So, here’s the deal. You want chili. But you don’t want to stir a pot for an hour. You want that bowl of warm, spicy, spoon-hugging deliciousness… like now.
Good news—your Instant Pot’s about to become your best food buddy.
This isn’t just another chili recipe roundup. Nah. This one’s got attitude, soul, and just a little chaos. Exactly how chili should be.
Let’s get right into the 15 beyond easy Instant Pot chili recipes that’ll basically cook themselves while you dance around the kitchen with zero cares.
1. Lazy Day Beef & Bean Chili
No time? No sweat. Toss in ground beef, a can of beans (whatever’s rollin’ in your pantry), chopped tomatoes, and chili powder. Done.
Five ingredients. Five seconds of effort. Let the pressure cooker make it look like you slaved over it.
Add cheese if you wanna lie to yourself that it’s a fancy dinner. No judgment.
2. Smoky Chipotle Turkey Chili
Turkey gets a bad rap for being boring. But throw in some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and suddenly, bam—smoky, sexy, and not sad.
This one sings with cumin and smoked paprika. Almost like it got its own theme song.
Use ground turkey if you’re tryna be “healthier,” or not. Either way, it slaps.
3. 3-Bean Veggie Chili That’ll Fool a Carnivore
Kid you not—meat eaters have devoured this and asked where the beef was. It’s that good.
Use black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas. Or don’t. Chili don’t judge.
Add bell peppers, zucchini, corn, and some sass. Done in 20 mins flat.
Bonus tip? A tiny square of dark chocolate. Yup. Chocolate in chili. You’ll thank me.
4. White Chicken Chili for Cold Souls
This ain’t your red chili. This is its cooler, creamier cousin.
Shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies, garlic, and a swirl of sour cream at the end. That swirl is important. Don’t skip it.
You’ll want to eat this straight from the pot. Maybe with a spoon. Maybe not.
5. Texas-Style Chili with No Beans (Don’t @ Me)
Look—Texans don’t mess around. No beans. No tomatoes. Just meat, chiles, and more meat.
Cube some beef chuck, sauté it right in the Instant Pot, then drown it in a dark red chili paste made with dried peppers. That’s it.
It’s basically a stew of fire and dreams.
6. Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
For the plant-lovers and the meat-weary. This chili is bright, filling, and weirdly comforting.
Sweet potatoes give it that melt-in-your-mouth vibe. Black beans bring the hearty.
Top with avocado if you’re feelin’ fancy. Or crushed tortilla chips if you’re not.
7. Beer & Bacon Chili That Tastes Like a Campfire Party
Yes, you can put beer in chili. You should. Especially if it’s a dark lager or porter.
Now add bacon. Because life is short and bacon is crispy joy.
A bit of Worcestershire and brown sugar and you’re basically a chili wizard.
8. Coconut Curry Chickpea Chili
Hold up, coconut curry? In chili? Oh yeah, baby.
Chickpeas soak up all the creamy, spicy coconut-curry madness. It’s chili meets Thai night and they get along real well.
Serve with rice or just eat it off a spoon over the sink like a rebel.
9. Brisket Chili That’ll Wreck Your Life in the Best Way
You got leftover brisket? Or you love yourself enough to buy some? Cool.
Chop it up, throw it in with fire-roasted tomatoes, pinto beans, and a lil cayenne.
This chili doesn’t whisper—it screams. And yes, it’s worth every bite.
10. Pumpkin Turkey Chili (Yes, Really)
Pumpkin ain’t just for pies, friends. It gives chili this silky, rich backbone that’s lowkey addictive.
Pair it with ground turkey, white beans, and cinnamon. Trust. It weirdly works.
Also looks great on Instagram, if you’re into that.
11. Cheesy Enchilada Chili
Ever wanted chili to taste like a drippy, cheesy enchilada? Here ya go.
Add enchilada sauce, ground beef, kidney beans, and corn. Finish with shredded cheese until it’s practically soup.
Dangerously close to being a queso situation, honestly.
12. Lentil Chili for When You’re Feeling Broke & Brilliant
Lentils are cheap. Like, “I-only-got-five-bucks” cheap.
But add cumin, smoked paprika, onion, and tomato paste? You’re in business.
Tastes way richer than it should. Your wallet and your belly will be fist bumpin’.
13. Buffalo Chicken Chili (It’s Spicy, Baby)
Love buffalo wings but hate sauce on your fingers? This is your new thing.
Shredded chicken + buffalo hot sauce + white beans + blue cheese crumbles. Yup.
It’s tailgate food in a bowl, minus the greasy napkins.
14. Espresso Beef Chili (Don’t Look at Me Like That)
A tablespoon of espresso powder adds this deep, dark, punch-you-in-the-face richness.
Ground beef, pinto beans, and just enough spice to make your nose run.
Not for the faint of heart. But hey, neither is love.
15. Chili Mac in an Instant (Because Pasta Makes Everything Better)
Macaroni meets chili and it’s a straight-up flavor explosion.
Cook the chili first. Then stir in uncooked macaroni and let it simmer ‘til it’s soft and soaking all that spice.
Top with cheese. Eat in stretchy pants. Die happy.
Okay But… How Do I Instant Pot It Though?
Honestly? It’s mostly toss-n-go.
Brown your meat (if you’re using it). Dump in your stuff. Close the lid. Pressure cook on high for like 10-15 mins, depending on what’s inside.
Let the steam release. Stir. Taste. Adjust the salt and spice if ya need.
And there ya go. You’re now a chili-making monster.
Toppings That Deserve Their Own Award
- Shredded cheddar (obv)
- Sour cream (or Greek yogurt if you wanna pretend it’s healthy)
- Crushed tortilla chips (crunch is essential)
- Jalapeños (for the brave)
- Green onions (underrated af)
- Lime wedges (don’t knock it)
Mix and match like your bowl’s a blank canvas.
Leftovers? Oh Heck Yes.
Chili gets better the next day. It’s just facts.
Freeze it in portions. Or use leftovers for:
- Chili cheese fries
- Nachos
- Chili-stuffed baked potatoes
- Breakfast eggs ‘n chili (don’t ask, just try)
Now Go Forth, Pressure Cooker Hero
You’re now armed with 15 ridiculously easy chili ideas that’ll get your friends asking if you’re hiding a Texan grandma in your kitchen.
Remember, there are no rules. Just flavor. Spice. And whatever canned goods you found in the back of the pantry.
Your Instant Pot was made for this life.
Don’t just make dinner. Make a scene.
And if you eat it straight out the pot while wearing fuzzy socks at 2 AM? Same.
