook it thoroughly, breaking it up as it browns. This step builds a rich flavor base, and you can drain any excess fat to keep your chili from feeling greasy while still maintaining that hearty texture.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté them until they soften and become fragrant, typically about 3 to 4 minutes. These veggies add sweetness and depth, balancing out the bold spices coming up.

Step 3: Bloom the Spices

Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir everything together and cook for about a minute. This blooming process intensifies the spices’ aromas and flavors, ensuring your chili is bursting with warmth and complexity.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth

Now it’s time for the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chiles, kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor and to avoid the dreaded “burn” warning.

Step 5: Pressure Cook the Chili

Cancel the Sauté mode and securely lock the lid. Set your Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook on High for 15 minutes. Once the timer goes off, let it naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure. This step melds all those robust flavors together, giving your chili that slow-cooked taste so quickly.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serving Prep

Give your chili a good stir, taste, and adjust salt, pepper, or heat if needed. If you want your chili thicker, you can simmer it on Sauté mode for another 5 to 10 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Now it’s ready to serve!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chili with Ground Beef and Beans Recipe

Garnishes

The garnishes truly elevate your chili; think shredded cheese melting into every bite, a dollop of sour cream adding cool creaminess, fresh green onions, and bright cilantro to add pops of fresh flavor. These toppings offer contrast and a personalized touch, turning a simple bowl into a decadent experience.

Side Dishes

This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, making the meal comforting and complete with a touch of sweetness and crunch. Baked potatoes on the side can soak up every morsel, or serve it over fluffy white or brown rice to make it stretch even further while still tasting amazing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your chili in bread bowls for an edible vessel that’s just as satisfying. You can also use it as a topping for loaded nachos or simply spoon it over a hot baked sweet potato for a nutritious and hearty dinner. The versatility of this Instant Pot Chili with Ground Beef and Beans Recipe makes it perfect for all kinds of occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chili keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Its flavors often deepen even more after resting overnight, making it a great candidate for make-ahead meals.

Freezing

This chili freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, making sure you have a delicious meal ready whenever hunger strikes.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warm, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, or use a microwave in 1 to 2 minute intervals. If it has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, stir in a splash of broth, water, or tomato juice to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative and will still give you a delicious, hearty chili, though the flavor may be slightly milder.

Do I need to soak the beans before pressure cooking?

No soaking is necessary here because the recipe uses canned beans, which are already cooked and just need to be heated and incorporated with the other ingredients.

How can I make this chili spicier?

For an extra kick, add more cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or even a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce while cooking. Adjust seasoning to your heat tolerance.

Is this chili gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this Instant Pot Chili with Ground Beef and Beans Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

While possible, using dried beans would require additional soaking and longer cooking times. For convenience and consistency, canned beans are recommended in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of chili that hits all the right notes: rich, hearty, a little smoky, and effortlessly made in your Instant Pot. This Instant Pot Chili with Ground Beef and Beans Recipe not only saves you time but also delivers that satisfying, slow-cooked flavor you crave. I promise once you make it, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to meals for cozy nights or feeding a hungry crowd. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

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