Easy Instant Pot Chili

This Easy Instant Pot Chili is the kind of dinner that comes in handy when you want something warm and filling without spending all evening in the kitchen. The ground beef, tomatoes, and seasonings cook together under pressure, giving the chili plenty of flavor in a short amount of time. Serve it with your favorite toppings, cornbread, crackers, or tortilla chips for an easy weeknight meal.

Can I use diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes. Crushed tomatoes will give the chili a smoother tomato base, while diced tomatoes will leave more noticeable pieces of tomato throughout the chili. Either option works.

Do I have to add the tomato paste?

No. The tomato paste is optional and is mainly included as an easy way to thicken the chili after pressure cooking.

Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes. You can add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or additional chili powder according to your preferred level of heat.

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Substitutions and Variations

– You can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef if desired.
– If you don’t have Rotel, you can use another variety of canned diced tomatoes with green chilies.
– Crushed and diced tomatoes are interchangeable in this recipe, so choose whichever texture you prefer.
– For a thicker chili, use the optional tomato paste at the end of cooking.

Ingredient Notes

Ground beef: 90/10 ground beef adds plenty of flavor without leaving the chili overly greasy.
Onion: Adds savory flavor as it cooks with the beef.
Rotel tomatoes: Give the chili tomatoes plus a little extra flavor from green chilies.
Crushed or diced tomatoes: Either works well depending on the texture you prefer.
Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
Chili powder: Gives the chili its familiar seasoned flavor.
Curry powder: Adds another layer of warm spice.
Beef broth: Provides the liquid needed for pressure cooking while adding beefy flavor.
Tomato paste: Optional, but useful if you prefer a thicker chili.

Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is cooked through and the onion has softened. If needed, drain excess grease.
Add the Rotel tomatoes, crushed or diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, curry powder, and beef broth.
Place the lid on the Instant Pot without stirring the ingredients. Make sure the valve is set to Sealing. Select the Chili/Bean setting and adjust the cooking time to 12 minutes. No Chili/Bean button? Use the Manual or Pressure Cook setting on High Pressure for 12 minutes. Allow a 10-minute natural release, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. Carefully move the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure before removing the lid.
Check the consistency of the chili. If you would like it thicker, stir in the optional tomato paste until completely combined and heated through.
Serve warm with your favorite chili toppings.