The BEST Instant Pot Chili Recipe (2024)

INSTANT POT CHILI: Chili made easy in your pressure cooker is THE BEST! This recipe is the absolute perfect comfort food, packed with flavor, texture, color and a tiny bit of spice. Perfect dinner or party food!

Why This Recipe Works

This Instant Pot Chili recipe has been in the works for a long time. Many of you have asked for a pressure cooker version of your (and my!) favorite chili recipe and I finally delivered.

I have to admit that I avoided making a pressure cooker version of one of my favorite recipes EVER because I didn’t believe it could ever live up to its namesake. But it totally does, you guys.

I am so in love with my Instant Pot and the secret magic that goes on inside those little pressure-cooking walls. My first bite of this Instant Pot Chili made my head spin in circles. It tastes like it cooked low and slow for ages, but it is ready to eat in less than an HOUR!

This is such a great recipe. You are going to LOVE IT.

How To Make Instant Pot Chili

Making chili in a pressure cooker has never been easier! There is now a CHILI setting that puts those little magic men who live inside your Instant Pot to work.

After just 20 minutes of cooking time, this chili comes out perfectly and tastes like it has been simmering on the stove top all day long. Follow these easy steps to make the easiest, yummiest Instant Pot Chili you’ll find!

Step 1

Set your Instant Pot to the saute function. Add the olive oil and heat for 2 minutes. Add the garlic, onion, bell pepper, parsley and jalapenos (if using and I highly recommend that you do!) and saute for 3 minutes.

Step 2

Add the ground meat (use beef, pork, turkey or even venison!) and cook until it is no longer pink and drain, if needed.

Step 3

Add the spices! Stir the chili powder, cumin, sugar, oregano, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper into the meat and veggie mixture. Add the tomato juice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans and pinto beans to the pot.

Place the cover on the pot and set the timer to 20 minutes and cook on high pressure (use the CHILI setting!). It will take the Instant Pot approximately 10 minutes to build up pressure before it begins cooking. Only 30 minutes of cook time, folks!

Step 4

When cooking time is done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release. Remove the cover and serve the delicious chili immediately. Top with shredded cheese and sour cream, if desired!

Recipe Notes

• Use fresh ingredients for the best tasting chlii.
• Typically, fattier meats such as beef will produce a chili with more flavor.
• Decrease the amount of tomato juice used in the recipe for a less “saucy” chili and for a more thickened version of the comfort food.
• Go as crazy as you’d like with the toppings! Jalapeno slices, extra cheese, sour cream, cilantro leaves, lime wedges, sliced green onions.. the world is your oyster!
• Spice up the recipe by adding hot sauce, an extra jalapeno pepper, more cayenne pepper and by replacing the beans with seasoned black beans!
• Speaking of spice, do not let the jalapenos called for in the recipe scare you. It does not produce a super hot chili, but instead a mildly zingy and perfect chili recipe!
• Consider adding 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder to this chili recipe for an added level of flavor to the meat, beans and tomatoes.

How To Make Chili in a Slow Cooker

The ingredient list is the same between the best Instant Pot version of chili and the best crock pot version of chili. Follow the link for exact ingredient amounts!

Step 1

In a large skillet, cook the ground meat over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink. Transfer the meat to a bowl. Drain the excess grease from skillet, but do not clean it out.

Step 2

Add the olive oil to the skillet. Add the bell pepper, garlic, parsley, jalapeño peppers (if using) and onion and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes).

Remove from the heat and add the chili powder, cumin, sugar, oregano, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Stir until combined.

Step 3

Add the meat and veggie mixture to the slow cooker. Add the tomato juice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans and pinto beans to either the skillet or slow cooker, depending on which you are using.

Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours. Serve warm with cheese and sour cream.

What To Serve With Chili

Serve chili warm with a bit of shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream. A few good options to serve alongside it include:

• Chopped salad
• Dinner rolls
• Jalapeno corn bread

How Long Does Chili Last In The Fridge

If you are wondering how long chili lasts in the refrigerator or if your batch is still fresh, click over for all the info!

Chili Dinner Ideas – Recipes and Sides!

Click over for chili dinner ideas with a variety of recipes and side dish recommendations, as well. Or use this post as your guide for dinner ideas using leftover chili so nothing goes to waste.

What Side Dishes Go With Chili

If you are need a good list of side dishes that go with chili to make the perfect complete meal, read on for 19 delicious ideas!

Appetizer Ideas

Chili dinners are the best in those cold winter months! If you are looking to round out your meal, peruse this roundup for ideas aboutwhat to serve as appetizers for chili dinner.

How To Thicken Chili

If you make a delicious batch and find that it is not thick enough for your liking, we have some simple methods that will fix it! Read on for tips about how to thicken chili.

What Beans Are Best In Chili

I love using pinto and red kidney beans because they are hearty and sturdy. Occasionally I will get crazy and add black beans, but for this recipe stick with the pinto-kidney combo!

Best Bean Substitutes

Whether you can’t eat beans or you just don’t have any on hand, learn what to substitute for beans in chili!

What To Do With Chili Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and it’s very possible that you will because this makes a large batch), please check out these delicious recipes to help use them up:

• Baked Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
• Best Ever Chili Dogs
• Chili Mac and Cheese
• Chili-Topped Baked Potatoes

How To Make Hot Dog Chili Sauce

Don’t use any old chili recipe to pile on top of hot dogs. This delicious recipe details how to make hot dog chili sauce so the consistency is just right!

How To Freeze Chili

Freezing chili is super doable and easy! Pour it into a container that seals tightly OR into resealable freezer bags. If you use bags, flatten them out and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Store in the freezer for up to 6 months.

When you are ready to enjoy the chili, let it thaw completely and reheat on the stove top or in a slow cooker until it is warmed to desired temperature.

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