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    Home > Recipes > Main Dishes

    Instant Pot Chili Recipe

    ↓ Jump to Recipe · By: Julia Foerster · Posted: 01/09/19 · Updated: 01/09/19 · This post may contain affiliate links

    A delicious Instant Pot Chili Recipe that is so easy to make in 30 minutes! This pressure cooker chili warms up any occasion, from Game Day parties to family meals.

    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 are Instant Pot Chicken Chili, Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Vegetables, and Instant Pot Carrot Soup Recipe.

    top-down shot of a white bowl of chili con carne, topped with sour cream, cilantro and shredded cheese with a bronze spoon in it.

    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 I made 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!

    An instant pot containing chili con carne. A hand is holding a black cooking spoon in it.

    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 it adds. The corn adds a 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 a big crowd, I like to set up a topping bar so everyone can top their chili with their favorite toppings. Perfect for game day parties!

    a white bowl of chili con carne, topped with sour cream, cilantro and shredded cheese on a marble surface with a white towel and a bronze spoon next to it.

    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! My Cheesy Pumpkin Dinner Rolls or 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!

    top-down shot of a white bowl of chili con carne, topped with sour cream, cilantro and shredded cheese on a marble surface with a white towel and a bronze spoon next to it.

    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!


    Want to try this Pressure Cooker Chili recipe?

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    a white bowl of chili con carne, topped with sour cream, cilantro and shredded cheese on a marble surface with a white towel and a bronze spoon next to it.
    Servings: 4

    Instant Pot Chili Recipe

    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
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Calories: 303kcal
    Author: Julia Foerster
    4.81 from 26 votes
    Print PIN RECIPE Rate

    Ingredients

    Cups - Metric
    • 1 Tbsp canola oil, or 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 chopped tomatoes
    • 2 cups frozen or canned sweet corn, optional
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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 lightly browned. 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 burn error. 
    • Cover and cook for 10 minutes at high pressure. Natural release for 10 minutes and then quick release the remaining pressure. Remove the lid and stir until everything is combined.
    • If you want to add corn: Press the Saute button and add the sweet corn. Let simmer for a few more minutes until the corn is cooked through.
    • Season to taste with salt and black pepper and serve topped with sour cream and cheese.

    Nutrition Information

    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
    Did you Make this Recipe? Tag me Today!Share it on Instagram and tag @platedcravings or #platedcravings!

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

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    a white bowl of chili con carne, topped with sour cream, cilantro and shredded cheese on a marble surface with a white towel and a bronze spoon next to it.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. L Valadez says

      October 13, 2019 at 12:17 pm

      Out of tomato paste can I leave it out?

      Reply
      • Julia says

        October 13, 2019 at 12:22 pm

        Yes, you can.

        Reply
    2. Scott G. says

      September 18, 2019 at 12:13 pm

      5 stars
      Are cooking times the same if I double the recipe? I have an 8 quart Instantpot.

      Reply
      • Julia says

        September 18, 2019 at 1:38 pm

        Yes, the cooking time will stay the same. – Julia

        Reply
    3. Patricia says

      August 25, 2019 at 2:37 am

      Can I substitute the canned tomatoes for like tomato sauce or something else? I and one of my kids are not fond of cooked tomato chunks in anything…

      Reply
      • Julia says

        August 27, 2019 at 3:37 pm

        You can use Tomato puree instead.

        Reply
    4. Teresa says

      June 23, 2019 at 5:38 pm

      Do you drain the canned tomatoes?

      Reply
      • Julia says

        June 23, 2019 at 5:48 pm

        No need to drain the tomatoes! – Julia

        Reply
        • Teresa says

          June 23, 2019 at 6:07 pm

          Thank you. Im currently working on making this right now!

          Reply
    5. Kat says

      June 16, 2019 at 5:54 pm

      5 stars
      Awesome. Taste great

      Reply
    6. Susan says

      February 13, 2019 at 7:57 am

      4 stars
      I have no cocoa powder. What can i use to substitute or can i just leave it out?

      Reply
      • Julia says

        February 13, 2019 at 8:33 am

        A little piece of dark chocolate works too but you can also just leave it out.

        Reply
    7. George Lynch says

      January 28, 2019 at 1:13 pm

      Did you change this recipe in the last month? I know I’ve used chipotle chili power and 1 tsp of unsweetened cocoa powder instead of 2. Also 3/4 cup of chicken stock – not 1 cup of beef broth. I’ve only ever had one chili recipe saved, and this is it. Am I crazy?

