Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes: Hearty & Easy Chili

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade chili on a chilly evening, or frankly, any evening! The deep, comforting flavors, the satisfying texture, and the way it warms you from the inside out – it’s pure culinary magic. But let’s be honest, traditional chili can take hours to simmer to perfection. That’s where the magic of instant pot ground beef recipes comes in! This recipe delivers all the rich, slow-cooked taste you crave in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or a quick, hearty weekend meal. You’ll love how incredibly easy it is, and your family will rave about the flavor!

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

This hearty chili uses a blend of classic ingredients to build layers of incredible flavor.

For the Chili

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Serving (Optional)

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Diced avocado
• Corn chips or cornbread

Essential Equipment for Success

The star of this show is, of course, your Instant Pot!

• 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener

How to Make Instant Pot Hearty Beef & Bean Chili – Step-by-Step Instructions

Get ready to create a deeply flavorful chili with minimal effort, thanks to your Instant Pot!

Prep the Ingredients

• Chop the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Rinse and drain the kidney and black beans. Gather all your spices.

Sauté the Beef & Aromatics

• Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode on normal heat. Once hot, add the olive oil.
• Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
• Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot and continue to sauté for 3-5 minutes, until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Press “Cancel” on the Instant Pot.

Build the Chili

• Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
• Pour in the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot with your wooden spoon to deglaze it, ensuring no bits are stuck (this prevents a “Burn” error).
• Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their liquid), kidney beans, black beans, and diced green chilies. Do not stir.
• Sprinkle the cayenne pepper over the top.

Pressure Cook & Serve

• Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and ensure the sealing valve is in the “Sealing” position.
• Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set the timer for 20 minutes on high pressure.
• Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully switch the sealing valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
• Remove the lid. Stir the chili well and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings!

Recipe Tips for Best Results & Variations

Elevate your Instant Pot chili game with these expert tips and exciting variations!

Pro Tips for Flavorful Chili

• Don’t skip deglazing: This step is crucial for preventing the “Burn” error on your Instant Pot and ensures all those flavorful browned bits are incorporated into your chili.
• Toast your spices: Briefly sautéing the spices before adding the liquids helps to awaken their flavors and makes your chili even more aromatic.
• Taste and adjust: Always taste your chili before serving and adjust the seasonings (salt, pepper, and cayenne) to your preference.
• Let it rest: If you have time, letting the chili sit for 10-15 minutes after it’s done cooking, or even making it a day ahead, allows the flavors to meld and deepen.

Flavor Variations to Try

• Smoky Chipotle: Add 1-2 canned chipotle peppers in adobo, minced, for a deeper smoky flavor and a kick of heat.
• Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn (frozen or canned), diced carrots, or zucchini during the sautéing step.
• Sweet & Savory: A tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder or a teaspoon of brown sugar can add depth and balance to the chili’s flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like your chili extra spicy.
• Turkey Chili: Substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This Instant Pot chili is fantastic for meal prep!

• Storage: Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Chili freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Make-Ahead: This chili is even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Prepare it a day in advance and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Hearty Beef & Bean Chili

What if I don’t have all the beans listed?

You can absolutely use any combination of beans you prefer! Pinto beans, cannellini beans, or even great northern beans would work well in this recipe. Just make sure to use two 15-ounce cans total.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, you can! Omit the ground beef and sauté extra vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and celery. You can also add a plant-based ground “meat” substitute if desired. Adjust the broth to vegetable broth.

How do I thicken my chili if it’s too thin?

If your chili is thinner than you’d like after cooking, you have a couple of options. You can either simmer it on the “Sauté” setting for a few minutes with the lid off until it thickens to your desired consistency, or you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, stir it into the simmering chili, and cook until thickened.

Can I add more liquid if I prefer a thinner chili?

Absolutely. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add an additional ½ cup to 1 cup of beef broth or water after the pressure cooking cycle is complete, stirring until combined.

Enjoy Your Homemade Instant Pot Hearty Beef & Bean Chili!

There you have it – a truly delicious and incredibly easy instant pot ground beef recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or simply craving a comforting bowl of warmth, this chili delivers every time. We hope you love making and eating this as much as we do! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know your favorite toppings! Happy cooking!

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