The easiest Instant Pot chili recipe ever and costs less than $10 total to make. Healthy pressure cooker dinner that even my kids go crazy over! Additional instructions for Instant Pot vegetarian chili added too now!
I’ve been obsessed with my crockpot for years but when I saw this new thing called the Instant Pot it got me curious. The first thing I cooked was some of the easiest Instant Pot chili ever. It came out amazing and is now one of our favorite Instant Pot recipes, so easy too. (originally posted 1/17, affiliate links present)
This was my first attempt making an Instant Pot recipe but this Instant Pot chili really is very user friendly.
- If you don’t have an Instant Pot you can find one here.
- I first set it to sauté and when it beeped I put a bit of olive oil and my ground beef inside
- Then added some diced onions and in about 4 minutes it was browned
- Next, I added my other 4 ingredients, secured the lid, and pushed bean/chili button
- I have used high pressure too
This easy chili is so good it’s been on the top 10 most popular Instant Pot recipes TWO years in a row!
I released the pressure valve at the top and once it was about done I opened the lid. It really did cook it well in just that short amount of time and softened the can of beans inside quite well.
- I make this 5 ingredient crockpot chili recipe all the time but now that I have an Instant Pot it has saved me lots of time.
You can still set it for a longer time if you’re going to be gone all day and use the slow cooker function on it but using the pressure cooker function makes it done really fast!
When I’m in a rush I make my Instant Pot chili this way:
- Set your Instant Pot to saute
- Add ground beef and onions
- Brown until most of pink is gone
- Add all other ingredients
- Put lid on, close steam valve
- Push pressure button
- Push pressure button again so it is on high
- Set time to 10 minutes (use + and – buttons to adjust)
- When done allow to naturally release (takes about 15 min.)
Here’s a video showing you how easy Instant Pot chili is to make:
If you need to set it for the day and go follow the directions above but push the slow cooker setting instead of manual and pressure. It should automatically set to 4 hours total so it is still shorter than cooking in a traditional crockpot AND you don’t have to dirty a pan on the stovetop to cook the meat beforehand.
You can also easily leave out the meat and make an easy vegetarian Instant Pot chili too with this. Either way, the fast or slower version tastes great, depends on how much time you have.
This is what you need to make our easy Instant Pot chili
- Lean ground beef
- can use ground sausage or ground turkey too
- Kidney beans (I usually use these)
- Diced tomatoes (I like these)
- Tomato sauce (this small can is perfect)
- Onion (optional)
- Spices
- Rice – here’s how to make the perfect Instant Pot white rice
- or serve inside pressure cooker baked potatoes
Tips for making the BEST pot of pressure cooker chili
- Use 1/2 lb. of spicy sausage and 1/2 lb. of regular sausage instead of ground beef. I’m telling you, this makes it amazing if you’re okay with ground sausage
- this is how to defrost Instant Pot frozen ground beef in case you forgot to thaw it out the night before. 😉
- Load it up with diced onions and bell peppers
- they will soften as this cooks and brings a great flavor and texture to your chili
- Use a packet of chili seasoning – it creates a lot of flavor
- Put a wollop of cheese on top when your chili is done
Can you double this recipe? YES! Here it is with twice the ingredients but the same pressure cook timing.
Once you’ve got that covered you can move on with this printable recipe for Instant Pot chili with beans recipe
- This recipe can easily be doubled as you see here above
- I HIGHLY suggest you get a non stick pot as you see here!
- Directions for Crockpot Express chili are almost identical
- Press the manual pressure button – if you have one
- Cook for 15 minutes
- Do a quick release
- If you don’t have a manual pressure button use the bean/stew button for 20 minutes
- Quick release
- Directions for Crockpot Express chili are almost identical
- I suggest using 1 lb. of spicy ground sausage and 1 lb. of regular sausage if you double this recipe
- Make sure you get brown bits of meat off bottom of the pot after saute setting or you may get the burn on Instant Pot notice.
Can you substitute chicken for beef in chili?
- Yes just cut boneless skinless breasts in half
- Add this and all other ingredients into pot
- Set to high pressure for 10 minutes
- Shred chicken and serve (of course check to ensure meat is done in the middle)
What if you want to make Instant Pot vegetarian chili?
We have a recipe for that too! This is also a delicious recipe using black beans or any style you like. Let us share this meatless hearty chili recipe below with you.
This is how you cook chili without meat
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/3 cup quinoa
- 30 oz. canned kidney beans, drained
- A green and red bell pepper diced
- One jalapeno, seeds removed and diced finely – optional for heat
- 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- Tsp. salt
- 3 Tbsp. chili seasoning, dry mix
- 2 1/2 c. vegetable broth
- if you just wanted a meatless chili you could use beef broth
- A bay leaf is optional
Directions to follow for this vegetarian chili.
First you’ll want to prep all of your ingredients and have them ready to add in to your pressure cooker. These are both easy recipes with as few steps as I can create so you can eat together more often. 😉
- Set pot to saute and add olive oil, onion and cook until they’re translucent.
- Add minced garlic and quinoa now stirring to combine well. Cook until quinoa becomes lightly browned.
- turn Instant Pot off at this time.
- Pour all other ingredients into your pot at this time and stir.
- Close lid and pressure release valve and set to pressure cook high for 15 minutes.
- Do a quick release, remove lid carefully. Discard bay leaf if you added one.
- It will be hot, add to bowls with cheese on top if desired.
Love lots of chili toppings and ideas, or want to make a chili bar for a get together??!!
- Shredded cheese is a given, we love sharp the best
- Sliced avocado is a must if I can find them in season
- Some people like sliced olives on top
- Additional chopped tomatoes can be added
- Crush some tortilla chips on top to give it a little crunch and texture
- Salsa is great for a bang!
- If you want to add some real heat, add a few slices of jalapeno y’all!
If you are in need of Ninja Foodi chili instructions refer to the post here.
- We cook our pressure cooker chili at least 2-3 times a month, sometimes weekly.
It’s one of our cheap Instant Pot recipes as well because all the ingredients run you under $10 and feeds all 5 of us.
If you love this, you should try a few of these other easy Instant Pot recipes:
- Instant Pot chili mac recipe
- Lucky New Year Instant Pot Hoppin John
- Pressure cooker chili with dry beans
- Fave Instant Pot red beans and rice
Instant Pot chili printable recipe is below.
Instant Pot Chili
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 1/2 lb. spicy ground sausage + 1/2 lb. regular ground sausage is best if you like a ton of flavor and a bit of heat
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, we prefer petite diced
- 1 can kidney beans 15 oz.
- 1 small can tomato sauce 8 oz.
- 1 packet chili seasoning or use 1 tsp Lawry's seasoning salt + 1 tbsp. dry minced onions + 1 tsp garlic salt + 1/4 - 1/2 tsp chili powder instead
- 1/2 bell pepper diced, optional
- 1 onion diced, optional
Instructions
- Set instant pot to saute add a few tbsp of olive oil and brown meat, add onions and bell peppers if desired. Cook until onions soften a bit. Drain if desired, I do not drain.
- Empty cans of beans, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes on top (do not drain cans before adding).. Add packet of chili seasoning and stir everything together.
- Set it to manual, pressure, high for 10 minutes. Do a natural release for 5 minutes followed by a quick release of steam.
- Done! Serve by itself with cheese on top or on top of rice or potatoes.
Video
Edna says
I vaguely remember this recipe also including some water. I triple checked and don’t see it on the list anymore.
justine says
You can add a bit if you want to thin it out. I don’t bc we like it thick. 1/2 c would do it if you do add it.
Sherry Chute says
What happened to the ingredients to make the chili seasoning ourselves. That’s what i loved about this recipe!!! The lawry’s season etc.
The Typical Mom says
Oh no, sorry! When I updated this I tried to make it even easier. Added alternatives I had before in the recipe card too in case you don’t have the packaged chili seasoning. I normally just use kinda’ what’s on hand, a bit of this and that but added amounts as close as I could for ya’
Karree says
I am not seeing the alternatives to the chili packet that you used to have – the Lowery’s, chili powder, and garlic amounts from before. I loved this chili and am nervous as I make it now because it has changed 😬😬😬
The Typical Mom says
it is still in the recipe card next to where it says chili packet, in the notes
Goyfer says
Super website with a great sharing and amazing stories is ur web.. please keep doing what u do now.. thanks to you, It’s a great sharing and really informative.. will keep following ur web. thanks to you and ur great website.
Buzz Feed says
Thank you for this amazing post, it’s a very informative post for us, I appreciate what you did, I have value for you and respect your opinion. Really I like it. Once again I wanted to take the time to thank you.
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
I love that you only need five ingredients for this! Such a tasty dish.
The Typical Mom says
Easy is my style
Angela Allison says
What a perfect recipe! I absolutely love this and will make again and again. It really is the perfect chili recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Sandhya Hariharan says
We love Veggie Chilli. Your version was wonderful.
The Typical Mom says
Yay!!
La says
HOw long should a natural release take?
The Typical Mom says
I only natural release for a few minutes. In general if you let it go entirely it might take 15 min
SHANIKA says
I love making Chili, but I love that this recipe only needs 5 ingredients! Amazing!
Jennifer Q says
The beef version was fabulous! I’m planning to try the chicken version next. We love our chili!