      Reply
      • Julia says

        January 28, 2019 at 1:36 pm

        You’re are definitely NOT crazy! I’m sorry for the confusion. I modified the recipe a little bit a few weeks ago. The only changes were the ones you mentioned, so feel free to use chicken stock, less cocoa, and add a bit of chipotle chili powder. I still make this recipe at least 2 times per month for my family and wanted to incorporate the little changes that I started to make. I feel like beef broth is a better fit with the ground beef and most of the time I don’t have chipotle chili powder at home so I increased the amount of chili powder. Sorry again! I hope you still enjoy the chili!

        Reply
        • George Lynch says

          January 28, 2019 at 5:47 pm

          No worries at all. Just thought I was losing it! Lol. I made it from the new recipe, and it didn’t taste the same. Great recipe regardless!

          Reply
    8. Gayle Schultz says

      December 05, 2018 at 6:48 pm

      5 stars
      I used one chopped poblano pepper, sautéd with onion. One boullion cube with water for stock, homemade cooked dried kidney beans, and left out the corn. 2nd time making and it was a huge hit! Thank you!

      Reply
    9. Sunni says

      November 27, 2018 at 6:36 pm

      5 stars
      Been making this recipe for months now and it’s always a HUGE hit. We hate beans, so I use mushrooms instead. Even my kids eat this, won’t be needing another chili recipe anytime soon.

      Reply
    10. Jenny says

      October 15, 2018 at 7:32 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent recipe that can be easily modified for a slow cooker! Made my very first chili ever and family called to tell me it was “off the charts!” I found it a little spicey as it cooked and so tripled the tomato paste and heavier on the sour cream and grated cheese topping.

      I’ll be saving and sharing this recipe!

      xo

      Reply
    11. Sonia says

      June 06, 2018 at 6:01 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing! My son made it and I didn’t have to do a thing!

      Reply
    12. Dana says

      April 14, 2018 at 7:03 pm

      5 stars
      Loved it!

      Reply
    13. Lisa Meyers says

      April 06, 2018 at 8:11 pm

      5 stars
      LOVED this chili. I added chipotle peppers in adobe sauce instead and did not put in corn. My husband and friend loved it too!

      Reply
      • JULIE says

        September 28, 2018 at 11:41 pm

        5 stars
        YOU USED THE CHIPOLTLE PEPPERS INSTEAD IN ADOBE INSTEAD OF THE POWDERED ADOBE CHILI? HOW MUCH DID YOU USE?

        Reply
    14. Dawn says

      February 26, 2018 at 8:03 pm

      5 stars
      Made this loved it will be making it often

      Reply
    15. Andrea says

      January 12, 2018 at 6:30 pm

      I am wanting to serve this for company. When you say it makes 4 servings, is that larger servings. I will be feeding 4 adults and 3 kids. I was thinking about 1.5 times the recipe. If I read the above reply correctly you do not need to adjust the cooking time, is that correct. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Julia says

        January 15, 2018 at 8:12 am

        1.5 times the recipe would be perfect for 4 adults and 3 kids in my experience. No need to adjust the cooking time :-)

        Reply
    16. Nancy says

      January 06, 2018 at 6:52 pm

      5 stars
      We loved this; I had some frozen corn from last summer I added 1 can dark kidney, 1 can black beans-both low sodium and added a little more tomato paste at the end to thicken it up. Served it with cornbread. Definitely will make it again.

      Reply
    17. Isabelle says

      October 31, 2017 at 3:55 pm

      5 stars
      This is the best quickest easiest chili out there! We have multiple food allergies so I omit the beans and it still tastes amazing and we can all eat it! Thanks for sharing this recipe!

      Reply
    18. Sue says

      September 18, 2017 at 12:38 pm

      What changes if you double the recipe.?

      Reply
      • Julia says

        September 20, 2017 at 3:19 am

        I haven’t tried doubling this recipe yet. If you have a 5qt Instant Pot I think 1.5 times the recipe would probably be as much as I would make in it. If you have the bigger one doubling the recipe should be no problem. You don’t have to adjust the time when doubling the recipe. I hope this helps :-) – Julia

        Reply
    19. Jim says

      February 08, 2017 at 9:32 pm

      5 stars
      I love chili but I use Italian sausage meat instead of hamburger.

      Reply
      • Julia says

        February 08, 2017 at 9:44 pm

        That sounds so delicious, Jim! I love Italian sausage. Next time I make chili I have to try this!

        Reply
    20. Atelys says

      February 04, 2017 at 10:59 pm

      I LOVE this! I made it for a party and it was gone in seconds thank youuu <3

      Reply
      • Julia says

        February 08, 2017 at 9:47 pm

        That makes me so happy, Atelys! My family loves this chili and I always have to be quick to get some before it’s all gone :-D

        Reply
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    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. ➝ Visit my about page and ➝ subscribe to never miss a new recipe!

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