Instant Pot Ground Beef Chili

Instant Pot Ground Beef Chili is the type of comforting meal that warms your body and soul, combining tender ground beef, aromatic spices, hearty beans, tomatoes, and rich broth pressure-cooked to perfection. Chili is a staple in American cuisine—especially during cool seasons, game days, and family gatherings—and making it in an Instant Pot cuts down on time without sacrificing flavor.

Traditional chili simmering can take hours to develop a deep flavor profile, but with the pressure-cooking method, you get that same richness in a fraction of the time. The result? A bold, thick, and flavor-packed chili that tastes like it cooked all day.

Why I Love This Recipe

• It’s quick, easy, and foolproof, thanks to the Instant Pot.
• The chili has a perfect balance of spice, richness, and depth.
• It’s great for meal prep—the flavor improves day by day.
• It’s versatile and can be served in many ways: bowls, nachos, loaded potatoes, hot dogs—endless options!

Why You Should Try This Dish

• Ready in under 35 minutes
• High in protein and nutrients
• Perfect for batch cooking and freezing
• Customizable based on spice level or dietary needs
• A guaranteed crowd-pleaser

Time + Serving Information

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80–90% lean)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 410g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans or pinto beans, drained (optional)
• 1 cup beef broth or water

Seasoning & Spices

• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp oregano
• ¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (to balance acidity)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté

• Turn Instant Pot to Sauté Mode.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned (about 5–7 minutes).
• Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
• Drain excess grease if needed.

2. Season

• Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Let spices warm for 30 seconds to activate flavor.

3. Add Remaining Ingredients

• Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, broth, Worcestershire, and brown sugar.
• DO NOT STIR after adding tomatoes — prevents burn warning.

4. Pressure Cook

• Seal the lid.
• Cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes.
• Allow Natural Release for 5–10 minutes, then quick release.

5. Simmer (Optional)

• Switch back to Sauté Mode for 5 minutes to thicken if needed.

How to Serve

Serve warm with:

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Tortilla chips
• Cornbread
• Avocado slices

Perfect for chili bowls, chili dogs, chili fries, or nacho topping.

Recipe Tips

• Brown the meat well—this deepens flavor.
• Add cocoa powder or coffee (¼ tsp) for extra richness.
• If you want thicker chili, use less broth or simmer at the end.
• Add beans after cooking if you prefer them firmer.

Variations

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigerator: 4–5 days (airtight container)
• Freezer: Up to 3 months
• Reheat: Stovetop, microwave, or in Instant Pot on Warm Mode.

Flavors improve after a day—perfect meal prep food!

Special Equipment Needed

• Instant Pot (6 qt or larger)
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle for serving

Conclusion

Instant Pot Ground Beef Chili is bold, hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy. With deep flavors that taste slow-cooked and a cooking time under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy families, cold evenings, or casual gatherings. Once you try this method, you may never go back to stovetop chili again!