Award-Winning Instant Pot Chili Recipe

This Instant Pot chili recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with ground beef, crispy bacon, red and pink beans, and rich tomatoes, it’s a hearty chili that’s perfect for family dinners or game day. Made in your Instant Pot, this quick chili cooks in just 20 minutes, offering the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and smoky flavors. Topped with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and crispy bacon, this award-winning chili is sure to be a hit. Ideal for those busy nights when you crave a flavor-packed chili in less time.

This Instant Pot chili recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines ground beef, bacon, red beans, and pink beans with rich, simmered tomatoes and a mix of savory spices. It’s easy to make in the Instant Pot, ready in just 20 minutes of cooking time, and packed with flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for chilly nights or a crowd-pleasing dinner, this Instant Pot chili is a guaranteed winner!

Ingredients

For the chili:

• 800 g ground beef
• 4 slices of bacon
• 1 cup red beans, cooked and drained
• 1 cup pink beans, cooked and drained
• 2 cups cooked tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato paste
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 peppers (or poblano peppers, optional), diced
• 2 green onions, sliced (green part included)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef stock
• 1 tsp taco seasoning
• 1 tsp ground sweet paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For serving:

• 2 slices of bacon, fried and crumbled
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 chili pepper, sliced
• 4 tablespoons sour cream

Instructions:

1. Peel and dice the onion, then peel the peppers, remove seeds, and cut them into small pieces. Dice the chili peppers as well. Mince the garlic and slice the green onions.
2. Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the bacon and cook until it releases its fat. Add the diced onion, green onions, and garlic, and cook until golden brown.
3. Add the ground beef to the pot and sauté until it loses its pink color. Turn off the sauté function.
4. Attach the lid to the Instant Pot and set it to the manual cooking function for 20 minutes. Add the beef stock, red beans, pink beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, diced peppers, and all the seasonings.
5. Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release its steam for about 10 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.
6. Serve the chili hot, topping it with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced chili pepper, and a dollop of sour cream.

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Tips

• Adjusting heat: For a spicier chili, use jalapeños instead of the milder poblano peppers or add more chili peppers.
• Thickening the chili: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash a portion of the beans or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
• Make ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day, so make a batch and store it in the fridge for a quick meal.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian option: Swap out the ground beef for lentils or tempeh for a plant-based version.
• Beans: You can substitute black beans, kidney beans, or any type of beans you prefer.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, cumin, or chili powder for a more complex flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I make this chili in advance?
Yes, this chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I use a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can slow cook the chili on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Just sauté the bacon, onions, and beef before adding them to the slow cooker.

Is this chili spicy?
The heat level depends on the type of peppers and chili you use. Adjust the heat to your preference.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with cornbread or crusty bread for dipping.
• Add a side salad of avocado and lime for a fresh contrast.
• Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, and jalapeños for extra flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot chili is packed with flavor, quick to prepare, and perfect for anyone who loves a comforting, satisfying dish. The combination of smoky bacon, spicy peppers, and rich tomatoes creates an unforgettable flavor that will have your family or guests coming back for more. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that makes cleanup a breeze!