Instant Pot Chili

If you're not using your Instant Pot to make chili, this quick and easy recipe is a reason to give it a try! While there's nothing more comforting than a big pot of beef-and-bean chili bubbling away on the stove, there are times when you just need chili fast, and this Instant Pot chili recipe delivers. It's perfect for feeding a crowd for the big game or as a cozy, comforting dinner by the fire. Just be sure to serve it with plenty of cornbread.

How do you make chili in the Instant Pot?

Because different Instant Pots have different bells, whistles, and buttons, the best and most foolproof way to make chili in the Instant Pot is to first use the sauté setting and then the pressure cook setting. Browning the meat and onions and toasting the spices using the sauté setting builds a rich and flavorful base for the chili. Switching to the pressure cook setting locks in that flavor by concentrating the heat and fast-forwarding the traditionally long cooking time.

How do you keep chili from burning in the Instant Pot?

This recipe has been specially developed to keep chili from burning in the Instant Pot because it contains plenty of liquid, but there are some additional steps you can take for extra insurance against burning. First, make sure that the Instant Pot insert is completely clean (you can use an abrasive stainless steel cleaner to remove any stubborn, cooked-on bits). After browning the beef and onions in plenty of oil in your squeaky-clean liner, add a splash of stock and stir to release any browned bits that may have collected on the bottom. These add delicious flavor to the chili, but could trigger your Instant Pot's burn sensors if they aren't scraped and stirred into the soup.

What's the best secret ingredient for Instant Pot chili?

The best secret ingredients for Instant Pot chili are items that layer on big boosts of flavor. Because you're shortening the cook time by using the Instant Pot, choose ingredients like canned fire-roasted tomatoes and chipotles in adobo that already boast big flavor. Usually located near the salsa in the grocery store, chipotles in adobo are smoked and dried jalapeño chiles that are simmered in a tangy sauce made from tomatoes, vinegar, and spices. They're supremely flavorful and pretty spicy, so a little goes a long way. You can freeze the leftovers in ice cube trays to add big flavor to soups, marinades, and even other Instant Pot recipes for months to come.