When you hear the words “Instant Pot Chili,” your taste buds should start dancing. Imagine a bowl of perfectly spiced chili, steaming hot, with rich flavors swirling together like a harmonious symphony. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making every family member’s mouth water as they anticipate the first bite. This Instant Pot Chili is not just any chili; it’s a kid-friendly masterpiece that brings smiles and warmth to the table. Perfect for chilly evenings or game day gatherings, this dish promises to create unforgettable moments around your dinner table. For more inspiration, check out this Slow Cooker Chili recipe.
At every family gathering, someone inevitably asks for seconds (or thirds) of this delightful chili. My kids love it so much that they’ve tried to convince me it counts as an extra serving of vegetables—clever little negotiators! The secret? An explosion of flavor and just the right amount of spice make this recipe a hit for adults and little ones alike. sweet treat to follow loaded potato bites Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make, delicious Instant Pot Chili KID FRIENDLY!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Instant Pot Chili is incredibly easy to prepare, saving you time and stress in the kitchen
- Packed with bold flavors, it’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any dinner table, making it perfect for entertaining
- Versatile enough for meal prep or cozy dinners, you can customize it based on your family’s preferences
Sharing this recipe at dinner parties has brought me plenty of compliments from my friends and giggles from my kids.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Canned Kidney Beans: Choose low-sodium beans for better control over saltiness and texture.
- Diced Tomatoes: Opt for fire-roasted tomatoes to add a smoky depth of flavor. zesty roasted potatoes.
- Chili Powder: A must-have spice; adjust according to your family’s heat tolerance.
- Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers add sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- Onion: Fresh onions bring out the sweetness when sautéed until translucent.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds aromatic goodness that enhances every bite.
- Beef Broth: Use homemade or store-bought broth for an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness; don’t skip this ingredient!
- Sour Cream (optional): A dollop on top adds creamy richness that kids love!
- Shredded Cheese (optional): Because cheese makes everything better—especially chili!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your bell peppers and onions into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely to release their flavorful essence when cooked.
Sauté the Vegetables: Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add a splash of olive oil and toss in chopped onions and bell peppers until they soften, about 5 minutes. The aroma will be irresistible!
Add Ground Beef: Push those veggies aside and add ground beef into the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon—about 6-8 minutes works well.
Add Spices: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper while stirring well to coat the meat evenly. Cook for another minute until fragrant—this is where the magic happens!
Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, and mix everything thoroughly. Make sure there are no stubborn clumps hiding at the bottom!
Cook Under Pressure: Seal the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to ‘Manual’ mode for 15 minutes on high pressure. Once done cooking, let it naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining steam.
Now serve up big bowls of this glorious Instant Pot Chili KID FRIENDLY! Top each bowl with sour cream and shredded cheese if desired—your family will thank you! Enjoy warm bread on the side for dipping if you really want to wow them! perfect side dish for chili.
With these simple steps, you’ll create a delicious meal that warms hearts and fills tummies—all while spending minimal time in the kitchen!
You Must Know
- Instant Pot Chili is not just a meal; it’s a party in a bowl!
- Loaded with flavors and nutrients, it cooks quickly and satisfies even the pickiest eaters
- The aroma will have everyone rushing to the dinner table, ready for a spoonful of magic!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make the most of your Instant Pot Chili, start by sautéing onions and garlic for maximum flavor. Then, add your ground meat or beans before the tomatoes and spices to create depth.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out beans or meats based on your family’s preferences. You can also add sweet corn or bell peppers for extra texture and sweetness, making it truly unique.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to revive its luscious texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always brown your meat first for added flavor; this step makes all the difference
- Use canned beans for convenience but rinse them well to reduce sodium
- Don’t forget to let it sit for a few minutes after cooking; flavors deepen as it cools!
I remember the first time I made this Instant Pot Chili. My kids were skeptical at first, but once they took a bite, they couldn’t stop asking for seconds. It turned into our family favorite overnight!
FAQ
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just replace meat with more beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
How spicy is this Instant Pot Chili?
The spice level depends on your choice of chili powder; adjust accordingly based on your family’s taste.
Can I freeze Instant Pot Chili?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just store it in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
Instant Pot Chili
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Instant Pot Chili is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together hearty flavors in a kid-friendly dish that everyone will love. This quick and easy recipe features lean ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a blend of spices that create a mouthwatering experience. Perfect for chilly nights or game day gatherings, this chili will warm your heart and satisfy your family’s cravings. Ready in just under an hour, it’s sure to become a staple at your dinner table!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (low-sodium)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 cup bell peppers (chopped)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- Sour cream and shredded cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by chopping the bell peppers and onion, and mincing the garlic.
- Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add olive oil and sauté onions and bell peppers for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef to the pot, cooking until browned (6-8 minutes), breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper; cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Mix well to combine.
- Seal the lid on the Instant Pot and set to 'Manual' mode for 15 minutes on high pressure. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining steam.
- Serve hot, topped with sour cream and shredded cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg



