Easy Instant Pot Chili Recipe (Pressure Cooker Chili) (2024)

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Instant Pot Chili is so easy and quick to make! This pressure cooker chili with canned beans warms up any occasion, from Game Day parties to family meals. Cooking chili at high pressure makes it so flavorful and is the quickest way to get dinner on the table!

We love cooking soups and chilis in the Pressure Cooker! The cooking time is a lot shorter but the flavor is a lot more intense and deeper in my opinion. A few of our favorites areInstant Pot Chicken Chili,Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Vegetables, andInstant Pot Carrot Soup Recipe.

Easy Instant Pot Chili Recipe (Pressure Cooker Chili) (1)

Instant pot chili with canned beans and ground beef is so easy and fast to make!Making it in an electric pressure cooker instead of on the stove saves you time and keeps your kitchen clean. Every time Imade chili on the stove our whole kitchen was covered with red sprinkles.

Ok, this could totally be my fault because cooking always ends in a bit of a mess when I’m in charge but making chili in my Instant Pot saves me so much time cleaning. For me, it’s definitely worth the investment. Cooking chili in the Pressure Cooker also deepens the flavor and makes chili taste even more amazing, similar to cooking low and slow for hours.If you are a fan of comforting dinners with a lot of flavour that don’t take a lot of effort you need to make this recipe!

This chili recipe uses individual spices instead of chili mix and develops delicious deep flavors while cooking at high pressure. It’s so delicious that I don’t think we’ll ever go back to our normal stovetop chili!

Easy Instant Pot Chili Recipe (Pressure Cooker Chili) (2)

Tips and Tricks for Making the BEST Instant Pot Chili

  • Adding a little bit of cocoa powder is one of the secrets for making a great, flavorful chili. The chili won’t taste like hot chocolate but the cocoa really enhances the meat flavor.
  • I also always add sweet corn to my chili, this might not be traditional but I love the texture itadds. The cornaddsa little bit of sweetness and by adding it after the cooking time is over it’s slightly crisp and not soft like the beans. But it’s totally optional! You could add another 14 oz can of beans if you don’t want to add the corn.
  • Reduce or increase the amount of chili powder depending on your taste!
  • Instead of beef broth, you can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth.
  • Instead of chopped tomatoes, you can also use crushed tomatoes.
  • IMPORTANT: North American Chili powder is very different from what you can buy in Europe. The European kind is a lot more spicey so you have to reduce the amount to about 2 tsp.
  • Layering the tomatoes on top will help to not get the burn error. The newer Instant Pot models tend to get this error more often.
  • My favorite toppings for Chili are Sour Cream, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Cilantro and sometimes avocado slices.
  • For abig crowd, I like to set up a topping bar so everyone can top their chili with their favorite toppings. Perfect for game day parties!

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A pressure cooker was something I always wanted but the stove top ones are quite intimidating. The Instant Pot is so much easier to handle! When I first got it I was overwhelmed by all the buttons and didn’t know what I should do with it. But after trying a few recipes I feel quite confident and love cooking with it. It’s great for basics like cooking rice or potatoes. Making mashed potatoes is super easy and quick. But I also made pulled pork in it and it was the most tender and juicy pulled pork we’ve ever eaten. My husband couldn’t get enough!

This Instant Pot Chili is no exception! It’s so good and flavorful! I usually serve this chili with a dollop of sour cream and some shredded cheese on top! MyCheesy Pumpkin Dinner Rollsor some cornbread also make a great side.

One thing I always had problems with were the kidney beans in my normal chili. Even so, I always use canned beans instead of dried beans it seemed like they weren’t cooked long enough and my belly started to rumble after eating chili. But cooking them at high pressure works like magic! I don’t have problems anymore. YAY!

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Tools used for making this Instant Pot Chili

Cocoa Powder:This is my go-to unsweetened cocoa powder that I use for all my baking and cooking! Their chocolate chips are also great.
Instant Pot:This is the model I use and love. The size is perfect for a family of 4.
Ground Meat Chopper: This tool makes separating ground meat so easy!

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4.84 from 31 votes

Instant Pot Chili Recipe

By: Julia Foerster

A delicious Instant Pot Chili that is so easy to make! Watch the VIDEO below to see how easy it is to make!

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 cup beef broth, or chicken broth
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 14 oz cans black beans, or red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 2 14 oz cans crushed tomatoes, or strained tomatoes (tomato passata)
  • 2 cups corn, frozen or canned (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Cups - Metric

Instructions

  • Press saute button (adjust to less if your Instant Pot runs hot). When the Instant Pot is hot add oil and diced onions. Saute onions for about 3-4 minutes until lightlybrowned. Add minced garlic and saute for 30 more seconds.

  • Add ground beef, chili powder, ground cumin, and oregano. Break up the meat into small pieces and saute until browned, about 4 minutes.

  • In a small bowl combine beef broth, tomato paste, and unsweetened cocoa powder until dissolved. Pour mixture into the Instant Pot to deglaze the pot. Use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot.

  • Add beans and stir until everything is combined. Then add tomatoes on top but don't stir. Layering the ingredients prevents getting the burnerror.

  • Cover and cook for 10 minutes at high pressure. Natural release for 10 minutes and thenquick release the remaining pressure. Remove the lid and stir until everything is combined.

  • If you want to add corn: Press the Saute button and addthe sweet corn. Let simmer for a few more minutes until the corn is cooked through.

  • Seasonto taste with salt and black pepper and serve topped with sour cream and cheese.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 667mg | Potassium: 810mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1530IU | Vitamin C: 8.5mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 5.3mg

Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

Recipe originally published January 2017. Updated with recipe video and improved instructions.

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Categorized as:
Instant Pot, Main Dishes

About Julia Foerster

Hi, I'm Julia! Born in Germany, I call Canada now my home and love to share my favorite dishes with you! Here you'll find hundreds of recipes, all made from scratch, with lots of tips and detailed step-by-step instructions.

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Easy Instant Pot Chili Recipe (Pressure Cooker Chili) (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to can chili in a pressure cooker? ›

Pint jars or quart jars may be used when canning chili. Both jars will be processed at 10 pounds of pressure (or higher for your elevation.) Pint jars will be processed for 1 hour and 15 minutes and quart jars for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

How to thicken up chili in instant pot? ›

To Thicken the Chili:

OR, create a slurry by combining 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water. Turn Instant Pot on to SAUTE. Once chili begins bubbling, add the slurry a little bit at a time while mixing until chili reaches desired consistency.

How to make chili more flavorful? ›

Elevate with Extra Flavor

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

What is the best thickener for chili? ›

The good news is there are lots of easy ways to thicken up your chili with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry— flour, cornmeal, pureed beans, cornstarch, or even crushed tortilla chips will help do the job, along with some good old extra simmering time.

Does chili thicken the longer it cooks? ›

Thin chili may just need time to cook down. Cook it uncovered low and slow, at least one hour, for it to thicken on its own. Cooking it uncovered allows for evaporation to reduce and concentrate the chili.

Can you use canned beans in a pressure cooker? ›

Pour off some liquid from the beans, clearing at least 1 inch from the top of the can, but leaving some liquid. Add beans and remaining liquid, ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to the Instant Pot®. Mix in bacon. Close and lock the lid.

Should chili be thick or soupy? ›

Traditionally, we expect a robust, spicy base, meat and/or beans, perhaps some bonus veggies, and a thick, rich consistency. Unlike soups, which are brothy, or even bisques, which are creamy yet thinner, chili is meant to be more stew-like; it's a definite stick-to-your-ribs creation.

Will tomato sauce thicken chili? ›

Not only will tomato paste add a tangy flavor to the dish, but it will also act as a thickening agent. For this purpose, you can use homemade or store-bought tomato paste. Add 1 can of the paste to your pot of chili, stir the mixture, and let it cook on medium heat for about 30 minutes.

What is a substitute for masa harina in chili? ›

If the masa harina is used as a thickener (such as in chili), regular flour or cornmeal will give you the right texture, though the flavor won't be quite the same.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What is the trick to a good chili? ›

Five Tips for Better Chili
  1. Make Your Own Chili Powder. Okay, if you're using a store-bought shaker of “chili powder” please get up from your computer, walk to your pantry, and throw it away. ...
  2. Use Beans from a Bag, Not from a Can. ...
  3. Roast your Chiles. ...
  4. Vary your Meat. ...
  5. A Hoppy Bottle of Beer Brings it all Together. ...
  6. Chili Powder.
Nov 29, 2016

Is it better to use cornstarch or flour to thicken chili? ›

Use All-Purpose Flour or Cornstarch

All-purpose flour and cornstarch are useful for thickening chili, as well as sauces, soups, and stews. However, you'll want to avoid adding these ingredients directly to your recipe, as this will result in clumps.

Can you add cornmeal to chili? ›

Add Cornmeal.

Sprinkling in a tablespoon or so of cornmeal or polenta is a great way to thicken Southwestern-inspired chilis. Adding either of these to a hot pot of chili means that it'll absorb and help thicken the liquid after simmering for about 10 additional minutes.

How to darken chili? ›

Add a Porter or Stout beer to the recipe for some extra darkness.

Is it safe to pressure can chili? ›

I always double or tripe a chili recipe in hopes of having some to save for later. If there is any leftover chili, using a pressure canner is a wonderful way to preserve it. This ensures that I have healthy meals on the shelf ready to go at a moments notice for easy weeknight meals.

How long to pressure cook cans? ›

Process at 10 pounds pressure—Pints 75 minutes and Quarts 90 minutes. For processing above 1,000 feet altitude, use 15 pounds pressure. Presto Precise® Digital Canner. Process Pints 75 minutes and Quarts 90 minutes.

What is the longest you can cook chili? ›

I have cooked this chili for 9 hours on low and it was delicious but ever-so-slightly burnt on the top. The tomatoes contain sugar, which caramelizes in the slow cooker, and will eventually burn if it cookes for too long. Anything longer than 10 hours on low is risky.

How long does it take for pressure canned food to seal? ›

Wait 12 to 24 hours to test if jars are sealed. Reprocess jars that did not seal within 24 hours.

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