Thick & Beefy Instant Pot Chili Recipe

Meet your new favorite comfort food: Thick & Beefy Instant Pot Chili. This recipe brings together hearty ground beef, warm spices, and pantry staples in one pot for an ultra-satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs meal that’s practically effortless to pull off—even on the busiest night.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, hearty ingredients come together for the ultimate Thick & Beefy Instant Pot Chili. Each element, from the ground beef to the spices and veggies, brings depth, texture, and rich color. Here’s what makes this pot of chili sing:

• Olive Oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps sauté the onions for a flavorful base.
• Onion: Diced onion provides subtle sweetness and savory depth.
• Lean Ground Beef: The star of the show, delivering the “thick and beefy” bite that makes this chili extra satisfying.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A dash of this adds umami and dimension—you’ll taste the difference!
• Garlic: Six cloves (yes, six!) for bold, aromatic flavor throughout every spoonful.
• Chili Powder: Opt for a paprika-based blend to infuse the chili with smoky warmth without too much heat.
• Ground Cumin, Coriander, Salt, and Cayenne: Classic chili spices that create a robust, multi-layered seasoning profile.
• Stock: Adds savory body and helps everything meld together; use beef or chicken stock, whichever you have on hand.
• Canned Corn: Little pops of sweetness and color brighten up the chili and balance the spice.
• Kidney Beans: Creamy, hearty beans that drink up the spices for extra flavor in every bite.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes (with juices): Brings tang and a boost of classic chili texture—don’t drain them!
• Tomato Sauce (or passata): Rounds out the chili with velvety tomato richness; be sure it’s not ketchup!

Variations

The beauty of Thick & Beefy Instant Pot Chili is how adaptable it is to you and your pantry. Don’t hesitate to get creative—these fun twists make it easy to accommodate different tastes, dietary needs, or whatever you already have in your kitchen.

• Turkey or Plant-Based: Swap the ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly chili.
• Spicier Kick: Craving more heat? Add extra cayenne, diced jalapeños, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Bean Swap: Use black beans, pinto beans, or a mix instead of (or in addition to) kidney beans for a fun textural change.
• Vegetable Boost: Throw in diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for a nutritious, veggie-packed version.

How to Make Thick & Beefy Instant Pot Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Hit the “sauté” button on your Instant Pot, add the olive oil and diced onions, and cook for about 5 minutes. You want the onions soft, aromatic, and just starting to turn golden—the perfect base for all those wonderful flavors to come.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Toast the Spices

Add ground beef directly to the pot. Using a spatula, break it into small, even crumbles as it cooks. After about 5–7 minutes, once the beef is fully cooked with no pink remaining, stir in the Worcestershire sauce and all the spices. Make a well in the middle for the garlic, toss it in, and cook for just another fragrant minute.

Step 3: Add Stock and Layer the Rest

Pour in the stock and use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits clinging to the bottom—this means maximum flavor, and helps prevent a burn warning. Now, in order, add the corn, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and finish with tomato sauce. Don’t stir! Layering keeps the tomato products from scorching.

Step 4: Pressure Cook and Release

Lock the Instant Pot lid in place, set the steam release to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. When it beeps, let it natural release for 10 minutes—this gentle finish softens flavors and keeps the chili extra tender. Carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Serve (and Watch It Thicken!)

Once you open the lid, your chili may look a bit loose—don’t worry, it thickens as it cools to absolute perfection! Ladle into bowls and pile high with your favorite toppings for the full Thick & Beefy Instant Pot Chili experience.

How to Serve Thick & Beefy Instant Pot Chili

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference! Shower each bowl of Thick & Beefy Instant Pot Chili with shredded sharp cheddar, a generous dollop of sour cream, creamy avocado slices, sliced green onions, or even crisp tortilla strips. Mix and match for your perfect bowl.

Side Dishes

Pair your chili with warm, buttery cornbread, a handful of salty tortilla chips, or even a simple side salad for a refreshing contrast. For extra comfort, try chili over fluffy rice or spooned on baked potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon your chili into mini bread bowls for a fun, edible twist at parties, serve in mason jars for a picnic-friendly meal, or lay out a “chili bar” with all the toppings and let everyone customize their own perfect bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftover chili cool completely, then transfer it into airtight containers or plastic freezer jars. Pop it in the fridge, where it will keep beautifully for up to four days—making lunches and no-fuss dinners a breeze.

Freezing

Thick & Beefy Instant Pot Chili is a freezer superstar. Ladle cooled chili into freezer-safe containers (leave room to expand!) and stash them in the freezer for up to six months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently in the microwave for chili at a moment’s notice.

Reheating

For a quick meal, scoop single portions into a microwave-safe bowl and heat until piping hot. Larger amounts are easy to warm through on the stovetop—just set over medium heat and stir occasionally until everything’s steamy and delicious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to tuck into a big, cozy bowl of Thick & Beefy Instant Pot Chili—it’s comfort food at its absolute best. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight crowd or meal-prepping for busy days ahead, this chili never disappoints. Give it a try and let it become a family favorite in your house, too!

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