Favorite Instant Pot Chili

Our Favorite IP Chili recipe is a delicious blend of beef, hot Italian sausage, peppers, and beans. This Instant Pot Chili Recipe is ready in record time – under 2 hours – but tastes like it has been simmering all day.

There is nothing like a warm bowl of chili on a cold day. This Instant Pot Chili recipe is belly-warming and downright delicious with tons of flavor.

Since buying my Instant Pot I haven’t made chili on the stovetop or in my slow cooker. There is just no reason. Instant Pot Chili comes out perfect and flavorful every time. This is our favorite chili made in the instant pot. 

Ingredients for Instant Pot Chili

Using ingredients already in your pantry, the lengthy ingredient list for your Instant Pot recipe isn’t that bad.

• Ground Beef
• Ground Hot Italian Sausage
• Kidney, Pinto and Black Beans in Chili Sauce – If you can’t find Bush’s Beans in Chili Sauce it is ok. You can swap them out for the regular cans of beans.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes
• Tomato Paste
• Onion
• Celery
• Red and Yellow Bell Peppers
• Jalapeno Pepper
• Poblano Peppers
• Bacon Bits
• Beef Bouillon 
• Beer
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Hot Sauce
• Chili Powder
• Cumin Powder
• Garlic
• Dried Oregano
• Dried Basil
• Salt Pepper
• Cayenne
• Paprika
• Sugar

Instant Pot Setting for Chili

For this recipe, I am using the DUO 6 Quart 7 in 1 Instant Pot.

First, you are going to click on “Saute” to cook the beef and sausage. Once the meat is cooked you will turn off your Instant Pot by clicking on the “Keep Warm/Cancel” button. 

Next, after you add all the ingredients you will click on the “Bean/Chili” button and set the timer to 60 minutes. 

How to Make Instant Pot Chili

Gather and Prep all ingredients. This includes dicing the vegetables and measuring out the spices.

• On your Instant Pot click on “Saute”. Add ground beef and sausage and cook until no longer pink. Turn off your Instant Pot and Drain off the excess fat. 
• Add the remaining ingredients and stir until well blended. 
• Lock in your Instant Pot lid and turn the valve to “Sealing”.
• Click on the “Bean/Chili” button and set the timer to 60 minutes. Once the Instant Pot comes to pressure the timer will start. 
• Once the timer is up, allow the Instant Pot to do a Natural Release. A natural release is allowing the Instant Pot to decompress on its own rather than turning the valve to “Venting”.
• Once the valve drops it is now ok to remove your Instant Pot lid. 
• Allow Chili to simmer with the lid removed for about 10 minutes. This will allow some of the juices to steam off and the chili will thicken.  
• This Instant Pot Chili is now ready to serve! 

What to Serve with IP Chili

While French Fries and baked potatoes are great options to serve with chili don’t forget the extra toppings like cheese!

• Corn Chips
• Tortilla Chips
• Crackers
• Sour Cream
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Serve over top of French Fries
• Serve over top of a Baked Potato

Recipe Tips

• Let simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken up. 
• If you are in a hurry you can set your Chili/Bean timer to 40 minutes. I have made this Chili several times using different timer settings. I have found 60 minutes to be the sweet spot for perfectly cooked veggies and full flavor. 
• Look at your spice’s expiration dates. When spices expire they lose their vibrant flavor. 

Recipe Variations

There can be thousands of variations for Chili. Everyone has their own special or secret ingredient. Add what you love to make it your own signature Instant Pot recipe. 

Here are a few recipe variations:

• Swap out ground beef for ground turkey.
• If you don’t like a specific type of bean then double up on the bean you prefer. 
• Use different chili peppers. Add extra heat with stronger spicer chili peppers. 

Leftovers and Reheating

Remove the pot from the Instant Pot. Allow the pot full of leftover chili to cool. Once the pot has cooled use an Instant Pot Silicone Lid to cover the pot. 

If you don’t have the Silicone Lid then transfer Chili to a large airtight container. 

Store in the refrigerator. Chili is good for 3 to 4 days. 

To Freeze Instant Pot Chili:

Instant Pot Chili can be an incredibly convenient meal for those busy days. Did you know that you can freeze it for up to 4-6 months?

Whether you freeze it in an airtight container, freezer bag, or vacuum-sealed individual portions, Instant Pot Chili is an easy way to make sure you always have a hot, nutritious meal on hand. Now you can enjoy a delicious bowl of chili anytime!

More Instant Pot Recipes

Here are some of my most popular Instant Pot Recipes.

• My Instant Pot Salsa Lime Chicken Tacos are so juicy, tender, and delicious. These are must in your Taco Tuesday rotation.
• One of my most popular recipes is my Instant Pot Pinto Beans and Ham. This IP bean recipe is comfort food quick!
• Have you tried Instant Pot Tamales? The fastest way to make tamales. You do everything from cooking the filling to steaming the tamales all in your Instant Pot!
• Browse all of our Instant Pot Recipes for more inspiration.

Here is our Instant Pot Chili Recipe