Teresa says
I have never used the slow cooker or the delayed time on my IP. If I leave at 3PM and need this done by 8PM What should the settings be on?
The Typical Mom says
I don’t recommend the slow cooker function on an IP, doesn’t work well.
Cynthia Hintz says
I agree! I was very disappointed with the slow cooker on the InstaPot!
Gayle says
I used 2 T chili powder, 1/2 t cayenne pepper, 1 beef bouillion cube, and my meat/onions/pepper was precooked & chilled. I got home and loaded the onion, pepper, meat, 3 minced garlic cloves with a T of olive oil on sauté a couple minutes. Then I dumped everything in, stirred well and set it for 15 mins. It took about 25 total to come to temperature and then cook. I was busy loading the washer, cleaning up a few things, then it was about released so I flipped the lever until I could open it. It was delicious!
The Typical Mom says
Glad you loved it too
Kathy says
If I don’t have a “bean”button on my IP, can I still use your chili, beans and Franks, etc recipes? How would I make bean recipes without this specific button? Thank you!
Jessica Formicola says
I’ve made this recipe so many times, and I’ll never make chili another way again! It’s our favorite, thanks for sharing!
The Typical Mom says
Yay!
Ashley F says
We loved how this came out! The perfect kind of comfort food!
The Typical Mom says
So glad!
Kevin Pope says
I was wondering in a 6 quart Instant pot, if you wanted to make a big pot full, how much more could you make… would you be able to double (or More), the recipe. I always like to make lots. Thanks, Kevin
Jesse says
I double it and it fills it almost right to the max line
Patricia says
I thought I was crazy because I have 6 pressure cookers. Different brands and sizes. Did not know which to buy so every time I got a new one I tried a different brand. My first electric was over 10 years ago. Your recipes are great. Thank you.
The Typical Mom says
So glad you love them.
Julie says
I’m a very picky eater. I’ve been looking for a new chili recipe because mine was getting boring. This looked delicious, but secretly I was VERY nervous about making it. I added onion & bell pepper and it definitely added some extra flavor. This will become my new favorite recipe. Thank you for sharing the perfect chili recipe for a picky person!
The Typical Mom says
Yeah for new favorite meals!!
Jessie says
Made this chilli yesterday my first time using my new instant pot. It was excellent.
Thank you so much.
Jessie
Angie says
Followed recipe and made sure to add the 1/2 cup water. Bean/chili setting and got the Burn warning. What did I do wrong?
The Typical Mom says
I haven’t ever had any issues with this recipe so the only thing I can think of is that after you browned your meat you didn’t turn off your pot right away before pressing bean button so it overheated and that will trigger that message.
Kathy says
I didnt have the chili season pkg or Lawreys salt. But I had the other ingredients. I also added a tsp of Cayanne pepper and cumin and a sprinkle of Cinnamon To give that hot but sweet flavor. Love how fast you can make this. I have a chil/bean button and I did it for 20 min. And natural release. Yum
Kms says
Hello!! If you double this recipe would it fit in the Crockpot express? How many adult servings does recipe feed as is? Thanks!!
The Typical Mom says
Yes this one could be doubled easily.
Jan in GA says
Made this last night. My family enjoyed it very much, but, my husband – he RAVED about it as he ate 3 bowls!! ? This is my new go-to chili recipe! So easy, so good! Thank you for sharing!
The Typical Mom says
I am so glad!!
Dksayne says
Will this thicken as it stands? Mine was not as thick as I like it
Sara says
If you double this recipe to have left overs do you still cook the same amount of time?
The Typical Mom says
I would cook the same yes, you’re just warming it up once the ground beef is cooked.
Jenny says
This is exactly what I’m looking for dinner tonight. It’s 34 degrees in Florida today, perfect chili weather. Looking for something quick, easy, not too many ingredients…it’s perfect!
The Typical Mom says
Yeah!! It is cold here too!
Jennifer Banz says
Quick & Easy dinner!
Cara says
Does anyone user black beans instead of kidney?
The Typical Mom says
Either one would be just fine.
Kay says
Yes! I use black beans, dark red kidney as well as light red kidney beans when I make this. Enjoy!
Trisha Moore says
Hi, what if I want to make this bean free? How long do I cook it and on what setting?
James says
The same as all you are doing is marrying the flavors and heating everything up anyway since all ingredients are already cooked.
Brandy says
I’ve made this recipe a few times and now it’s a family staple I’m on a Leto diet so I just add less beans amd I add cumin our left overs we use for chili dogs
The Typical Mom says
OH good!
