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Easy Hearty Instant Pot Game Day Chili

instant pot game day chili - featured image

A quick and easy Instant Pot chili recipe that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for game day or any crowd-pleasing occasion. Combines tender ground beef, beans, and smoky spices for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth (low sodium recommended)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt to taste (kosher salt preferred)
  • Black pepper to taste (freshly ground preferred)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Dice 1 medium yellow onion, mince 3 garlic cloves, and dice 1 red bell pepper. Drain and rinse 1 can each of kidney and black beans. Set aside.
  2. Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Once hot, add diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and slightly golden.
  3. Add the garlic and bell pepper; stir and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant and softened. Avoid burning the garlic.
  4. Add 1 lb ground beef, break it up with your spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize slightly.
  6. Add 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  7. Pour in 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes and 1 cup beef broth. Stir to combine.
  8. Add the drained kidney and black beans, folding gently without mashing.
  9. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ mode for 15 minutes on high pressure. Ensure the valve is sealed.
  10. Once cooking is complete, use natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully switch to quick release any remaining pressure.
  11. Open the lid and stir the chili. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed.
  12. Let the chili sit for 5 minutes with the lid off to thicken and meld flavors.
  13. Serve hot topped with shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

If chili is too thin after cooking, set Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ and simmer uncovered until thickened. Do not rush natural pressure release to improve flavor and avoid splatters. Leftovers taste better the next day. Adjust spices to taste, adding cayenne or jalapeños for heat. For vegetarian version, substitute meat with lentils and mushrooms. Use low sodium broth and rinse beans to control saltiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot chili, game day chili, hearty chili, easy chili recipe, ground beef chili, pressure cooker chili, crowd-pleaser chili