Instant Pot Award Winning Chili Recipe
This Instant Pot Award Winning Chili Recipe is a bold, hearty, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for family dinners, game days, or chili cook-offs. With ground meat, beans, spices, and a touch of secret ingredients like cocoa powder and coffee, it delivers a depth of flavor that’s sure to impress. Ready in just under an hour, this recipe combines convenience and award-winning taste in one pot.
Equipment
- 6-Quart Instant Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
Spice Blend:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Secret Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup strong coffee or dark beer
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
For Deglazing:
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
- Dice the onion and bell pepper; mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the beans.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat a drizzle of oil.
- Add the onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened (3–5 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
- Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (5–7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pot
- Pour in the coffee or beer and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
Step 5: Add Ingredients
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, and all spices. Add cocoa powder, brown sugar, and broth. Mix thoroughly.
Step 6: Pressure Cook
- Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Select Pressure Cook mode on high for 15 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to Venting to release remaining pressure.
Step 7: Adjust and Serve
- Open the lid, stir the chili, and adjust seasoning if needed. For a thicker consistency, simmer on Sauté mode for 5 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For a Spicier Chili: Add more cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with extra beans or plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.
- Storage Tips: Chili keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Make-Ahead Tip: The flavors intensify when the chili sits overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead dish.