Tammy says
it doesn’t specify is the ground beef lean or 80/20? if 80/20 are you draining the fat? Also the 15 min version is only for a quickie correct? otherwise it’s 45mins
The Typical Mom says
That is your choice, I buy lower fat but you can use either and it is up to you whether you drain the fat. Yes I have cooked it longer and shorter and both work depending on how much time you have.
Laura says
Made this a few times now. Very easy and delicious. I add an extra can of beans in the end because it seems to runny with just one. I also add more chili powder, and add cumin as well.
Carol says
I just purchased the 3 qt version. My thinking was that it is just my hubby and I. But I wonder if I should re-think that? It looks like most recipes are suited for the 6-8 qt pots. Any thoughts?
Becky says
I have the 3qt and I adjust some recipes but most I do not have to. Love my 3 qt instant pot.
Jennifer says
Do you cook it for 10 or 15 minutes? The instructions say 10 but towards the top it says 15min. Thanks!
Sarah says
Wondering this too!
David says
My instant pot is brand new and it does have a bean chili setting. However it still asks for a time to cook. Should I put 45 minutes?
The Typical Mom says
You can set this one for 25-45 minutes on chili really. It is just to really warm it all together since everything is already cooked. The longer you set it for the softer the beans will become. Personal preference as far as that goes.
Tatiana says
Can I use dry beans?
Ramona says
do you drain the beans?
Tara says
If I don’t have a bean/chili setting, can I use just the manual? and would 20 minutes be too long? or should I keep it at 15? Also, no water? just tomato sauce? And would this work in my 3qrt mini lux? (sorry for all the questions, I really want to make this!)
The Typical Mom says
Not sure about 3 qt. but I would imagine so, just don’t fill past 3/4 full. No I do not add water because I like it thick but if you want it a bit thinner add a bit if you want. 20 min wouldn’t be too long other than possibly having some overdone at the bottom possibly.
Jean says
What is the carb count, its not on your list.
The Typical Mom says
I just input the ingredients and the recipe card does the calculating for me so I don’t do it myself.
Clarence Bauer says
The best Chile I have ever made. I used an El Paso spice pack. Thanks for the recipe. It is on my favorite go to list.
The Typical Mom says
OH good!!
Pam says
You can also use a half or whole packet of chilli seasoning , according to your spice preferences .. That way all your spices are in there including cayenne pepper and chilli powder if you like it more spices..
Adam Trueblood says
Can’t wait to try this recipe but we like noodles in our chili. Will they cook properly if we just had in raw noodles or should I cook them separately and just add whenever chili is done? Thanks for the help
kim shannon says
I’d like to know answer to this also…How do I cook the noodles?
The Typical Mom says
You can try to swap out but I haven’t done that and don’t know what result would be, assume it wouldn’t be as sweet.
Trina says
Without draining grease from beef…is there much grease in chili..debating instant pot or regular stovetop chili..ps I’m a new user.
stacey says
I know its counterproductive, but I like to brown my meat in a pan then transfer it to the instapot.
Brandy says
Did you know your instant pot has a sauté button so you don’t have to transfer
Dakota says
I followed this recipe exactly, but my instant pot beeped with “burn” and so never reached pressure. Not sure what I did wrong. Any ideas?
Brandy says
Add water to your chili the IP needs moisture in order to build pressure
Tait says
I’m assuming the lid is on when the setting is chili/beans.
Tait says
Never mind, I figured it out. This was my first time and it took a few button pushes before I got it working. 🙂 Chili was delish!!
The Typical Mom says
OH good!!
Andrea says
What can I substitute for the Lawry’s? Just salt? TIA
The Typical Mom says
If I don’t have it I usually use some garlic salt and dried minced onions…..chili powder is a good addition even if it is just a bit. Your preference on how you want it seasoned.
Andrea says
Thank you! Trying this tonight! Do you drain and rinse the canned beans?
The Typical Mom says
Your preference, I’ve done it both ways and it’s fine.
Laura says
If the beans are canned why would they be hard? Or are you using dry beans?
Tammy says
I would like too know also, can someone please answer
The Typical Mom says
They’re not hard but they’re firmer the shorter time you set it for…..softer the longer you cook it for.
Cindy S. says
This is delicious. We added 2T of Mae Ploy and it added a nice sweetness.
The Typical Mom says
Awesome…glad you liked it!
Makenzie says
My instant pot does not have a beans/chili button. What would be the similar option?
Priscilla says
Do you quick release or NPR?
The Typical Mom says
Natural release is fine.
Lisa says
If you double the recipe would the time change?
The Typical Mom says
You may want to increase time to soften beans but could keep the same, depending on your preference of how soft you want them.
Kh says
You season only with seasoned salt? No chili powder?
Suzan says
It says 1 Tsp. Chili powder.